On April 22nd, the Ironwood Ridge High School Theater Program will be performing the show, Matilda. The story, based on the book by Roald Dahl, tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a gifted girl forced to put up with a crude, distant father and mother. Even worse, Agatha Trunchbull, the evil principal at Matilda’s school, is a terrifyingly strict bully. However, when Matilda realizes she has the power of telekinesis, she begins to defend her friends from Trunchbull’s wrath and fight back against her unkind parents.

The auditions for Matilda were held back in December of 2020 and rehearsals began in January of 2021. Due to COVID-19  restrictions, the cast was forced to spend their first two weeks of rehearsals on Zoom. After that, they were able to return to rehearsing in person with a mask mandate. The cast rehearsed at the school Monday through Friday, from 4-6p.m, and on weekends from 8-12p.m. The cast is very excited to begin performing again. 

“The thing I’m most excited about Matilda is the fact that it’s my first show in over a year since COVID became a thing and I’m just really excited to be back on the stage performing in front of a small audience with everyone!” said Abby Peyton, a Junior at Ironwood Ridge and actor playing the role of Matilda. 

The production has been a challenge due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s hard to prepare for something that could be canceled at any time,” says Mary Dickson, the Head Director of the Theater Program.  After all of the ups and downs of the year, the theater program will finally be able to perform for a live audience again on April 22nd, 23rd, and 24th with a caveat. Audience members have to be invited by a cast members and each cast member will be able to invite 2 people per night. Tickets are $15 at the door.