 | This Week’s Author Jazlynn Cates This week’s MATILDA updates is written by senior Jazlynn Cates. Jazlynn is an ITS Member and is portraying the role of Mrs. Phelps in this season’s production of ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL. |
This past week here at Gibson Southern the Titans started week one of ten on this season’s musical, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical. Before Christmas break students auditioned with acting, singing, and dancing in hopes that they would earn a spot in Matilda. After the cast list was posted, students had two weeks to practice and prepare for week one and the first read and sing through with Mr. Hutchinson. We began the week on a great note, making nothing but progress as the week went on. Before we began on day 1, the cast was surprised with a video from Mia Sinclair Jenness, who originated the role of Matilda in the US tour of Matilda the Musical. It was a great way to inspire the cast, and it made everyone more than excited to get started.
The cast worked on vocals on Tuesday, while seniors Wade Happe and Sydney Geodde dived into their character development as Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, Matilda’s parents. Sophomore Abby Scheller focused on her story telling, as a lot of the show revolves around the imagination of a young girl and how she deals with the judgement of those around her. After a week of self discovery and developing, Schellers character was able to make connections on stage with people like Miss Honey, who is portrayed by senior Aubrie Reid, Mrs. Phelps, played by senior Jazlynn Cates, and sophomore Ava Tolley who is playing Lavender, Matilda’s best friend. This is only a few of the many students who worked all throughout the week with the guidance of director Adam Bledsoe and assistant director Lisa O’Neal.
Although the school week is over, that doesn’t mean the work week is over here at GSTD. This past Saturday students and parents were scheduled to participate in both an accent workshop, but also a work day. Work days are when the whole cast and their parents gather to sew, build, paint, and clean to help the show come together. The morning was scheduled to start a little different for some students, on the other hand. This show uses a British accent very heavily, and thanks to the founder of this department Kathy Parks, we won’t be passing up the challenge. Speaking with a British accent isn’t the only challenge, though. Senior Jarrett Klusmier is portraying the role of Rudolpho, the italian dance partner of Mrs. Wormwood, and Zach Winget (Sergei) and his henchmen are all part of the Russian Mafia in the show. With the help of KP (British) and Courtney Farrand (Russian), there is no doubt that this show will be both a challenge but also an over the top experience you don’t want to miss. Be sure to mark your calendars for March 13th, 14th, and 15th of 2020 to come see the final product of the cast’s hard work, and check back the following 9 weeks to get a firsthand look at our rehearsals!