Quincy Community Theatre announces cast for Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda: The Musical’

QUINCY — Quincy Community Theatre has announced the cast for its upcoming production of Roald Dahl’s “Matilda: The Musical” to kick off the 2024 season.

“Matilda: The Musical” will take the stage Feb. 16-18 and Feb. 22-25. Flex season ticket holders may reserve their tickets starting Jan. 11. General tickets go on sale on Jan. 23. Seating is reserved.

“Matilda the Musical” revels in the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination. Matilda Wormwood is a little girl with wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey.

During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda’s personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however. The school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules. Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be her classmates’ saving grace.

The musical is packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and a heartwarming story.

“Matilda the Musical” features a cast of 35 performers, ranging in age from 8 to over 40. Some are QCT veterans and some making their QCT debut. The cast is comprised of:

• Georgia Wisslead in the title role of Matilda
• Kristen Houston as The Trunchbull
• Keyana Frost as Miss Honey
• Lindsey Stroot and Patrick Regner as Mrs. and Mr. Wormwood
• Simon Bruening as Michael Wormwood
• Drew Quintero as Rudolpho and the Escapologist
• Jeanette Soebbing as the Acrobat
• Sara Turnbow as Doctor
• Quinton Metcalf as the Children’s Entertainer
• Molly Bruening as Mrs. Phelps
• Julian Holt as Bruce
• Aoko Kagumba Maimo as Lavender
• Grace Hendrian as Nigel
• Emma McCleary as Amanda
• Abram Hendrian as Eric
• Thea Gengenbacher as Alice
• Vivi Wilson as Hortensia
• Michael Wilson as Tommy
• Kennedy Cornwell as Flora

Rounding out the cast are:

• Lydia Duesterhaus, Evelyn Ginos, Xander Guegel, Ava Kaelke, Ellie Reuschel, Helen Smith, Abby Twaddle, and Dominic Zanger in the big kids ensemble
• Jessica Cornwell, Mason Ellison, Ruth Kummerow, Logan Mulch, Dominic Regner and Ashleigh Wisslead in the adult ensemble
• Cecilia Bruening as the swing understudy

The main stage musical production is under the direction of Quincy Community Theatre education director Deb Currier.

In a press release, Currier said, “The most exciting aspect of ‘Matilda the Musical’ is the diversity of the roles and cast. It is naturally an inclusive all-ages, all-abilities, everyone-welcomed show, and I am thrilled to have my first directing project at QCT be such an homage to the variety of talent and experience in our community.“

Also part of the production team are assistant director Patrick Regner, vocal direction by Monica Sholz, choreography by Alison Shafer, scenic design by Hayley E. Wallenfeldt, lighting design by Erin Thibodaux, costume design by Casey Mercurio, stage management by Gretchen Wolfmeyer and assistant stage manager Cecilia Bruening.

An interactive Discovery Night for “Matilda: The Musical” will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at QCT. The free event will give participants a view into the production process with discussion and a Q&A session. A Q&A talkback session with the cast and crew will follow the Friday, Feb. 23, performance.

For more information, visit 1qct.org or call the QCT box office in the Oakley-Lindsay Center at 217-222-3209.

“Matilda: The Musical” is sponsored by Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. QCT’s 2024 season is sponsored by Gardner Denver.