What is your name? River Epperson
What is your cast role or crew position in Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical? Birthday Dad & Mic Crew
What is your favorite Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical quote, song or scene — and why? “Just because you find that life’s not fair, it doesn’t mean that you just have to grin and bear it.” I feel like this lyric is a great reminder that even if you feel like you’re stuck in a terrible situation, you can always do something to make your situation better.
How many Gibson Southern Theatre productions (including Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical) have you been a part of while in high school? 13
What is your favorite role, act, or show that you have been a part of in high school? Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps. It was so fun to play someone who became a spy by accident.
Do you have a favorite story from your time spent in theatre? My favorite memory is the NYC trip in 2018. When we went to Chinatown, my friend Sophie and I decided we wanted bubble tea. Google Maps told us there was one a mile away so we decided to go. Basically, Google Maps LIED to us and we got really lost and walked in like three circles. Towards the end we almost got hit by a delivery truck, just to find out the bubble tea place was right next door to where we left from. The bubble tea was good though!
What are your plans after high school? I plan to study Theatre Performance Creation and Mathematics at the University of Minnesota.
What words of advice do you have for those thinking about joining Gibson Southern Theatre? Don’t be scared to join! I didn’t participate in Vaudeville my freshman year and I really regret it. Everyone in GSTD is really accepting and welcoming. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone.
Do you have anything else to add? Always remember to be Up, Out, and Crisp!