The Becker Theater, adjacent to the hallways of Emery/Weiner High School and the lively classrooms of the middle school, currently nurtures a remarkable all-school collaboration. Students from every grade, background, and talent are uniting for a production that goes beyond age limits. At the heart of this theater life lies Matilda, a musical based on a childhood book about the power of imagination through a girl with wit and determination.
Matilda narrates the journey of a young girl with extraordinary intellect, power, and psychokinetic abilities. Despite enduring neglect and cruelty from her parents, Matilda finds solace in her bond with her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. As their connection deepens, Matilda unearths her own resilience and confronts the injustices she encounters. With themes that resonate universally, Matilda isn’t just a musical—it instills defiance, determination, and the significance of self-belief. Jenna Dorcee, the show’s choreographer, describes the show as “quirky, different, and off-centered,” mirroring the world Matilda constructs to escape her reality. “The entire musical is seen through Matilda’s eyes,” Dorcee says.
In a collaborative effort spanning from high schoolers to middle schoolers, each member brings forth their unique talents and perspectives, culminating in an incredible production.. The dedication to perfect this musical is noteworthy, with students devoting an average of eight to fourteen hours a week to rehearsal. Stretching into the night, the performers practice challenging songs, scenes, and dances. Zach Lester, an ensemble member, states that Matilda is a “dance-heavy show, requiring perfect coordination and synchronization between middle schoolers and high schoolers.”
Isaac Hochglaube further elaborates on the show process, explaining, “rehearsals look different for everyone, actors block out their movements and practice their lines, and dancers go over their routines and go over choreography or lifts.”
Despite the challenges inherent in combining middle school and high school students during rehearsals for the one-school musical, Dorcee notes the seamless collaboration and the abundance of talent among the actors. “In general, the one-school musicals are always interesting as they combine middle school and high school. However, it wasn’t as challenging as we have such talented students who have so much knowledge of the show,” she explains with pride.
At the forefront of this incredible musical is Sarah Berger, a 6th-grade actress playing the lead, Matilda. Reflecting on her preparation for the role, Sarah shares, “Since I was auditioning for Matilda, who is a little girl, I wore high socks and put my hair into two braids. I also wore my school uniform.” Now entrusted with the role she earned, Sarah’s dedication shines through in her intense preparation. “Now that I got the role, I go over my lines every day, every chance that I get, so I have it memorized for rehearsals,” she explains.
Berger’s thoughts on the musical’s message resonate deeply with the production’s intended purpose. “If you see that something isn’t right or you’re not getting treated right, it’s important to stand up for yourself,” says Berger. “The plot of this musical is that just because you’re little, it doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of doing big things.”
