MUSICAL NUMBERS
CAST
Eric - Stella Blue Miller
Tommy - Violet Friedl
Amanda - Caroline Henry
Bruce - Daggert Brister
Lavender - Emily Mzumara
Alice - Bebe Jennings
Hortensia - Phillipa Tolle
Nigel - Xavier Yasay
Little Kids
Everlyn Broderick and Emme Hickman
Mums
Jacqueline Donahue, Emerson Rose Duke, Liz Heil, Amara Joe-Nwankwo, Katherine Lowery, Ruth Michael, Estella Pike, Finley Rand, Jameson Reising, Elliette Vincent
Matilda - Annalee Rollins
Mr. Wormwood - Leo Millican
Mrs. Wormwood - Abby Scharf
Michael - Clara Elizabeth Lee
Mrs. Phelps - Maddie Luea
Escapologist - Leo Millican
Acrobat - Emerson Rose Duke
Cook - Liz Heil
Miss Honey - Avery Nute
Agatha Trunchbull - Chisom Joe-Nwankwo
Mechanic - Emme Hickman
Ruldolpho - Xavier Yasay
Sergei - Jacqueline Donahue
Big Kids
Jacqueline Donahue, Emerson Rose Duke, Liz Heil, Katherine Lowery, Ruth Michael, Estella Pike, Finley Rand
Big Kid 1 - Amara Joe-Nwankwo
Big Kid 2 - Jameson Reising
Big Kid 3 - Elliette Vincent Russians
Evelyn Broderick and Finley Rand
PRODUCTION TEAM AND CREW
Director - Crystal Kurek
Choreographer - Jasmine Dillon
Production Manager - Diane Meier
Stage Manager - Catherine Rose Martinez
Assistant Stage Manager - Mary Geist
Set Designer - George Downer
Set ConstructionRobert Stone and John Wall
Chalk Board Special Effect- Titus Kenningham
Set Painters
Matilda Bennett, Grace Buckner, Ivy Treybig
Props Masters
Ava Hernandez and Izzy Lambrou
Costume Designer - Crystal Kurek
Head of Tech and Lighting Designer - Saba Michael
Lighting Operator - Mary Margaret Krog
Spotlight Operator - Perpetua Bobos
Sound Operator - Ella Rollins
Production Crew
Colette Barkley, Kateri Burns, Alexis Falade, Mary Geist, Daphne Harrell, Ava Hernandez, Izzy Lambrou, Elaina Phillips, Eva Scaramuzza, Paisley Smith
Hair and Makeup Designer
Kateri Burns, Daphne Harrell, Eden Schroeder
Headshots - Amie Pike
Photography - Uchida Photography
Publicity and Program Design
Maria Marchetti and Amelia Strobel
Usherettes - SCA Theater Guild
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.
Orchestrations and Additional Music – Chris Nightingale
MEET THE CAST AND CREW
Colette Barkley (Production Crew) is a junior at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include A Wrinkle in Time (Charles Wallace), Annie (Molly), Alice in Wonderland (Mock Turtle), Beauty and the Beast (Chip), Our Town (Wally), This Murder was Staged (Sammy/Detective Drake Understudy), and backstage work, including run crew and spotlight. Her favorite book is The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson. She would like to thank her family, friends, Ms. Kurek, and the cast and crew of Matilda Jr.
Perpetua Bobos (Spotlight) is a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy. This is her first show running spotlight but other theatre credits include musicals at Overbrook School. She enjoys reading the Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene. She would like to thank her mom and dad for supporting her in Matilda. Thank you to Mrs. Kurek for being such a great director and granting her the permission to do spotlight. She’s also thankful to all of her friends who pushed her to be a part of Matilda.
Daggert Brister (Bruce) is a sixth grader at Overbrook Catholic School. Recent theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (Nicholas Ashworth). His favorite book is Hatchet by Gary Paulson. Special thanks to St. Cecilia!
Evelyn Broderick (Little Kid/Russian) is a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daugthers (Ashworth Daughter) as well as St. Henry’s production of The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin), and Nashville Theatre School’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Oompa Loompa).
Her favorite book is Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L Swanson. Thank you to Mrs. Kurek and Ms Dillon and her family for always supporting her and bringing her to practice.
Kateri Burns (Hair/Makeup) is a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy. This is her first show! Her favorite book is The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis. She would like to thank her mom.
Jacqueline Donahue (Sergei/Mum/ Big Kid) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s production of Too Many Daughers and the 24 hour musical. Her favorite book is I Will Always Write Back and Dolly Parton . Special thanks to Megan and Emerson Rose Duke!
Emerson Rose Duke (Acrobat/ Mum/Big Kid) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. She has been in numerous stage productions including Charlotte's Web, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Mean Jean the Recess Queen, Little Red Riding Hood, The Little Mermaid, Too Many Daughters, and has danced in six seasons of Nashville Ballet's Nashville's Nutcracker. Her favorite book is Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. She would like to give all glory to God and a special thanks to her parents, Mrs. Kurek, and her friends; Catherine Rose Martinez, Avery Nute, Jacqueline Donahue, and Annalee Rollins for supporting her in this musical theater journey!! She wishes good luck to all of her cast- and crew-mates... break a leg!
Alexis Falade (Spotlight Operator) is a Freshman at St. Cecilia who has played in The Three Musketeers as a Musketeer, The Little Mermaid as Scuttle, in Annie as Stella, and a performer in The Greatest Showman . She is excited to be a part of her second show at St. Cecilia.
Violet Friedl (Tommy) is a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (Felicity Ashworth) and a production of The Wizard of Oz (Jitterbug). Her favorite book is Heidi by Johanna Sypri. Thanks to Mom and Dad for supporting her. Thank you to Mrs. Kurek and Ms. Dillon!
Mary Geist (Production Crew) is a sophmore at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include Assistant Stage Manager for Beauty and the Beast and Stage Manager for Our Town, Hello Dolly, and This Murder Was Staged . She loves any Jane Austen book. Thanks to her family and friends for putting up with her shenanigans.
Daphne Harrell (Hair/Makeup) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. This is her first show! Her favorite book is No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai. She would like to thank her sister Gloria Harrell.
Liz Heil (Cook/Mum/Big Kid) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (Ensemble), How to Make a Sandwich with Time Machine (Mandy), The Giver (Fiona), Madagascar (Lemur Lee), 101 Dalmatians (Boxer Dog, Dogcatcher), The Little Mermaid (Pirate, Sea Creature) Finding Nemo (Jellyfish, Tad's Parent), Frozen (Guard, Butterfly), Seussical, Kids (A Who, Fish), Descendants (Ensemble), A Hill of Magic Beans (Rumpelstiltskin, Billy Goat), Matilda (Big Kid), James and the Giant Peach (Matron Nurse). Her favorite book is Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. She would to thank her sister Ann for being a great listener, her sister Gabby
for being the life of the party, her dad for always making her laugh, her mom for giving great advice, and her dog for all the cuddles.
Caroline Henry (Amanda) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Recent theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (Imogene Ashworth) and Beauty & the Beast (Napkin, Wolf), Nashville Repertory Theatre's 2023 & 2024 A Christmas Carol (Alice Cratchit, Ensemble), Akiva School’s Into the Woods (Witch), and The Wizard of Oz (Lion). Her favorite book is Powerless by Lauren Roberts. Thank you to her family for supporting her in the arts! And thank you to Mrs. Kurek and Miss Dillon for putting on an amazing show!
Ava Hernandez (Props Master) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include the junior high St. Cecilia play and live Stations of the Cross. Her favorite book is I Will Always Write Back . Special thanks to her friends, her mom, and her sister.
Emme Hickman (Mechanic/Little Kid) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (daughter) and Beauty and the Beast (Knife). Her favorite book is The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. She would like to thank her family, especially her
mom for always supporting her in dance and theater, and also for the cast and crew of this amazing show for being so welcoming and kind.
Bebe Jennings (Alice) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include Nashville Theater School’s productions of Beauty and the Beast (Chip), Annie (Tessie), and Seussical (Jojo), Theater Bug’s Sarah and the Secret of the Cellar (Dora), and The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off (Julianna) for KOTA in NYC Times Square. Her favorite book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Special thanks to her family and friends for all of their encouragement and love. Always grateful for Erin Pearson, Bridget Berger and Moe Loughlin for their expertise, training and for helping her to find her voice.
Amara Joe-Nwankwo (Big Kid 1/ Mum) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include a skit at Overbrook’s musical and St. Cecilia Academy’s production Too Many Daughters (Gwendolyn) and Beauty and the Beast (Villager). Her favorite book is The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. She would like to thank her family, friends, and her director.
Chisom Joe-Nwankwo (Agatha Trunchbull) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include the “Cowardly Lion” in a musical skit as well as St. Cecilia Academy’s production of Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble/Narrator Understudy) and Too Many Daughters (The Dowager Countess). Her favorite book is The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. She would like to thank her family, her closests friends, Mrs. Diane Meier, Mrs. Crystal Kurek and others.
Mary Margaret Krog (Lighting Assistant) is a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Ceclia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (Lighting Operator), Chicken Little (Foxy Loxy), and How to Make a Sandwich (Aralu the Inventor of Bread/Earl of Sandwich). Her favorite book is The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. She would like to thank Mrs. Kurek and her mom.
Izzy Lambrou (Props Master) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. This is her very first show! Her favorite book is The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Thanks to her parents and friends for their support. Thanks to the cast and crew for making this a great first experience.
Clara Elizabeth Lee (Michael Wormwood) is a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include Chicken Little (Chicken Little), St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (Servant), and How to Make a Sandwich in 20 easy steps when all you have is a time machine. Her favorite book is Harry Potter and her favorite author is C.S. Lewis. Special thanks to Mom and Dad.
Katherine Lowery (Mum/Big Kid) is a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (Daughter) and The Wizard of Oz (Ozian). Her favorite book is Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. She would like to thank her Mom, dad, grandparents, friends, and Elliette.
Maddie Luea (Mrs. Phelps) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Beauty and the Beast (Laundry Lady), The Little Mermaid (Fluke), and Too Many Daughters (Ensemble). Her favorite book is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Thank you to her mom and her dad, thank you to the whole cast and crew, and to our great director Ms. Kurek.
Catherine Rose Martinez (Stage Manager) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. This is her second time as stage manager. Other theatre credits include stage managing St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters, Beauty and the Beast (Wolf/Knife), and performing in various musicals since first grade. Her favorite book is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. Special thanks to her mom for picking her up always and to Mary, her inspiration for being a stage manager.
Ruth Michael (Big Kid/Mum) is a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy. This is her first show! Her favorite book is Scythe by Neal Shusterman. Thank you to her mom, Saba, dad, friends, and family members.
Saba Michael (Lighting Designer) is a senior at St. Cecilia Academy. Past theatre credits include Lighting Designer for This Murder Was Staged, Hello Dolly, Our Town, and Beauty and the Beast. Her favorite book is Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. Special thanks to Mrs. Kurek, Ruth (my sister), the talented junior high for having her.
Stella Blue Miller (Eric) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ( Willy Wonka). Her favorite book is Dead Poets Society by Nancy H. Kleinbaum. Thank you to her Mama, Poppy and Kaki, Izzy and her voice teacher Miss Marley. Thank you also to her dad, stepmom and baby brothers.
Leo Millican (Mr. Wormwood/ Escapologist) is an eighth grader at St. Henry School. Other theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Beauty and the Beast (Young Prince/ Candlemaker), stagehand for Annie and Alice in Wonderful , Too Many Daughters (Cecil Thorburn), and St. Henry’s The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric). His favorite book is My favorite book is 96 Miles by J.L. Esplin. He would like to thank his sister because she fist got him into theater when she asked him to be stage crew in Annie.
Emily Mzumara (Lavender) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Past theatre experiences St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (Ashworth Daughter). Her favorite book is The Outsiders . Special thanks to Ms Dillon, her sister Sekile, Mom and Dad, her sister Tawonga, Juliette Conklin, Abby S, Caroline H, Stella M and Emme H.
Avery Nute (Miss Honey) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Ann’s production of Beauty and the Beast, Jr. (Belle), St. Cecilia Academy’s Beauty and the Beast (Madam de la Grande Bouche), Shrek, Jr. (Teen Fiona), and Aladdin, Jr. (Ensemble/Dancer). Her favorite book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. She would like to thank her family, Mrs. Kurek, Emerson Rose Duke, and Jacqueline Donuhue.
Estella Pike (Mum/Big Kid) is a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include The Wizard of Oz (Tinman). Her favorite book is Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt. Thank you to her family and her best friends for cheering her on at every step.
Finley Rand (Russian/Big Kid/Mum) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s 24 Hr Musical, The Little Mermaid (Chub). Little Women is her favorite book and Jennifer Lynn Barnes is her favorite author. She would like to thank her cousin for encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone and the whole cast for welcoming her as a new theater kid.
Jameson Reising (Big Kid 2/Mum) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (Florence Ashworth), 24-Hour Musical, The Little Mermaid (Seagull/Beggar/Princess 1), and a production of Aladdin, Jr. ( Agraghban) Her favorite book is Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messanger. She would like to thank her family, her friends, and Ms. Nute
Annalee Rollins (Matilda Wormwood) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (Cordelia Ashworth) and another production of Matilda, Jr. (Acrobat). Some of her favorite books are The Hunger Games, The Keeper of the Lost Cities series, and the Harry Potter series. Special thanks to Emro, her hype girl, Ella and Claire, and all her past and current drama teachers.
Ella Rollins (Sound Operator) is a senior this year, and wrapping up her fifth year of theater. Her favorite productions she’s acted in are Newsies , Footloose , and This Murder Was Staged . The support of her sisters and all her friends at SCA have been hugely appreciated throughout her senior year, as well as the support of her parents and grandparents. An extra special thank you for Mrs Meier, too, for being so welcoming and kind throughout her theater journey the past few years!
Eva Scaramuzza (Stage Manager) has helped with tech for three plays. She is so excited for this production and wishes to thank her parents and friends.
Abigail Scharf (Mrs. Wormwood) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Beauty and the Beast (Monsieur D’Arque/Candlestick). Her favorite book is Kei Urana . She wishes to thank her mom and dad.
Eden Schroeder (Hair/Makeup) Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Henry’s production of The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin), and Nashville Theatre School’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Oompa Loompa).
She especially enjoyed all the fun outfits and learning about the way they spoke in this Jane Austen production. She would like to thank her family and is excited for her first SCA show!
Paisley Smith (Production Crew) is a ninth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include The Little Prince (Ensemble), Annie, Jr. (Pepper), Seussical, Jr. (Cat in the Hat), and St. Cecilia Academy’s Hello Dolly (Policman) and This Murder Was Staged (Linus/Jeffrey Newland). Her favorite book is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. She would like to thank Mrs. Kurek for helping her unlock her potential during 8th grade and Mrs. Meier for allowing her to take on bigger roles!
Phillipa Tolle (Hortensia) is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Recent theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (Henrietta Ashworth), the junior high Life of Saint Cecilia play (Valerian), Junie B. Jones the Musical, Jr. (Lucille), Bugsy Malone the Musical, Jr. (Waitress/Opera Singer/Down and Out), A Love for Three Oranges (Strolling Player/Grotesque/ Court Member), and Seussical the Musical (Vlad Vladikoff). Her favorite books are Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. She wants to thank her mother and father for driving her to and from practices everyday, and supporting her throughout this entire process. She also wants to thank her Uncle Charlie, Aunt Andrea, and cousins Penelope, Julianne, Bekah, and Evie for coming to almost all of her shows, and being the best cheerleaders.
Elliette Vincent (Big Kid 3/Mum) is a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughter s (Servant) and The Wizard of Oz (Ozian). Her favorite book is The Outsiders by S.E Hinton She would like to thank her dad and the Fritz’s.
Xavier Yasay (Nigel/Rudolpho) is an eighth grader at St. Ann School. Recent theatre credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Too Many Daughters (Alastair Balckwood/Peter Billingsby) as well as St. Ann’s productions of The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Sebastian), Beauty and the Beast, Jr. (Cogsworth), Shrek, Jr. (Pinocchio), and Aladdin, Jr. (Sultan). His favorite book is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling. He would like to thank Mrs. Nute for inviting him to perform; his godparents for driving him to rehearsals; and, of course, his mom and dad for their support.
SCA GRAMS
TO DAGGERT BRISTER:
Daggert, we are so proud of you! Just like Bruce with that chocolate cake, you tackle everything with heart and determination. Your talent and hard work shine on that stage. Never stop being brave, bold, and uniquely YOU!
Mom and Dad
Daggert, you’re the best brother AND the best Bruce! I’m so proud of you up on that stage. Break a leg — and enjoy every bite of that chocolate cake!
Love, Lovely
TO EVELYN BRODERICK:
Evelyn, good luck! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see you perform. Glorify God in all you do in the arts and break a leg!
Love, Dad, Mom, Hannah, Alden, and Rose
TO EMERSON ROSE DUKE:
Emerson Rose, we are SO very excited for you and beyond proud of your effort and commitment! You are loved beyond measure. All glory to GOD for His goodness.
Love, Mom and Dad
TO VIOLET FRIEDL:
Hi Violet! We are so proud of all your hard work on this show. You are a joy to watch on the stage!
Love, Mom, Dad, Spencer, and Ollie
TO LIZ HEIL:
Liz, you continue to amaze us as you grow and build your skills. We are so proud of you and can't wait to see what you do next! Psalm 139:14
Love, Mom, Dad, Ann, Liz & Gabby
TO KATHERINE LOWERY AND ELLIETTE VINCENT:
Katherine and Elliette, we are so proud of you!
Love you, Amanda, Walter, Mimi and Peepaw
TO MADDIE LUEA:
We are so proud of you, Maddie! We love you!
TO AVERY NUTE:
Avery, we are so very proud of all you have accomplished at SCA! You have always been a star in our eyes, and we love watching you shine on stage! Keep being the light of Christ for others and continue to use the gifts and talents God has given you to glorify Him.
Love, Mom, Dad, Connor, and Parker
TO JAMESON REISING:
Jameson! We are so proud of you! Excited to see your performances. BRAVO!!!
xoxo, Dad, Mom, Urban & Masley
TO ANNALEE ROLLINS:
Annie! We are so incredibly proud of you and all the hard work you’ve put into Matilda. We can’t wait to see you shine on stage! We love you very much and will be cheering you on!
Love, Dad, Mom, Ella, Claire, and your whole family
TO
ABBY SCHARF:
Abby - We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see you shine on stage! Break a leg! We know you will shine like the star you are!
TO PHILLIPA TOLLE:
Phillipa, Watching you follow your dreams brings us so much joy. We are so proud of your kindness, creativity, and how willing you are to help others. You always work hard and you are capable of great things. We love you so much!
Dad, Mom and Nelly
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
“Sometimes Matilda longed for a friend, someone like the kind, courageous people in her books”...... My first experience of Matilda was the 1996 film. Years later, I heard about the musical version that was taking the theater world by storm, but it wasn’t until I got the chance to be in a production and read Roald Dahl’s original book that I came to love the story. It is a story of the magic of books and reading, a story of courage and resilience in the face of cruelty, and ultimately, a story of the power of kindness and helping others.
This is the first time the musical Matilda has ever been performed at St. Cecilia Academy, and I can’t think of a better set of junior high students to bring this story to life! Each one of them is so uniquely talented, and they have come to this show with a joyful sense of enthusiasam, passion, and fun. I’m so proud of them and so grateful to them for all their hard work and dedication.
A special thank you to all our wonderful volunteers- George, Robert, and John for the beautiful set, Titus for working his chalk board magic, our amazing set painters Ivy, Grace, and Matilda who painted our incredible book arches and blocks, our talented SCA junior and high school crew for giving of their time selflessly, our wonderful parents who helped backstage including Erica Brister and Emily Rollins for lifting the scrim up and down, and to all the parents for their help and dedication. Thank you also to Erica Nute, Diane Meier, and Sister Josemaria for all your help, support, and leadership. Enjoy SCA’s first ever Junior High musical, “And don’t worry about the bits you can’t understand. Sit back and allow the words to wash around you, like music.” (Matilda, by Roald Dahl)
Sincerely,
Crystal Kurek
