THUNDER BAY – Students at Nor’Wester View Public School are coming together to showcase Matilda Jr. The Musical.
Back in February, students from ages eight to 14 began to prepare for Matilda Jr. The Musical.
For most students, this is their first experience performing – since this is the school’s first production after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nor’Wester View Public school has done approximately five productions in the past, and they have a wonderful group of staff that help to make these productions successful, said Shawn Jason, a staff member and volunteer.
“The community really came together to help us make this possible, especially after COVID,” Jason said.
“And in such a short period of time, they really came out and helped us out a lot.”
Based on a Roald Dahl book, Matilda Jr. The Musical follows five-year-old Matilda, who has the gift of telekinesis and overcomes obstacles caused by her family and her school.
Matilda impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey, and the two form a bond when Miss Honey gets to know Matilda’s extraordinary personality.
Matilda Jr. The Musical includes comedy, singing and dancing.
The school has been preparing twice a week to learn the choreography and memorize the lines.
Students also spent time designing and painting the backdrops, Jason said.
Over 60 students signed up for the production, which is why they have a couple different casts. For the most part, each student is involved in every performance.
Students participating in Matilda Jr. The Musical are excited for the double-casted performance to come to life.
Chloe Rowe and Bridget Andrews, Grade 6 students of Nor’Wester View, share the role of Matilda.
“We can kind of work together and help each other out with the role,” Rowe said.
Andrews said the students have enjoyed helping each other learn their lines.
“It’s not like we have to switch back and forth roles when we’re practicing,” she said.
Productions like Matilda Jr. The Musical are popular among students, Jason said, to the point they ask to have one each year.
These productions are a lot of work between students, staff and volunteers, so much that they have to take a break in-between.
“Staff take their time with these productions, and love the joy it brings to students,” Jason said.
Matilda Jr. The Musical is running May 14 and 15 at Westgate High School Cafetorium at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. They are available in advance by calling Nor’Wester View Public School or at the door.
