“What Matilda needed was just one person, one wise and sympathetic grown-up who could help her.” —Roald Dahl
The Cowichan Musical Society brings the magic of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical to the big stage at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. The fun begins with their opening night on Jan. 27, at 7:3o p.m. There will be two more evening performances on Feb. 2 and 3, and three Matilda matinees on Jan. 28, and Feb. 3 and 4 at 2 p.m.
“We don’t always do shows with young children involved but we chose Matilda to have our younger children in the community to be involved as theatre is important, and all inclusive,” said CMS president Irwin Killam. “We rely on grants, donations and ticket sales to continue doing what we do. We have alumni that have now continued on as professionals in the performing arts. It’s a lot of hard work but we are so proud. Our last two shows, Shrek and Beauty and the Beast, were our best sellers of all time.”
Killam notes that CMS generously donates over a 100 tickets for their shows to families in need each year.
“There is kind of magic in you,” is one on the more memorable quotes from Road Dahl’s Matilda and it is the magic of many members of CMS that makes this production possible. This tale comes to life under the direction of Gregg Perry who has been directing and performing in shows with CMS since 1997.
“I have always enjoyed working with young actors and I use the role of director as an opportunity to teach acting and performing skills,” said Perry. “The young members of our cast are so enthusiastic and dedicated to giving their best that it makes rehearsals a very happy experience. I also find myself part of a great production team who work together synergistically to make this complex production a delightful experience for our audience. The talents of Olivia Boudreau, our choreographer, and Michelle Weckesser, our music director, are focused on preparing our cast and calling on their discipline, always expecting their best in a positive rehearsal atmosphere. Our dedicated set designer and builder, Cliff Braaten, has been working two days a week for several months to realize the design for the show. I’m also grateful for the support and leadership of Natalie MacGregor, our very organized stage manager, and for the overall production management of our dynamic producer, Irwin Killam.”
This year’s cast range from teachers to doctors, and talented students from a myriad of schools in the valley. Stepping into the lead the role of Matilda is Charlotte Wedderspoon-Martin, a Grade 8 student from Queen Margaret’s School.
“I was really excited when I found out that I got the role of Matilda and super happy that I get to work with the Cowichan Musical Society because I have never played a lead role before,” said Wedderspoon-Martin. “As I watched Matilda in London, I really thought this would be a good fit for me if it ever happened in the Cowichan Valley and it turned out I was able to audition for it in the summer. At the end of the first day of auditioning for Matilda’s best friend Lavender, the director asked me to come back the next day to read for Matilda with Miss Honey, the person who plays my teacher in the musical. I got so nervous as I didn’t know if I could do this role but I practiced that night with my family who gave me some advice and support, and to my surprise, I got the part.”
“My favourite part of this experience has been making new friends and getting the opportunity to be in this production. While I already had a musical ear from playing piano since the age of five, I never had singing lessons before, but the CMS gave me the opportunity to learn how to sing more professionally and discovered some really good choreography through the show and have learned many acting techniques.”
Matilda is the story of a special little girl with abusive parents who finds refuge in reading library books and creating her own stories through them. Matilda is forced to face off with the tyrannical and cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who believes in Crunchem Hall’s motto: “Bambinatum est Magitum,” or more eloquently put “Children are Maggots.” Matilda is able to trust and find companionship with one adult — her teacher, Miss Honey, who while shy and fragile is full of good intentions. Matilda knows she must stand up to the grown ups in her world, and in doing so, discovers her own remarkable powers. Matilda’s bravery teaches that even though life can be hard, sometime a little naughtiness is necessary, to change one’s story.
Tickets range from $29 to $49 and can be purchased in person, online at www.cowichanpac.ca, or by calling the Ticket Centre at 250-746-2722.
“We are poised to give about 4,000 people an experience of joy and delight,” said Perry. “Matilda the Musical aims to inspire us all to take action when we see something that is not right. It also reminds us that each of us have a story and to be aware that we can change our story for the better. I also think that our patrons will come away from the theatre knowing that the Cowichan Valley is fortunate to have some very talented performers in our midst who are pleased to share their gifts with the community.”