New Direction Performing Arts Academy, in collaboration with Canton City Schools, will present the Stark County premiere of the Tony Award-winning production Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical July 12-14 at Umstattd Performing Arts Hall. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, it is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her destiny. Matilda the Musical features advanced musical theatre students ages 8-18 from Stark and Tuscarawas counties.
Based on the classic Roald Dahl book, our hero is born to parents who prize their own ignorance and disdain books, learning, and any information they can’t get from television. Still, Matilda somehow manages to emerge…a genius. Maybe even a magical one. However, she and the rest of the school are under the tyrannical rule of a deliciously devious villain, principal Agatha Trunchbull. Matilda embraces the fearful and terrifying moments of childhood with humor, hard-earned optimism, and astoundingly witty musical numbers. Songs like “Miracle,” “Naughty,” and “Revolting Children” will ring true to adults and belong in the survival kit of any child making their way through pre-adolescence and beyond.
Director Carrie Alexander Spina is joined by Taylor Scott (Assistant Director/Stage Manager), Tanya Headrick (Music Director), Katy Russell and Alexis Wilson (Co-Choreographers), Michael Workman (Technical Director), and Drake Spina (Student Director).
New Direction Performing Arts Academy, in collaboration with Canton City School District, will present Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical on July 12-14 at Umstattd Performing Arts Hall (located inside McKinley High School). Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door or in advance by visiting www.NewDirectionPerformingArtsAcademy.com.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com.
