As we approach the opening night of the musical “Matilda” at EHS, anticipation is increasing. This is one of the first live theater performances that EHS has seen since the COVID-19 pandemic began.  I caught up with some leads of the musical to get their insight on this production as well as being a part of the theater community.

Question 1: What is your favorite thing about your character in Matilda and why?

Question 2: What is your favorite musical number in Matilda and why?

Question 3: What is a reason that you think people should come see Matilda?

Question 4: What is some advice that you would give aspiring actors for future plays and musicals?

Annika Sorensen (Matilda)

Q1:  “I think my favorite thing about Matilda is that she stands up for what she believes in, and she is very courageous, which is something I’m not.”

Q2:  “My favorite musical number is probably “Bruce” because it’s really funny and the dance is cool. We get to dance on the desks, which is fun.”

Q3:  “Be who you are, and, I guess more specifically, be loud like whatever you do just do it super loud, because it’s what they’re looking for because if they can’t hear you, then all of your hard work is not heard.  Be loud in your voice, the choices you make, and your body!”

James Eiden (Trunchbull)

Q1: “As the villain in the show, it’s hard to find positives, but I think my favorite thing about the actual character is her overall strangeness. She’s an absolutely horrible person, but she’s so over-the-top jarring that you can’t help but puzzle over her. I also think it’s very clever that the show plays her as such a strange and scary person because the story is essentially told from the perspective of a child, so exaggerating the villain’s features really works well with the show’s style.”

Q2:  “For me, it’s a tie between two numbers but for the same reason: “The Smell of Rebellion” and “Revolting Children” are my favorite numbers because the actors playing the kids in those scenes put in so much effort and work. They’re working with a professional choreographer who keeps on pushing them to the limits and they go for it every single time. I think the kids are truly the stars of the show because the actors really put so much energy and life into what they do, especially during those two numbers.”

Q3:  “I think people should come see Matilda because it’s story is so heartfelt and impactful. The messages about being yourself, standing up for what’s right, perpetual kindness, and hope just ooze off of the stage—it’s one of my favorite things about the whole show.”

Q4:  “To anyone who is looking to get into theater—just GO FOR IT! The worst that can happen if you audition is that you don’t get it; and even then, Eagan does about five shows in a school year and one over the summer: there are plenty of opportunities to do a show. My other advice would be don’t be discouraged if you get smaller parts. When we say there are no small roles, we mean it! Your talents can be used on stage, behind stage, in the props closet, in costumes, in set design, in the lighting booth, in the orchestra, ANYWHERE!”

Evelyn Gore (Mrs. Wormwood)

Q1:  “My favorite thing about Mrs Wormwood is probably that she is different from any other role that I have played, she is kind of more wacky and over the top and is more of this comedic relief in the show, which is different from anything else I’ve ever played, so I kind of like that part about her.”

Q2:  “My favorite musical number is probably “Loud”. That one is super fun because it is this huge dance and this huge musical number, and the energy is always super high.  It’s really hard, and it’s hard to breathe sometimes, but it’s really fun.”

Q3:  “I think people should come see Matilda because it’s the first big show that we can put on with an audience and have masks off and it’s the first real show we have put on in a long time. I think people should come see it because theater is important to all of us.”

Q4:  “One big thing that I’ve learned from being in theater for a long time is that you have to get used to being told no and getting rejections, but you’ve just got to keep trying and keep auditioning. Especially in the professional theater world, you’ve got to keep auditioning, but in high school theater, it’s also important to just be there and no role is a small role and so participation in theater is crucial.”