The Southwestern College Summer Theatre Festival will present Roald Dahl's Tony Award-winning “Matilda The Musical” on Friday and Saturday, July 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 11 at 2 p.m., in the Richardson Performing Arts Center on the campus of Southwestern College. The production is family-friendly and intended for all ages to enjoy.

According to a description from Music Theatre International, Matilda (played by Mary Tyler) is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey (played by Maya Damron). Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other's lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (played by Joshua Robinson), hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace. 

With the book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, “Matilda The Musical” has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill audiences of all ages around the world.

Other cast members include: Nick Albrecht as Mr. Wormwood, Miranda Nation Hofmeister as Mrs. Wormwood, Kyle Smith as Michael Wormwood and Doctor, Alice Paton as Lavender, Evan Quiett as Bruce, Seraphina Goodson as Mrs. Phelps, Seaf Bate as The Escapologist, Kelcie McNutt as The Acrobat, Carter Humphreys as Rudolpho, Alia Dust as Children’s Entertainer, Cora Moon as Cook, John Moberly as Sergei, Lizzy Santana and Gabriel Gonzalez as Henchmen and woman, Gwendolyn Andrews, Macy White, Claire Heilig, Max Berthot, Charlie Page, Millicent Poovey, and Elliot Dutton as the Elementary Ensemble; Clover Maples, Jocelynn Arndt, and Cora Moon as the Middle School Ensemble; Kelsie NcNutt, John Moberly, Alia Dust, Seaf Bate, Olivia Pride, and Delia Moon as the High School Ensemble; and Alia Dust, John Moberly, Seaf Bate, Kelsie McNutt, Carter Humphreys, Olivia Pride, and Delia Moon as Parents.

The production team includes: Allyson Moon, director; Amanda Li, musical director; Shaelynne French, choreographer; Jacob Giger, stage manager; Miranda Hofmeister, box office manager; Merie Campo, lighting and scenic designer; Jamieson Campo, sound designer; and Kenny Allman, technical director.  

“The extraordinary message of this musical is that just like the title character of the show, Matilda, anyone can change the story of their life,” says director Allyson Moon.  “No matter how difficult or tragic one’s circumstances may be, a person has the power to change their life for the better.”    

Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for youth and students.  To make a reservation call (620) 229-6272 or (620)221-7720, or email boxoffice@sckans.edu.