By Paula Scott

In late April, Ada High School presented three performances of Roald Dahl’s Matilda, the Musical. The play is a darkly entertaining take on parent-child relationships and school days. The names of musical numbers reflect the cynical tone: “Naughty,” “Chokey Chant,” “Smell of Rebellion,” “Revolting Children.”

The musical was directed by teachers Scott Henning and Carter Bivens.

The playbill provides this synopsis of the plot: “Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and extra-special powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher Miss Honey…. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however,--the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupil’s saving grace!” (Musical Theatre International)

Performers in the cast were Elsie Allen, Jillian Allison, Mrs. Christina Bowden, Justin Bowden, Chase Caldwell, Joe Crawford, Chloe Dye, Jilli Hazelton, Aleena Hoffman, Kylee Kober, Chloe Parker, Alivea Rahrig, Journie Rahrig, Lydia Shellhammer, Shay Smith, Kiya Tabler, Emily Thaxton, DAni Vassil-Horse and Amelia Young.

Additional performers in the ensemble were Abbey Anderson, Rose Baxter, Justin Boden, Serenity Burns, Kellie Caldwell, Naomi Carl, Lucy Carter, Lelah Coleman, Cash Haselton, Delilah Maloon, Kaylin Mitchell, Ean Selover and Scarlett Shannon.

The crew was Josh Arnett, Dakota Gossman, Eliana Hall, Mason Selover, Tucker Hazelton, Justin Rigsby and Carson Underwood.

The band was David Ames, guitar; Luke Archer, percussion; Brooke Butler, trumpet; Adam “Jerry” Conner, trombone; Ethan D’Souza, trumpet; Alex O’Conner, woodwinds; Taylor Osbun-Shellhammer, piano; Josh Thaxton, drum set; and Adam Verbsky, bass.

The program noted, “Ada Music Staff would like to thank the Music Boosters, teachers, and administrators who helped support us while we prepared for this musical!

“Also, we want to give a special thanks to everyone at home with our students, our families. Thank you so much for supporting your students and letting music into their lives. Thanks to the family members who helped with construction, lights, sound, getting students to rehearsal, and running the show!

“Finally, we, the teachers and administrators of Ada Schools want to recognize our seniors for their years of hard work and dedication to our school. You will be missed: ‘From high school walls and high school halls, We love thee best of all.’”