By Jamie Lasorsa, Reporter
Excitement is bubbling and brewing within the walls of the First Church in Sterling. Practices having been taking place since early summer for the upcoming performance of Matilda, a tale inspired by the wacky creativeness held within the novel by Roald Dahl.
The entire cast and crew have been working extremely hard to bring to the community an epic performance in the first musical production since summer of 2021.
Matilda, a story of a young girl navigating a difficult and most often grueling childhood, learns to harness her unique and powerful psychokinetic capabilities in order to maneuver through difficult dealings with her parents, sibling, and school principal, while managing to remain her cute, funny, and lovably endearing self.
Matilda will be Directed by Kelley Manson, who has been part of the Sterling Community Theatre family since her participation in Godspell in 1997. Working both on stage and behind the scenes, Kelley has not only directed (Footloose, 2016 & Mamma Mia, 2019) and acted (Godspell, 1997, The Music Man, 2005, & Shrek The Musical, 2013; just to name a few), but has also done costume design (Beauty and the Beast, 2017) for SCT.
Producer, Katie Eressy has been a part of SCT since 2019 when she directed Bye Bye Birdie. Katie expressed excitement regarding such a great turn-out for auditions after the extended time off. Siblings of past participants are now becoming old enough to join the group and thus makes it fun seeing them on stage and passing the torch.
Cristin Torrey will be the productions choreographer and Sam Asuque the musical director.
The multigenerational group is made up of 26 cast members, ranging in age from 10 to 60, and come from all over the Wachusett Community area and beyond, even as far as Millbury, to join in the antics that make up this hilariously entertaining production.
Shows will be taking place September 16th & 17th, and 23rd & 24th and have both matinee and evening showtimes. It is strongly advised that you purchase your tickets in advance at: www.sterlingtheatre.com, however a limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
Come support these amazing individuals as they set out to entertain you with a story of imagination, genius, and wholesome silly antics, as the story of Matilda unfolds. Matilda is sure to capture your heart and maybe even your mind…