ACHS Theater arts program goes all out for upcoming ‘Matilda’ tech week
The stage was busy long before the audience arrived. During the costume parade for “Matilda the Musical,” theater students moved in and out of the lights, adjusting ties, smoothing skirts, fixing wigs and calling out reminders to one another as they prepared for the final rehearsals. The room carried a mix of nerves and excitement as the show began to look and feel complete.
“Matilda the Musical” is adapted from Roald Dahl’s novel about a clever young girl and a prodigious reader gifted with telekinesis as she manages to triumph over her abusive family and the child-hating headmistress of her school.
With opening night on Feb. 20, the theater arts students and staff have spent weeks preparing for the spring musical, building every detail of the production piece by piece. Now, with costumes, music and final rehearsals coming together, the cast and crew say “Matilda” represents more than a performance; it is a reflection of the community, trust and dedication that shaped it.
For senior Amari Reyes, who plays Mrs. Phelps, the kindly school librarian, that shared effort is what makes the program stand out.
“The band, the actors, the ensemble, the design — we have put our heart and souls into it. Everything is student-led. If you want to see what community can truly bring together, come see this show.”
Not only does the show feature ACHS students, but it also brings together young actors from all grades, reflecting one of the program’s strongest qualities: a sense of community and shared dedication. For the 75 cast members, the excitement surrounding opening weekend goes beyond the show itself. The cast and crew described the theatre arts program as a place where individuality is celebrated, and where students feel comfortable stepping into roles both on and off stage.
Junior Gage Della, who plays the lead Matilda, believes the group dynamic is one of the most defining parts of the experience.
“This group is really eccentric,” she said. “We all have a lot that we add to the table as individuals, but also when we come together collectively as a group, we create something really special and that makes me really excited.”
That same sense of welcoming and shared energy was echoed by senior Judah Geronimo, who plays Ms. Trunchbull, the wicked headmistress. Geronimo explained that theatre is a space where students are accepted for who they are, regardless of what role they play on stage.
“Everyone accepts you for what you are, whatever character you might be playing in real life or on stage,” he said.
Along with the embracing environment, students also stressed how much work goes into the production behind the scenes. Between vocal rehearsals, choreography, character work and technical preparation, “Matilda” has required constant effort from every part of the program. For Reyes, theater is not only performance-based, but also a space where students develop confidence through constant practice, responsibility, and leadership.
The idea that students are the core of the production was also strongly reflected by senior Madison Gaskins, who plays Matilda’s teacher, Ms. Honey. As she described the program as something built by the students themselves and shaped by their dedication, she emphasized how much of the show is created through student effort.
“We all put our souls and passion into every single thing that we do,” she said. “Everything you see on stage was made and created by us. That’s what really sets us apart as a program.”
Beyond the performance, Gaskins also expressed what she hopes the audience takes away from the show once it reaches the stage.
“Take away the love and passion that we put into it and the message that it spreads about love in many different ways that it comes across in our lives,” she said.
Geronimo added that “Matilda” carries emotional weight, especially because of the story’s connection to childhood and growing up, something that feels especially relevant for high school students preparing to move on.
“I think you have to indulge in that aspect of childhood behind it where you’re witnessing the people who are putting it on growing up,” he said.
As the show nears tech week and opening night approaches, theater arts program director Summer Heartt continues to guide the production while watching students step into leadership, collaboration and creativity. Heartt spoke about her love for directing ACHS theater and expressed special appreciation for the students she leads. She described the energy the students bring as something that feels magical.
With final rehearsals continuing and technical elements soon being added, the cast and crew say “Matilda” is their chance to share not only the story on stage, but also the heart behind the work that made it possible.
Click here for tickets to ACHS’s production of “Matilda the Musical.”
