Director’s Note

Roald Dahl's novels often parody adulthood through the lens of a child’s eyes while genuinely capturing the reality and magic of childhood all through the child's eyes. This makes Matilda the epitome of a Roald Dahl novel and Tim Minchin's musical adaptation doesn't shy away from the dark and uncomfortable realities of life... even if we do laugh a lot along the way.  At its heart Matilda is a “David and Goliath” tale of the seemingly weaker underlings triumphing over the bullies and doing so only by believing in yourself.  My hope is that this what all of the student actors, technicians, and pit musicians take away from this experience. No one is going to  “change YOUR story,” for YOU. Only YOU have that ability and that power is with YOU always. Every student that was a part of this production had a hand in the magic that was created and no matter how they contributed this story would not be the same without them in it.  This message is especially powerful now and something I hope audiences walk away with tonight.

So please, sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the breathtaking set design of Ms. Teslen Sadowski, the stunning lighting of Mr. Gabe Gorsline, the gorgeous handmade period costumes created by Ms. Soozie Holms and Ms. Olivia Ruffatto, the energetic and upbeat dancing inspired by Ms. Lindsay Longstreth and the powerful fun and beautiful music brought to life by Mr. Jake Walker and the incomparable Ms. Stacy Cunningham as Leyden Theatre Proudly presents, Matilda the Musical.