Lamp Post Creative Learning Center to present Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda the Musical’

Cast members of Lamp Post’s upcoming rendition of “Matilda the Musical” rehearse before the first show date. Marla Sitton, who plays Miss Trunchbull, holds the pigtail of Emberlynn Molina, who plays Amanda, one of Matilda’s classmates. (Troy Yoder/Courtesy photo)
This will be the learning center’s first full-length musical

The Lamp Post Creative Learning Center will present “Matilda the Musical” this month, marking its first full-length musical at its U.S. Highway 160 location. Tickets are now on sale.

The Tony Award-winning show is based on Dahl’s children’s book “Matilda.“ The story follows Matilda (Maren Palmer), a gifted girl with telekinetic powers who stands up to her neglectful parents (Jolian Brickey and Amanda Dreier) and her school’s headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Marla Sitton), with help from her teacher, Miss Honey (Tianne Nielson).

Performances are set for 7 p.m. Feb. 13, 14, 19, 21, 26, 27 and 28, with matinees at 2 p.m. Feb. 14 and 21. All shows will take place at Lamp Post, 32171 U.S. Highway 160 in Cortez.

“We are excited to see a large-scale musical on the stage at Lamp Post and to make the greater community aware of what we're doing,” co-founder Nicholaus Sandner told The Journal.

Tickets cost $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and are free for children younger than 5. They can be purchased at www.lamppostclc.org. Seating is limited.

If you go

What: “Matilda the Musical”

When: Feb. 13, 14, 19, 21, 26, 27 and 28 at 7 p.m.

Matinees at 2 p.m. Feb. 14 and 21.

Where: Lamp Post, 32171 U.S. Highway 160 in Cortez.

Tickets: $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and are free for children younger than 5. They can be purchased at www.lamppostclc.org. Seating is limited.

The production includes about 85 participants, among them 60 actors, nine technicians and a 15-member pit orchestra directed by co-founder Corinne Sandner.

Auditions were held in early November, and rehearsals began the following week. Cast and crew members typically rehearsed four days a week for about two hours at a time, though the holiday season made scheduling challenging.

The cast and crew have been preparing for the show since November. (Troy Yoder/Courtesy photo)

Because of the small space, sets were simplified, extra performance dates were added and offstage areas were reorganized to accommodate many young performers.

“The people who are involved in the show are incredible – so much talent! Our kids are amazing singers and dancers, and the adults are really bringing a high level of professionalism to the show,” Nicholaus Sandner said.

The Sandners’ daughter, Lily, handled choreography and served as stage manager.

This is Lamp Post’s first production since its October staging of “Arsenic and Old Lace.”