Middle School play Matilda Jr.: "Aligns beautifully with the values and culture of both GPS and McCallie"

When McCallie and GPS's new Middle School Director of Theater Rachel Craig was looking for her first production to stage, it did not take long for her to pick Matilda Jr.

"Several factors drew me to this play," said Craig of the production that will debut on Monday, October 20, at 7 pm in GPS's Frierson Theatre with a second performance for the public on Tuesday, October 21, at 4:30 pm.

"First and foremost, I knew I needed a production that could accommodate a large cast of children, and Matilda Jr. was an ideal fit. Additionally, the students were already familiar with the show. Many of them knew the music even before I did! Most importantly, though, Matilda Jr. aligns beautifully with the values and culture of both GPS and McCallie. These schools are dedicated to nurturing strong, thoughtful, and intelligent young people, qualities that are vividly reflected in the characters and message of the show."

Though Craig has never before taught students as young as middle schoolers, she became instantly impressed by their work ethic and talent.

"Working with these students has been an absolute joy," said the former Notre Dame High School teacher. "This is my first experience directing a cast this young, as my background has primarily been with high school and college-aged performers. Initially, I was not sure what to expect in terms of work ethic, but I have been genuinely impressed by their dedication and talent. They have learned their lines, choreography, and music with remarkable speed and focus. Even more inspiring is the energy and positivity they bring to every rehearsal, which has made the entire process both smooth and rewarding."

The students have been no less impressed with Craig.

"Miss Craig's vision has been wonderful," said GPS eighth grader Payton Sprouse, who plays Miss Honey. "She is super nice and kind, and she is really good at blocking (positioning the actors in the proper spots on the stage). She has been great to work with."

And what does Sprouse like about the play itself? "It is about standing up to people who try to push others down," she said. "Because everyone has a voice and deserves to be heard."

GPS eighth grader Avery Stevens plays Matilda. A veteran of multiple GPS and McCallie productions, her favorite role before this one was playing the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland.

The minute she was told she had won the lead role in Matilda Jr., she said, "I told my parents and texted my friends. I was so excited."

What most appeals to her about the character is that "she is smart and cheeky."

Stevens, who has three solos in the play, said the cast began dance rehearsals in early September. As the play has drawn nearer, practice has stretched from Monday through Thursday to Monday through Friday. This weekend will see two complete rehearsals on Saturday, totaling six hours.

"I am a little nervous," Stevens said on Thursday. "But I am also really excited."

Craig said Stevens should be anything but nervous, noting, "She has led the cast with grace and maturity, showcasing not only a beautiful singing voice but also impressive acting ability. Her performance truly anchors the production."

McCallie seventh grader Easton Trimble plays Nigel, whom he describes as "funny and nice."

Of the play itself, Trimble said, "The choreography has been really hard, but it has been really fun."

Like so many of his fellow actors, he praised Craig's directing style, noting, "How respectful she is of the kids. This is supposedly the biggest play she has directed, and she could not have been more helpful."

McCallie eighth grader Siler Nance plays Mr. Wormwood, a cartoonish character with a mean streak. "I love the imaginative feeling of this play, the child vibe you feel throughout it," he said. He also said of Craig, "I like that we have a teacher who can relate to us."

Craig hopes both her actors and the audience can relate to the play's positive adult characters, writing in an email earlier this week: "The characters of Miss Honey and Miss Phelps play a crucial role as the compassionate, supportive adults in Matilda's life. I hope the audience sees echoes of the GPS and McCallie faculty in these characters, who are nurturing mentors who believe in their students and help them grow into their fullest potential."

As Thursday's practice in the Frierson got underway, Craig gathered her cast together and told them, "We want this to be better than just an average middle school play. We want it to be great."

Said Nance, "Right now, we are tired. This is really stressful. But I think we will all be sad when it is over."

For Craig, there might be no higher compliment to her work than that.

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