The Junior School Players Delight Audiences with “Matilda, Jr.”

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An energetic cast of 7th and 8th graders presented  “Matilda, Jr.” in the Academic & Performing Arts Theater on May 15–16, 2026. Directed by drama instructor Mike Calderone, the players presented the musical version of Roald Dahl’s Matilda: a tale of an extraordinary girl who fights for what is right, sometimes by being “a little bit naughty.” With the help of her “revolting” school friends, the students take on headmistress Agatha Trunchbull, ending her tyranny over Crunchem Hall and the lovely Miss Honey. 

The ensemble cast delivered standout performances to the packed audiences on both nights. Visual and prop effects showcased the hard work of the stage and tech crews, directed by David Kenton. 

 
Hopkins JS Drama 2026 Presents 
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical Jr.

Book by Dennis Kelly 
Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin 
Directed by Michael Calderone 
Musical Direction by Erika Schroth 
Choreography by Anjali van Bladel ’27 
Costume Design by Maia Cort ’28 

 
THE CAST 

LITTLE KIDS 
Eric...Daphne Altin-Fahey ’31 
Tommy...Mikayla Shepherd-Hall ’31 
Amanda...Sarah Mirrer ’30 
Bruce...Elias Contratto ’31 
Lavender... Paige Roberts ’30 
Alice...Alice Neitzke ’30 
Hortensia...Isabella Kim ’30 
Nigel...Areej Kassem ’31 
Vivian Li ’30 
Vivienne Kurfess ’31 
Julie Kovar ’31 
Matilda...Molly Manella ’31 

ADULTS 
Mr. Wormwood...Lucia Cassella ’30 
Mrs. Wormwood...Vani Garg ’30 
Mrs. Phelps…Lucy Thompson ’31 
Ms. Honey...Claire Chen ’30 
Agatha Trunchbull...Lexie Andersson ’30 

BIG KIDS 
Michael...Riley Belcher ’30 
Escapologist...Sofia Ciminiello ’30 
Acrobat...Ocie Peed ’30 
Cooks/Russians...Betty Yang ’30 & Imani Ward ’31 
Rudolpho...Miriam Atlee ’30 
Mechanic & Sergei...Juliette Watson ’30 
 
The Technical Crew 

Technical Director David Kenton 
Technical Assistant Jackie Labelle-Young 
Projections Dak Manella 
Costume Design Maia Cort ’28 
Stage Managers 
Sophia Zhang ’30 (PSM), Louis Young ’30, Oscar Drais ’31 
Sound Board Operators
Natalie Tolchin ’30, Emmett Miller ’31 
Sound Board Mentors 
Arjun Phatak ’28, George Thompson ’28 
Dance Captains 
Sofia Ciminiello ’30, Ocie Peed ’30, Paige Roberts ’30, Sarah Mirrer ’30 
Lighting Designer David Kenton 
Light Board Operator Lily Lu ’29 
Costume Shop Crew: Anya Cort ’31 
Props Hannah Anderson ‘31 
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