The cast of East Northumberland Secondary School are busy with final rehearsals for performances that start on April 27th. We spoke to three cast members about their roles in Matilda the Musical which will run until May 6th.
Matilda Played By Anna McLaren
Playing the lead, Anna McLaren is in Grade 13, and is working on auditions to musical theatre programs after she graduates from East Northumberland Secondary School (ENSS).
“Matilda is everything, and she grows throughout the performance,” said Anna McLaren. “She starts out very withdrawn and comes into herself as she learns to interact with others.
Anna is looking forward to singing a solo piece that is a very emotional song and will show the audience how Matilda is struggling at the school while other characters are interacting with each other.
A senior student, Anna has performed in several productions and she loves the bright feeling she gets when she is stepping on the stage, saying her lines and seeing the smiles and happiness of the audience.
Harry Wormwood Played by Arthur Brown
Playing Matilda’s father, Mr. Harry Worwood, this character is both and evil and comedic character, a used-car salesman and television addict that dismisses Matilda when he realizes she is a girl at birth.
“It’s a fun character to play, the main antagonist, that has an evil side mixed in with some very comedic scenes,” said Arthur Brown. “My character bully’s Matilda, before sending her off the boarding school.”
People who know the story know Matilda gets her revenge in a funny way!
Arthur is a Grade 12 student and has been accepted to Canador in North Bay, where he will study digital cinematography.
He loves the final moments of the performance, when the cast is taking their bows and the sound of the applause from the audience.
“It’s a rush,” he added.
Miss Agatha Trunchbull Played by John Kostiuk
Miss Agatha Trunchbull is a nasty women and she doesn’t like children but she is the Headmistress of the school that Matilda is sent to, in the hopes of wiping her into shape and she is played by John Kostiuk.
“I am looking forward to the interaction with audience. This character is rigid and wants all the children to have self-discipline and follow the rules without question,” said John Kostiuk. “The audience will hate me, she is evil but there is a comedic side to her too.”
John is a Grade 13, who wishes to attend Queens University to study Computer Science and to continue with community theatre while there.
“I love making people laugh, hearing their feedback and the interaction with the audience is my favorite part about performing,” added John.
Tickets are 20 dollars for adults, 15 dollars for students and 10 dollars for those 12 and under and can be purchased at The Shoe Store in Brighton as well as the ENSS office and at the door.
Written by Alicia Vandine
