What happens when a quiet girl with an extraordinary mind decides she’s had enough? In Matilda JR., one student’s courage turns frustration into a full-blown revolution, proving that even the smallest voice can make the biggest impact. Get ready for a spirited, high-energy production where imagination takes center stage and the “revolting children” rewrite the rules.

About the Show

In its final production of the school year, PolyArts brings the timeless story of Roald Dahl’s Matilda to life. When Matilda JR. opens on Friday, May 15, at 7:00 PM and Saturday, May 16, at 2:00 PM, the audience and our talented Middle School thespians step into the world of Matilda Wormwood, where her brilliant mind and boundless imagination are stifled by cruel parents and a school ruled by the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull. With the encouragement of the kind-hearted Miss Honey, Matilda inspires her classmates to stand up, speak out, and embrace their power. 

Directed by Drama teacher Andrew Cooper-Leary, this lively production features a cast of 25 students and a dedicated crew working hard behind the scenes. Poly dancers bring dynamic choreography to the stage, while memorable songs and dialog capture Roald Dahl’s signature wit. The result is a joyful celebration of resilience, courage, and imagination. 

Lessons from Matilda’s World

Matilda JR. put the remarkable qualities of its young protagonist—intelligence, empathy, curiosity, ingenuity, and bravery—on full display, while exploring how these gifts are often misunderstood or dismissed by the adults around her. Labeled “not normal” by her parents and a “real wart” by her headmistress, Matilda’s journey highlights the transformative power of mentorship through the steady encouragement of Miss Honey, who recognizes her potential and helps it flourish. 

“The stories of Roald Dahl are both fascinating and terrifying. He depicts children in the worst of circumstances, yet they endure, mostly, when they discover and stand atop their support systems,” reflects Cooper-Leary, in his director’s note. “The world we live in often feels like a category five hurricane with a tornado prowling its eye. As parents and teachers, we can’t keep our kids from getting wet or windblown, but we can teach them how to protect themselves and stand up for themselves and others.”

Matilda JR. ultimately reminds us that while we cannot shield children from every storm, we can equip them with the confidence, resilience, and courage to stand tall, and, when necessary, to revolt, in pursuit of a better world.

In Their Own Words

Starring in the musical as Matilda, Sloane M. ’31 shares how the role has challenged and inspired her as both a performer and a person. “As Matilda, I feel extremely accomplished and excited. I relate to my character most because it sometimes feels like people don’t take me seriously, but I like showing them that they can. The cast and crew have helped me grow, as I’ve learned from their tips and developed into a stronger performer. I’m nervous yet excited for opening night because I feel my best when I’m on stage doing what I love most—performing.”

When asked what advice she would offer to other middle schoolers who might be interested in or unsure about participating in the musical, she encourages them to give it a try. “Have confidence in yourself, embrace whatever role you’re given, work hard, and most importantly, have fun. You can be serious about your craft while still bringing great energy to the performance.”

In her first Poly musical, Olivia B. ’32 echoed the idea of growing as a performer and building confidence on stage. “Lavender has a fun, spunky personality that I deeply connect with. This experience has helped me grow in ways I would have never imagined. I have built and developed my stage presence, and what I believe is most important of all, my confidence in myself when performing. In other projects, I have sometimes felt like I have held back, but I think here at Poly I have truly felt comfortable enough to get out of my shell. I am excited and ready for the opening night of my first Poly musical.” She recommends joining the theater program at Poly, saying “you definitely won’t be disappointed. Commit, be confident, review materials, and of course, have fun!”

“I connect to my role because of my playful personality,” says Stevie M. ’32, who plays a character in Matilda’s lively class. She’s found both joy and community as a member of the cast. “I love joking around with my new friends from the musical cast! This experience has helped me grow as an actor while forming new friendships. I’m most excited for opening night because I get to share my hard work with my loved ones.”

In his second theatrical performance of the year, Sameer K. ’30, plays Matilda’s father, Mr. Wormwood, a character whose personality is vastly different from his own. “Mr. Wormwood is a very boastful, overconfident man, and his arrogance makes him extremely goofy. This role has helped me grow creatively and build my acting skills. It has also been fun playing a character so different from myself, because I get to try and experience things from a different perspective. I have to act very arrogantly and express myself in ways I haven’t before, which has helped me become more confident about performing, especially in expressive roles.”

Sameer also reiterated a bonus of being part of a theatrical production. “The other kids in Matilda are so kind, and I have become a much more creative and thoughtful actor thanks to this program,” he said. “I advise other Poly students to try all the other amazing opportunities that the school offers, because you might just find a new hobby, community, or passion! If you decide to try Poly theater, bring your own ideas to the character you are playing, whether big or small; Mr. Coop loves that!”

Reserve Your Tickets

Tickets are going fast!
Families are asked to register to attend the Middle School Musical, Matilda! Jr., on Friday, May 15 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 PM in the Poly Arts Center’s Richard Perry Theatre. Tickets are $5 for students/children over 5 and $10 for adults.