By Sharon E. Siegel
It’s Show Time in the Port Jervis community this weekend!
A cast of more than 50 students from Anna S. Kuhl Elementary School will perform the Broadway Jr. musical version of Roald Dahl’s best-selling story Matilda this weekend.
Three public performances will take place from the stage of Port Jervis High School auditorium. The first will be 7 p.m. Friday evening, January 12, 2024. Two others will follow on Saturday, January 13, one at 2 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door or in advance at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/79021 .
A story line summary on the above advance ticket link reads:
“Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence... and special powers! She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, 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! Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.”
Matilda Jr. is being directed locally by A.S.K. Music Teacher Patricia Halpenny, who is also the founder and director of ASK Performing Arts club. This performing arts opportunity was established in 2018, with its first production being Honk, Jr. A second show production also took place in that first year, making Matilda the 17th production in this 16th anniversary year.
Halpenny said she chose Matilda for the A.S.K.'s performing art group’s 2024 performance because her daughter is in her last show at the school this year. As a sixth grader, and playing the role of Honey, it will be Natalies’s last elementary school show.
“She fell in love with the movie Matilda when she was little. She would watch it on repeat!” Halpenny said. “Then I saw the Broadway show and just knew I had to do this as her last ASK Performing Arts Show!”
A.S.K.’s enthusiastic show director has high praise for all involved in this weekend’s show.
“This cast and crew has been exceptional from the moment they auditioned. I am so looking forward to them shining so brightly this weekend,” said Halpenny.
Following is a list of songs and the CAST and PRODUCTION TEAM for this weekend’s show. Everyone has been working very hard, and the show is sure to delight all who attend and support these young performers and crew.
