For many of us, the story of Matilda is a childhood classic. Now, students can watch Matilda the Musical on the Spriet Stage at The Grand Theatre. The High School Project, which always starts off a new season at The Grand, is a production that I will always recommend. From Sept. 20 to Sept. 28, the novel by Ronald Dahl will come to life in London!

With a series of choreographed dancing, singing, and much more, the high school students in this production will have much to show their audience as they tell the story of Matilda. The cast started rehearsing at the beginning of August and from then, it was every day to prepare for this production. If you’ve visited The Grand before, you know that almost every production is magical. However, there’s a different sense of magic when it’s a production based on a story you’ve known since childhood.

“We have a lot of little moments that bring out the magic in it as well, because obviously it’s such an inspirational story about a little girl who has a hard time at home, but we sneak little moments of creativity and imagination in there,” said Piper Jesney who plays the role of Mrs. Wormwood.

In addition to Matilda being a great story for children, it also focuses on kindness, empowerment, friendship, and so much more. It’s a refreshing feeling to know that this message gets to be circulated around our community with this production at The Grand. The cast themselves embody some of the themes mentioned above as it relates to friendship and being very community based.

Jesney refers to Neela Noble who plays Matilda, as “a little sister,” since she’s known her since she was in the sixth grade.

As with everything in life, there are always going to be a few challenges. For Jesney, the dancing aspect of it was a challenge at first because prior to the production she never felt that she was much of a dancer.

“I did not consider myself a dancer. In fact, I was the furthest thing from it,” said Jesney. “But we started slow and worked up to the dance break that I have.”

For those who don’t venture downtown often, this is the perfect opportunity to go and experience Matilda the Musical at The Grand. I’m excited to see what the cast will bring to the stage this fall and am looking forward to feeling the magic of the production.

The fall season can be busy with assignments and the holidays around the corner. I love to advocate for carving out sometime in your schedule to unwind and enjoy the college experience. The first time I watched a production at The Grand for their High School Project, I was in awe with how amazing the talent was.

There is a student rush this season which includes special pricing for students that can provide a valid student ID. Instructions on how to book a student ticket at The Grand can be found online under the Ways to Save subheading.

“The High School Project has this absolutely incredible legacy,” director Megan Watson said.