Magical Starlight Theatre, a program of the Naperville Park District, will present its 2023 show, “Matilda the Musical,” in eight performances scheduled for the weekends of January 13-15 and 20-22, 2023 at Naperville Central High School auditorium.
“‘Matilda’ was chosen as this year’s musical because it’s fun and meaningful for both kids and adults,” explained Magical Starlight Theatre Producer Emily Walker, a children’s services librarian with the Lisle Library District. “Based on the popular book by Roald Dahl, the musical has a whimsical magic element that will be delightful to bring to life onstage.”
The cast and crew are hard at work preparing for the January 13-22 performances. There are two casts for the show. The two girls who are cast as Matilda are fifth graders and new to Magical Starlight Theatre. This is the first theater production for Priesha Maheshwar, who has been singing with the Young Naperville Singers for two years. Naya James is from Downers Grove and has participated in three previous shows in other companies. She was Amaryllis in “The Music Man” in the Downers Grove High School performance and had roles in “Hello Dolly” and “The Descendants.” This Summer she will be in “School of Rock” at the Paramount Theater in Aurora.
“Magical Starlight Theatre has never done a child driven show before,” said Director Anna Ahonen. “Matilda is on stage more than any other character in the show. Her classmates are on quite a bit, too. That has brought a different dynamic to the production and experience for all the actors.”
Emma Cook, who plays the lead Miss Honey, is debuting with Magical Starlight Theatre, and is enjoying being in a cast where children are featured. “The kids are phenomenal. They amaze me with their kindness and imagination. They inspire all of us and make everything come alive.”
Tickets for “Matilda” may be purchased online at www.napervilleparks.org, by phone at 630-848-5000 or in person at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center or Fort Hill Activity Center during regular business hours. Advanced tickets are $14 and may be purchased until 4 p.m. on the Friday of the performance weekend. After that time, tickets are $17 at the door.
Performances will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday January 13-15 and January 20-22. For performance times and additional details, visit www.napervilleparks.org/calendar/events/matilda-the-musical.
—Naperville Park District