Northern Bedford High School's 'Matilda' Show Wows Audience

A local school production showed that talent can come from any walk of life, no matter age or region.

Northern Bedford County High School put on Matilda as the 2024 musical, featuring over 50 students and many special effects to big crowds every night.

The show ran from Thursday, March 14 through Sunday, March 17, with the final date being an afternoon performance. This was so that more people had the opportunity to come and watch.

The students made the stage come alive using the original West End script and music. To keep things moving, a live orchestra made up of professional musicians and local teachers played.

Matilda is based on the classic children’s novel by Roald Dahl, which tells the story of an extraordinary young girl who tells vibrant stories and has telekinesis. It focuses on her life as she faces issues such as a dysfunctional family and a tyrannical headmistress.

The actors went all-out for the show, even taking on the British accents of the original musical and the setting of the book.

Though a high school production, Matilda also featured middle school students to help portray some of the younger characters.

To capture the audience’s attention, the show even included scents during pivotal scenes. When one student was forced to eat an entire chocolate cake, the smell of the baked goods wafted through the air.

As musical director Brett Keith explained, the show was meant to be a memorable experience for everyone involved, whether as a cast member or a part of the audience.

“Matilda is a very special show,” he said. “It far exceeded our expectations in production, performance, and what our students were able to accomplish. “

Addison Reasy acted as Miss Honey in the show. She said, along with being able to perform, there were a lot of benefits that came from joining a musical.

“You really get to bond with the others because you see each other every day,” she said. “It has been so much fun to put all of this together.”

Attendees of the performances included staff of NBCMS, such as seventh-grade aide, Abby Reininger.

“I get to see a lot of these students every day and they were so excited to invite us all to come,” she said. “I’m always more than happy to support what the students do.”

Commenting on their talent, she said she was amazed by what they could do.

“A lot of the ones who are usually quiet or withdrawn were up on stage and giving it their all,” she said. “I’m really proud of them.”

Parents of some of the actors showed just as much pride as they watched the show take place. Wendy Clevenger’s daughter Jackie played Mrs. Wormwood.

“She’s been acting in shows since she was younger, and has even done work with Cove Community Theater,” she said. “It is something she loves to do, and I can never get over her abilities.”

Another mother at the show was Jean Barry, whose children Elizabeth and Adam portrayed Agatha Trunchbull and The Escapologist, respectively.

“They truly amazing me every day,” she said. “I cannot get over their talent.”

In fact, her brother’s acting is what inspired Elizabeth to start performing. She has been in shows for the past two years.

“After seeing him act, I decided to do it myself,” she said. “It has been a ton of fun to be a part of the cast. It’s always something I wanted to do.”

As a senior, this is her last year being part of the school’s performances. Though she is not sure if she will act more in college, she is always open to the possibility.

For middle school student Kaylee Barton, this is just the beginning.

“I want to do more not only because it is fun, but because it is a great way to support the school,” Barton, who acted as one of the younger students, said.

While NBCHS may be a small school, Keith said that they had a lot to offer and that Matilda was able to show that to others. One audience member even told him that they were “blown away” by the effects.

“This was a compliment, to know that a school population doesn’t indicate a quality production, it is the heart and effort behind it,” he said. “I’m very proud of our school. With hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything.”

He said he is excited to see what is in store for future musical endeavors at the school. By next month, he will know what students will perform for the 2025 year so that auditions can start in the fall.