What is your name? Wade Happe
What is your cast role or crew position in Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical? Mr. Harry Wormwood
What is your favorite Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical quote, song or scene — and why? Although all scenes with Miss Trunchbull are great, my favorite is the doctor scene when I get to say, “I can’t find his frank and Beans.”
How many Gibson Southern Theatre productions (including Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical) have you been a part of while in high school? I have been involved in all vaudevilles and musicals since my freshman year, which adds up to 8 total productions.
What is your favorite role, act, or show that you have been a part of in high school? Mr. Wormwood is my favorite role even though I have to be the bad guy in this character.
Do you have a favorite story from your time spent in theatre? My favorite story from theatre is from freshman year when we did Sister Act. The chase scene with us thugs, and the nuns was very exciting. Within all of this my favorite part was when I was doing a quick change and the viper clip on the microphone got stuck in my cheek. This was very painful, but makes for a good story.
What are your plans after high school? I plan to go to Purdue University to study engineering following graduation from high school.
What words of advice do you have for those thinking about joining Gibson Southern Theatre? My advice is mostly for the guys that are interested in theatre. Being involved in theatre does not mean that you have to be the stereotypical “theatre kid.” This is far from what happens at Gibson Southern. Many of the guys that have played big roles in our theatre productions are also involved in other sports. Time and time again, we hear seniors that are graduating who waited to join and were only involved in theatre their senior year, and they regret not being involved earlier. My advice is to not be scared to try it out, and don’t be somebody that regrets the same as many others have.