The drama team at Niverville High School are nearly ready to raise the curtain on this year’s musical production of Matilda by Roald Dahl.

Three performances will take place at the school on April 30, May 1, and May 2 under the guidance of Janelle Malech, the school’s drama instructor.

Matilda tells the story of a young girl who struggles against abuses dealt to her by loveless parents and a tyrannical headmistress. She finds refuge in books and companionship in a loving teacher.

Through it all, Matilda Wormwood discovers that she has some remarkable powers which end up not only changing her own life but the lives of others too.

The Citizen interviewed three students involved in the production: Ruolin Zhang, age 15; Samantha Taylor; age 17; and Nicholas Pritchard, age 17.

While Zhang previously performed in a production of The Wizard of Oz, this time around she’s finding her place behind the scenes as the stage manager.

It’s a hectic job, she says, ensuring that the props and actors are where they need to be at all times and making sure the dancers remember their choreography.

Taylor and Pritchard, too, have enjoyed the spotlight in previous performances, including in High School Musical and a drama club murder mystery.

Pritchard’s role is that of Mr. Wormwood, Matilda’s father, and one of the story’s most detestable antagonists.

Taylor was cast as Miss Honey, Matilda’s timid yet compassionate teacher. She says there’s something pretty special about taking on fictitious characters on stage.

“You get to pretend that you’re someone else,” says Taylor. “It’s exciting. Just to try to move the audience is probably a main goal for me. It’s such a unique feeling.”

Taylor admits that she puts special emphasis on portraying her character’s unique qualities on stage.

“My character, Miss Honey, is really awkward,” says Taylor. “So I’ll fiddle with my fingers or maybe I’ll walk around [nervously].”

She also has a number of singing solos in this production.

“Sammy has the voice of an angel,” Zhang says. “She is such a gorgeous singer.”

Like Taylor, Pritchard says that there is nothing quite like getting into character before a show.

“I really like making people laugh,” he says. “That’s the biggest thing. But once I get up on that stage, I feel a little wider in the shoulders, a little clenched in the fists, and a little cruel. And then I step off the stage and say, ‘Wow, how did I do that?’”

Despite his mean and ruthless ways, Mr. Wormwood generates plenty of laughs, as do other characters in the production.

Of course, there is also a lot of dramatic tension.

“I think Matilda’s life story is the most upsetting thing,” says Taylor. “Her parents are mean and cruel and call her names. It’s sad, especially watching that on stage.”

But Zhang says there’s an underlying message that makes the show both inspiring and heartwarming.

“All children should be treated with love, respect and kindness,” Zhang says. “I feel like that’s the main message.”

For some time now, the cast and crew have been rehearsing every Wednesday over their lunch hour. As opening day approaches, rehearsals are now creeping into their after-school hours.

“Within the last month it took all my spare time, meeting up with friends, going over lines and dances,” Taylor says.

Their dedication to the craft is partially inspired by their appreciation for some of the greatest actors of all time. For Pritchard and Taylor, the actor they most admire is Robin Williams.

“I was really inspired by his movies and how he could draw emotion from his audience,” Taylor says.

“He’s really, really funny but then he plays these roles that also pull at your heartstrings,” Pritchard adds. “To be able to do that is amazing.”

They also benefit from a big shot of inspiration closer to home, from the careful guidance of Ms. Malech.

With the production just around the corner now, the team is turning their attention to filling the seats with family and community.

“I hope we get a full house,” Zhang says. “The cast has done a really wonderful job. I can see how much better they’ve become and all the work and effort they’ve put in. It would be nice to see everyone come out and support them.”

Tickets can be purchased at the high school for $15 each or $5 for NHS students.