Digital playbill: Roald Dahl's MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin | Book by Dennis Kelly
Orchestrations and Additional Music Chris Nightingale
Based on the book Matilda by Roald Dahl
Matilda was first commissioned and produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, England on 9 November 2010. It transferred to the Cambridge Theatre in the West End of London on 25 October 2011 and received its US premiere at the Shubert Theatre, Broadway, USA on 4 March 2013.
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019. MTIShows.com
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Producer SCERA
Adam J. Robertson
President & CEO
Director
Rex Kocherhans
Music Director
Emily Duncan
Choreographer
Suzie Balser
Asst. Choreographers
Lily Kocherhans
Nathan Balser
Sydney Balser
Stage Manager
Braden Johnston
Scenic Designer
Michael Carrasco
Lighting Designer
Caleb Wallengren
Costume Designer Costume Shop Manager
Kelsey Seaver
Properties Designer
Prop Shop Manager
Opal Tolman
Sound Designer
Audio Engineer
Master Electrician
Chase Elison
Hair & Makeup
Designer
Rachael Lundberg
Dialect Coach
Markus Mann
Scene Shop Manager
Ethan Harrison
Carpenters
Ethan Harrison
Nick Wilson
Ej Lewis
Maxwell Warren
Ryan McGirr
Noah Ghent
Scenic Artists
Faith Sage
Blakely Creamer
Brynn Hartley
Sofia Schofield
Strike Crew
Noah Ghent
Brody Guinn
Stitchers
Kelsey Seaver
Deborah Bowman
Malena Call
Costume Shop Staff
Crysta Lamb
Malena Call
This project is supported by the Utah Division of Arts & Museums, with funding from the State of Utah and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
My House ................................................................................ Miss Honey, Escapologist
Scene 19: Classroom
Revolting Children ......................................................................................................... Kids
Scene 20: The Library
Priyatna Paznakomitsa ............................................................................................ Sergei
NOTE: There are strobe lights, fog and hazers in this production.
Director's Note
By Rex Kocherhans
Welcome to Matilda the Musical! This remarkable story celebrates the courage to stand up for what is right, no matter how small, young, or powerless you may feel. Throughout the show, Matilda reminds us that our size does not determine our strength and that one voice can make a difference. Her determination to challenge injustice and speak the truth inspires all of us to find our own courage when faced with difficult circumstances. In a world that often feels overwhelming, Matilda encourages us to believe that change begins when ordinary people refuse to accept what is wrong.
At the same time, this musical is a love letter to the power of books and imagination. For Matilda, stories are more than an escape— they are a source of hope, safety, wisdom, and possibility. Through the pages of her favorite books, she discovers new worlds and learns to imagine a better one for herself and those around her. I hope this production reminds us all of the transformative power of reading and storytelling to expand our horizons, nurture empathy, and inspire us to dream beyond our current circumstances.
Thank you for spending your evening with us tonight! We hope our production of Matilda makes you laugh, maybe cry a little, and leave you inspired to always stand up to the bullies in defense of what's right.
by Rachael Gibson
Photos
Cast & Staff Biographies
(in alphabetical order by last name)
EVELYNN ANDREWS
(Miss Agatha Trunchbull)
Evelynn is thrilled to be a part of Matilda at SCERA Shell! This is her third show with SCERA and her second on the Shell stage. She was most recently seen last year in The Hunchback of Notre Dame where she played Madame. She also has experience performing all over the country in theme parks, theaters and independent films. She is so excited to be back at the Shell! Evelynn would like to thank Rex and the entire production team for this incredible opportunity.
HANNAH BAILEY
(The Acrobat / Ensemble)
Hannah is so grateful for the opportunity to be in Matilda this summer! She graduated high school this spring and is so excited to be serving an LDS mission in Calgary Canada this November! She was part of Lone Peak Theater’s productions company through high school and trained in dance and theater at Utah COPA for eight years. She is excited to be performing with SCERA again after a five year break where she performed the same show on the same stage! Other previous shows include Six: The Musical (Anne Boleyn), Mamma Mia! (Lisa), Legally Blonde Jr. (Paulette) Newsies (Henry) The Thief and the Lady (Tillie) as well as the ensembles for Newsies, Hadestown, Matilda, Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz, and others. She is a competition dancer and has choreographed her last three solos. She is also choreographing A Tale of Two Cities with Dogood theater this summer. Aside from dancing and performing, Hannah loves hanging out with friends, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her crazy siblings. “Huge thank you to Rex and everyone who made this show possible as well as my amazing friends and family for always being there for me. Love you guys!!”
SUZIE BALSER
(Choreographer) Suzie is thrilled to be part of the SCERA family this summer! A BYU graduate with a BFA in Music Dance Theatre, Suzie has performed, taught, directed and choreographed around the US for the past 20 years. Recent choreography credits include My Fair Lady at Orem Hale Centre Theatre, The Wizard of Oz at Sundance Summer Theatre, and numerous productions throughout the region. Suzie is a proud owner of Utah COPA, where she serves as Artistic Director of Dance and teaches in the Music Dance Theatre (MDT) program. She is passionate about helping young performers grow in confidence, creativity, and artistry. Whether she is directing, choreographing, teaching, or performing, Suzie loves working in the performing arts where she can help students discover the joy, discipline, and magic of live performance. Thanks to her husband and her own set of maggots for their love and support.
ELI BEZZANT
(Rudolpho) Eli is so excited to step into the role of Rudolpho so quickly after his run in Frozen just last month! Eli is 17 and going into his senior year at Timpview High School. Some of his favorite roles include Sniper in Newsies at SCERA Shell, Dickon in The Secret Garden at PGHS, and Marius in Les Mis at ACT.
HAZEL BLISS
(Matilda Wormwood) This is Hazel's first time on the SCERA stage and only her second musical performance ever. She has always loved Matilda The Musical and has desired to play this role since she was little. Hazel is an accomplished violinist
and pianist at the age of 11 and recently developed a deep love for musical theater. When not diligently memorizing her lines, you can find her singing, reading, writing, and doing all types of art. She aspires to become a famous author and actress. Hazel would like to thank her director Rex Kocherhans for this amazing opportunity, for believing in her, and for helping her through this new and exciting journey. Thank you to her mom and dad for all their love and support. And just remember... "Even if you're little you can do a lot, you mustn't let a little thing like 'little' stop you!"
MICHAEL CARRASCO
(Scenic Designer) Michael’s career in theater has spanned over 40 years. For the last 25 years, he has been able to focus on his true passion—directing. Recent directing credits include Regalo Theater’s: A Gentleman‘s Guide to Love and Murder, Amadeus, White Christmas, and Shrek The Musical. His directing credits here at SCERA include: The Hunchback of Notre Dame; Catch Me If You Can, Newsies, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Music Man, Spamalot, and Nunsense. Some of his other previous directing credits include Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast, Singin’ in the Rain, Cats, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Jekyll and Hyde. Michael is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood, California. He and his wife Colleen have four children: Mitchell, McKenna, Savannah, and Sophia.
JOHNNY DEVEY
(Bruce) Johnny is a passionate performer who has appeared in numerous productions throughout the valley. This will be his second production with SCERA, the last being A Christmas Story Other credits include Seussical (Draper Historic Theater), A Christmas Carol (HCTO) and Youth Christmas Carol (HCTO). With a strong love for musical theatre, his favorite show to date has been Anastasia with TimpArts, a production that holds a special place in his heart. Johnny
is thrilled to continue growing as an artist and sharing stories on stage. He is proudly represented by TMG and just wrapped his first feature film. Johnny wants to thank his friends and family for their support!
EMILY DUNCAN
(Music Director) Emily earned her Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in vocal performance from Brigham Young University and her Masters of Music Education from Arizona State University. She’s performed in theaters all across Utah, including Hale Centre Theatre, HCTO, West Valley Performing Arts, SCERA, and Lehi Arts. She is the director of choral arts at Lehi High School and has taught for nearly a decade.
CHASE ELISON
(Lighting & Sound Manager) Chase has been involved in theatre since he was 11 in SCERA’s Oliver. At age 15, he began working at the Lehi Arts Center, and he currently serves as SCERA’s Sound and Lighting Manager, where he has designed lighting for many of SCERA’s Theatre for Young Audiences productions. “I dedicate my work to my grandparents Jerry & Barbara. They introduced me to theatre and music at a young age. My grandma taught me piano for many years, and I had the honor of working with my grandpa for several productions here at SCERA. Love and miss you guys, ‘Ya done good!’”
IAN EVANS
(Nigel) lan is thrilled to be back on the SCERA stage, and delighted to be performing in one of his dream shows! He was previously seen in Fiddler on the Roof (The Ruth) Big Fish (Kensington Theater), The Wizard of Oz (SCERA), A Christmas Story (SCERA), and The Magician's Elephant (HCT). When not on stage, lan can be found at Utah Conservatory
Cast & Staff Biographies
(in alphabetical order by last name)
of Performing Arts (Utah COPA) dancing and singing his heart out. He is grateful to all his teachers, friends, and family for supporting him and cheering him on.
ETHAN HARRISON
(Scene Shop Manager)
Ethan has been building sets and working backstage at SCERA since 2022, and has proudly worked on every single show since, including set designing Hadestown Teen Edition, The True Story of The 3 Little Pigs and A Peter Rabbit Tale at SCERA. He has always been inspired by the creativity of SCERA's sets, especially on the outdoor stage, so is excited to be building them himself. His love for set construction has been strengthened by his family who have all built many sets alongside him. He is grateful for his Pops and Mrs. Wygant for teaching him the craft as well as his SCERA tech family for their support and camaraderie!
"The real credit goes to my amazing staff! You guys all rock!"
BRYAN HARPER
(Mr. Wormwood) Bryan is excited to be back at SCERA performing alongside sons (Jack and Max) in this incredibly fun production of Matilda. SCERA is a favorite venue of Bryan's and he's loved being a part of many SCERA productions - including most recently as Bob in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical and Horace Vandergelder in last summer’s production of Hello Dolly! Other of Bryan’s recent credits around Utah include lead roles in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (HCT); The Wizard of Oz (SCERA); A Christmas Story The Musical (SCERA); Arsenic and Old Lace (Grand Theater Co.); Oliver! (HCTO); The Music Man (HCTO); The Sound of Music (Sundance); and A Christmas Carol (HCTO). When not
performing, Bryan enjoys traveling, golfing and generally any time he can get with his family. “Thanks for putting up with our crazy schedule, Wendy. We love you! And thanks to Rex, Emily, Suzie and Braden for trusting me with this role and for putting together a fantastic production.”
BRADEN JOHNSTON
(Stage Manager) ) Braden is a senior in the Theatre Education program at Utah Valley University. He was last seen on the SCERA stage performing in the Shell’s productions of Fiddler on the Roof and Singin’ in the Rain. Braden has worked in classrooms all over Utah as a teaching artist with BYU Young Company (creative drama), BYU Kinnect (creative dance), and as a BYU Arts Bridge Scholar. He recently assisted with Bonneville Elementary's production of Aladdin KIDS and the Tye Noorda Theatre Camp. Stage management credits: Wasatch Contemporary Dance Company, Humbug (FanX Studios). Recent acting credits: The Wizard of Oz (Sundance), Cinderella (The Ruth), Crazy for You (BYU), and Pinkalicious (Hale Orem). @braden.johnstn
REX KOCHERHANS
(Director) Rex is an actor, singer, director, music director, and artistic director with a passion for creating performing arts that challenge and inspire. Recent directing credits include School of Rock (SCERA) and Little Women (Lehi Arts). Music directing credits include Bright Star (SCERA), Daddy Long Legs (Lehi Arts), The Little Mermaid (SCERA Shell) and Beauty and the Beast (BYU Broadway Bootcamp). Favorite theater credits include Javert in Les Miserables (HCTO), Captain von Trapp in The Sound
of Music (HCTO), King Arthur in Camelot (HCTO), Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol (Hale Centre Theatre) and Reverend Shaw in Footloose (Hale Centre Theatre, West Valley Arts). He regularly performs in Scotland at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with American Performing Arts International. Rex is founder and Artistic Director of Consortium Men's Ensemble and Deseret Chamber Singers, chamber ensembles based in Salt Lake City. He has been a featured soloist with many leading arts organizations including the Tabernacle Choir, Salt Lake Choral Artists, Utah Baroque Ensemble, and BYU Singers. Rex is a founding member of the nationally renowned men's acapella quartet Reprise, which won the Gold Medal at the international collegiate barbershop competition and has shared the stage with the King’s Singers. He performed in Europe, West Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East with the BYU Singers, including concerts at the Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall. He has studied with Betty Jeane Chipman and Rebecca Wilberg, and his voice can be heard on numerous TV, video game, and film projects. Rex grew up performing on stages at the SCERA and is thrilled to be back directing at this place that feels like home!
LUCY LLEWELLYN
(Amanda) Lucy is thrilled to be making her debut on the SCERA stage in Matilda. She has previously been seen as Little Fan/Carol Cratchit in Christmas Carol (The Ruth), Young Anna in Frozen Jr (The Ruth), Young Fiona in Shrek the Musical (Spanish Fork Community Theater) and Little Elsa in Frozen Jr (Spanish Fork Youth Theater). In addition to theater, Lucy loves to sing, roller skate, read, jam out to Taylor Swift, play with friends, and create art. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this fun and magical show and to be surrounded by such talented people. She is also grateful for all the friends and family that have supported her in her dreams.
DIXIE MANN
(Mrs. Wormwood)
Dixie is absolutely thrilled to be back in the Matilda universe as Mrs. Wormwood, having previously had the absolute time of her life playing the formidable Agatha Trunchbull. When she isn’t channeling her inner villainess, she is a professional film director, producer, and actor who also writes original songs (streaming everywhere) and dabbles in stand-up comedy. Her other favorite stage credits include an ancestor in The Addams Family, making her a true veteran of delightfully eccentric characters. She sends a massive shout-out to her very handsome British husband for holding down the fort with their four lovely children while she prepared for this show. Dixie is incredibly grateful to the brilliant cast, crew, and directing team who have brought this exceptional production to life! “Each and every one of you is a miracle.”
JUNIPER MARTIN
(Lavender) Juniper has completely fallen in love with theater and truly feels at home on stage. She began performing in junior productions at The Ruth, appearing in Elf Jr. and Finding Nemo Jr., and has continued to grow through the SCERA community, playing Summer Hathaway in School of Rock. She is now excited to take the stage as Lavender in Matilda and is thrilled to be playing Annie in an upcoming junior production. She adores every part of the experience, from rehearsals and friendships to doing her own hair and makeup before each performance. Theater has become such a special place for her, and her SCERA community feels like a second family. If there's singing, dancing, acting, costumes, or a stage involved, Juniper is happiest right in the middle of it.
Cast & Staff Biographies
(in alphabetical order by last name)
LUANA PARKES
(Mrs. Phelps) Luana is delighted to be part of the cast of Matilda. Previous theater credits include A Christmas Carol (Octet) and Footloose (Lulu Warnicker) at Hale Center Theatre; Newsies (Medda Larkin), Urinetown (Little Becky Two-Shoes), and Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl) at Murray Amphitheater; and Father of the Bride (Delilah) at Parker Theatre. When she's not on stage, Luana enjoys baking, reading, and making memories with her family. She is grateful for her husband, Ben, and their three miracles—Elliott, Oliver, and Atticus—who keep life full of adventure, laughter, and love.
NATHANAEL SACKETT
(Doctor / Sergei / Ensemble)
Nathanael is thrilled to return to the Shell stage, joined this time by 2 of his 3 "miracle" children!
He is grateful to SCERA for providing wonderful experiences his family has been enjoying for years. Recent roles include Bundles/Howe in Annie, Sevo in The Dreamers of VolleVile, and Pilate in I Am Alive. His greatest gratitude and adoration is held for his loving wife Dayla for her enthusiastic and enduring support of his participation in artistic endeavors.
KELSEY SEAVER
(Costume Designer)
Kelsey has been involved with SCERA for the past 18 years in costumes and is currently the Costume Shop Manager. Some of her most recent SCERA designs are Frozen, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, A Peter Rabbit Tale, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, The Cat in the Hat, Bright Star and The Little Mermaid. She is so thankful for her family’s support. Much love to her three kiddos and awesome husband.
ANYA SULIMONI
(Miss Honey)
"What an incredible honor to be Miss Honey with this phenomenal cast and production team. Thank you for your extraordinary support in helping me live this dream! Payton, David, and Ethan you are the greatest joy and blessing in my life! Mom and Dad, thank you for being amazing facilitators of creativity and courage. Shiloah, Teej, Tasi , Lois, Gene, Jared and Kayla thank you for being my strength throughout this journey. My Joseph, thank you for being the grace in my life that keeps me going every day."
TYLER THOMPSON
(The Escapologist / Ensemble ) Tyler has been involved in over 30 theatrical productions and still can’t get enough. Some of his favorite roles include: Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Salt Lake), Caroler in A Christmas Carol (HCTO), and Bert in Mary Poppins (RAP). Tyler is slightly obsessed with writing musicals and has written five full musicals that have been produced on stage. His most recent musical, Too Many Voices, was presented at The Harrington Center in May. Tyler is a senior at BYU transferring to U of U to continue pursuing a degree in Theatre Arts Studies. He is incredibly grateful for this lovely cast and crew for making this such a wonderful experience.
OPAL TOLMAN
(Properties Designer) Opal is so excited to be returning as part of the SCERA Family! After having worked both behind the scenes and on stage in many of SCERA’s previous productions,
OPENS JULY 1Oth
A partnership with the James & Andrea Clarke Family will allow us to make continued improvements to SCERA Center for the Arts – the first was a complete repainting of the outside of our unique historic venue! The Clarke Grand Theatre is clean, comfortable and elegant – and with a giant 40' x 20' screen, 733 seats and incredible digital projection and sound – our presentation of your favorite feature films is the best around! And, with the best ticket and concession prices in town, we hope you'll support your local independent theatre, where proceeds go back into the community to support SCERA's charitable non-profit artistic mission!
Opal stepped into the role of props/scenic designer for several local theater companies, and truly fell in love with the artistry and storytelling of the design process. “SCERA has given me so much over the years, and I feel overwhelmingly grateful for the chance to give back in this new role. I'm excited to keep learning, support the amazing artists here, and to help bring our magical productions to life." Previous behind the scenes works include: Frozen The Musical, School of Rock: The Musical, Hadestown Teen Edition and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (SCERA), The Crucible (Props/Scenic Designer), Twelfth Night (Props/ Scenic/Costume Designer), Julius Caesar (Props/Scenic Designer).
CALEB WALLENGREN
(Lighting Designer) Caleb is THRILLED to be back designing another show with SCERA, including last summer’s Hello, Dolly! Other credits include: Matilda, The Fantasticks, Hello, Dolly!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Secret Garden, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Anastasia (Timp Arts), Finding
Nemo Jr., The Phantom of the Opera (The Ruth), Matilda, Hello, Dolly! (SCERA), Circle Mirror Transformation, Bright Star, Dogfight (Sentinel Theatre), The Revolutionists (Utah Valley University), Hadestown, Bandstand, Les Misérables (Do Good Theater). @calebwallengren.designs
SAM WILSON
(Michael Wormwood / Ensemble) Sam is excited to be in Matilda. Sam has just finished his last production at Timpview High School, where he played Gomez in The Addams Family. Some of his other past shows include Seussical (Wickersham Brother), Little Mermaid (Chef Lois), and Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Prince). Sam, now graduated, is super excited to take a big leap into community theater and to see where his acting career will take him. Sam would like to thank his family and friends who’ve always supported him, and to his past directors for pushing him to be the performer he is today.
