Northern Bedford Students to Offer 'Matilda'

Students from a local school district are set to wow audiences with an updated version of a children’s classic story.

Northern Bedford County High School will be putting on a production of Matilda from Thursday, March 14 through Sunday, March 17 as this year’s musical.

According to musical director Brett Keith, he chose this particular musical due to its popularity with the students.

“Last year, a film adaptation of it was put onto Netflix,” he said. “Because of the feedback I saw from the kids, I thought it would be perfect.”

Since being hired by the school seven years ago, Keith has helped put on shows for Annie, The Wiz, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. This past year, he also helped put on The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with the middle school students

“The musicals used to only take place every other year, but we decided to do them more frequently as more students showed an interest,” he said. “We want to make sure all of them get the opportunity, so it seemed fair to do one every year instead.”

The musical, inspired by the classic Roald Dahl children’s book, is about a bright young girl who discovers she has the power of telekinesis and uses it in her daily life. Since its original release in 1988, it has been adapted on film and later into a West End and Broadway musical.

Keith said that, no matter which version a person is accustomed to, they will be able to understand the musical.

“I think all of the portrayals work off of each other, so there will not be confusion when seeing the musical,” he said. “It is one of those few adaptations that take a lot of its material from the original source.”

The cast has met every day since the second week of January, practicing roughly two hours each time. Sometimes, they even meet on Saturdays.

“While this might seem like a lot, we do it because not all students can meet at the same time,” Keith said. “They might be involved in other activities or have appointments to get to.”

Although all musicals face their own unique set of challenges, Keith said that Matilda was deceptive with its difficulty.

“It is a very fun show, but there are a lot of special effects that need to be taken into consideration,” he said. “It is a very contemporary show, both in music and in writing.”

Because of this, along with the 55 middle and high school students performing, this musical will also feature an 11-piece orchestra that is played by professionals.

“They are regional musicians,” Keith said. “Some are current or retired teachers, while others play professionally. They are working from unionized books that are from New York. I don’t doubt students’ ability to use them, but there’s already enough we are trying to work with.”

Due to the high school’s updated auditorium, being able to put on shows such as Matilda is made more possible.

“For being a small school in rural Pennsylvania, we are able to do so many big things,” Keith said. “With the high energy this show has, anyone will be able to notice that right away.”

He said that having musicals at the school not only acts as a source of entertainment but as a way to bring the community together.

“No matter if they are in the cast, working behind the scenes, or one of the 600 audience members, they are immersed into the story,” he said. “Even after the show is over, they will be able to share what they saw with others.”

The productions also allow students to showcase their talents, according to Keith.

“Not all students go on to study the arts, so this might be their only chance to try it out,” he said. “A lot of us don’t realize what the kids can bring to the table until they see them act. We want to put them on a pedestal.”

Although some may not see the educational standpoint of theater, being part of a show does allow necessary skills to grow.

“It teaches the students how to be problem solvers in a creative standpoint and allows them to be better team players,” Keith said. “They learn to communicate with others, which they will need in any future career.”

As the opening day begins to come closer, the team is putting the final touches together.

“It feels like all of the dinner courses are coming at once,” Keith said. “We will begin dress rehearsals soon, and we are making sure that all of the sets are ready. However, I know we will be ready once March 14 is here.”

He believes that Matilda will be just as big of a hit as previous years. When they put on The Wiz two years ago, almost every show was sold out, while all seats for Annie were filled up last year.

“That is why we decided to add a Sunday afternoon show to our schedule this time,” he said.

Though he did not want to reveal too much about the production, Keith said there was a lot for the audience to anticipate.

“It’s going to definitely be a four-dimensional experience,” he said. “But I don’t think I want to say more than that.”

Those who have been to previous shows can also expect the same attention to detail as before along with the same great performances from the cast.

“I think Matilda will be just as good as our other musicals, if not better,” Keith said. “Because we sell out so quickly, I encourage everyone to get their seats picked out now.”

Next year’s musical is set to be announced in April so that auditions can be held in the fall. While he does not have one chosen yet, Keith said he is working on a short list for now.

Tickets for Matilda are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling Northern Bedford County High School at (814) 766-4710 or by visiting the online box office at https://nbcsd.booktix.net/. When purchasing, individuals will choose reserved seating in the high school auditorium.

Prices are $10 for the public and $6 for students. Money made goes toward the next musical along with other student activities, including travel for choir events.

“The kids cannot wait to perform,” Keith said. “For those who have seen our shows before, you can expect the same, if not better, level of work and love with this musical.”