Cape High to present ‘Matilda the Musical’ March 16-19

In between practicing for the upcoming performance of “Matilda the Musical,” Cape High students are celebrating Theatre in Our Schools month thanks to a campaign waged by senior Zachary Naar.

Zachary, president of Cape High’s thespian society Troupe 1321 and an officer in Delaware Thespians, submitted a proposal to Gov. John Carney earlier this year to request the proclamation regarding the benefits of theater education. 

Cape High received the official decree signed by Carney and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long March 1.

“Theater education is often underappreciated in school,” Zachary said. “It was my way to spread awareness about the important skills we get from theater.”

According to the Educational Theatre Association, the month of March is historically a time to stress the need for more access to theater education for all students. 

In addition to the proclamation, students said they hold Halloween and Valentine’s Day fundraisers to keep theater in the limelight, and stage a play and musical each year. Seniors also produce a one-act festival in May.

Zachary plays Matilda’s headmistress Miss Trunchbull in the school performance of the Tony Award-winning play based on the Roald Dahl children's novel.

The musical features a witty girl with psychokinetic powers who is unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. Adria Windish has the part of Matilda.

“I was really excited to get cast,” Adria said. “I really like the role and I get to showcase my singing, dancing and acting. She’s a really fun, spunky character.”

Miss Honey is played by Julia Graviet.

“I relate a lot to her,” Julia said. “She’s a role model of who teachers should be.”

Ayreonna Hudson plays Lavender, Matilda’s best friend. “She’s excited and bubbly,” Ayreonna said.

Samuel Mincey plays a number of roles, including the escapologist, a doctor and Miss Honey’s father.

“It was complicated and versatile,” he said. “I had to get in character for each one.”

Second-time stage manager Mei-Li Troise oversees all actors, ensures scene transitions, and maintains the set and props. She usually performs in one-acts.

“It’s fun to see both sides,” she said. “It’s a different perspective.”

Summer Zachos, who plays Matilda's mother Miss Wormwood, said the character is vacuous and self-absorbed.

“I don’t relate to her at all,” she laughed, “but the character is fun to play.”

“Matilda the Musical” showtimes at Cape High are 7 p.m., Thursday, March 16 through Saturday, March 18, and 2 p.m., Sunday, March 19. Buy tickets at the door or online at our.show/capetheatre/matilda.