Ashland Kroc Youth Theatre to present ‘Matilda the Musical Jr.’ Jan. 12, 13 & 14
Ashland’s streets will be filled by the smell of rebellion when The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland presents, “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Jr.,” on January 12, 13 and 14 at The Ashland Theatre, 212 Center Street, Ashland.
Based on the beloved book “Matilda” by Roald Dahl and adapted from the award-winning full-length musical, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Jr. tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
This is the Ashland Kroc Youth Theatre’s fourth production and largest cast yet, with two alternating leads and over 57 kids from Ashland County and surrounding communities. Production of “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Jr.” has been led by Majors Billy and Annalise Francis, and Amy Morgan.
“One of my favorite moments early in the show is when Matilda sings, ‘Even if you are little you can do a lot’. It’s such a powerful reminder for each of us, tall and small, to take ownership in how we can create our reality,” says Major Billy Francis. “Through the process of putting on this musical, these youth are doing just that: they are joining together and working hard to create this extraordinary event for their community. We think they deserve a standing ovation for all their work,” he adds.
The Ashland Kroc Youth Theatre’s performances of “Matilda the Musical Jr.” will take place on Friday, January 12 at 7 p.m., Saturday, January 13 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, January 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $12 to $18 and may be purchased by going to The Ashland Theatre’s website (https://theashland.org/) or in-person at their box office.
“The Ashland Kroc Youth Theatre program has a holistic approach to learning vocal, acting, movement, and stage techniques in the process of being part of a production from start to performance,” explains Major Annalise Francis. “We seek to inspire the development of each performer in an encouraging, cast-oriented, Christ-centered environment.”
“Those who attend just may receive the biggest hug in the world, one that even might hug all of the air out of them.,” adds Major Annalise.
Dan Lawson, PhD, Director of Community Relations and Development for the Ashland Kroc Center, would also like to thank the Ashland community for their support of the production.
“From the financial support of the Ashland County Community Foundation, Masterminds Escape Room & Game Library and Donley Ford, to The Ashland Theatre graciously partnering with us to host the production, and Vinyl Marketing for their assistance with developing our promotional video, we can’t thank our community enough.”
Dr. Lawson continues, “Their support not only helps underwrite the cost of this production, but it makes it possible for the amazing talent these youth have to be developed, grown and shared with the greater community.”
For more information, please follow Ashland Kroc Center on Facebook or @AshlandKroc on Instagram. Should you have any questions, feel free to call the Ashland Kroc Center at (419) 281-8001.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org and AshlandKroc.org.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. & Music Theatre International
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. is adapted from the full-length musical which was based on the book by Roald Dahl and features a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. The show opened on the West End in 2011 and made its Broadway premiere in 2013. The musical earned seven Olivier Awards, including “Best New Musical,” and five Tony awards, including The Tony for “Best Book of a Musical.”
Matilda, a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers, lives with cruel parents who find her to be a nuisance, a lousy little worm, and a bore. When Matilda enters her first term at school, she captures the attention of Miss Honey, a kind teacher, and the two form a wonderful friendship. Unfortunately, the school is ruled by a tempestuous and mean headmistress named Miss Trunchbull, who hates children and delivers cruel and unjust punishments to all her charges. Matilda is determined to change her story, but will her cleverness and courage be enough to withstand the reign of Miss Trunchbull?
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019, 212-541-4684, mtishows.com.
Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser, and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.
MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide.
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