Thank you for joining us to support the incredibly hard working and talented students of St. Clair College’s Music Theatre Performance Program. As a former post-secondary music theatre student myself, I can’t tell you what an incredible (and healing) experience it has been to come back to this setting, now as an experienced professional, to work with these amazing young performers. 

 

I’ve always been drawn to stories about the underdogs, the outcasts and those who don’t quite fit in and for me, Matilda is absolutely one of those stories. I personally didn’t grow up with this story but everyone I have talked to that has, holds it with a special reverence and after living in the world of it for the better part of the last year, I can understand why. Matilda’s story of being misunderstood, not fitting in and turning to imagination as a way of coping and keeping herself company until she discovers chosen family and community who accept and embrace her and her gifts is a story so many of us can relate to. 

 

In fact, I believe that very journey is what leads so many of us to the world of theatre where we get to leave ourselves and our lives behind to try on different characters and explore worlds other than our own with likeminded people who share our passion and creativity. Where we are no longer too much, but just enough and finally, maybe for the first time truly feel seen, heard and understood by the people around us.  

From the first day of rehearsal, I knew there was something very special about this particular group of students that we had assembled to tell this story. Their willingness to be so open, honest and vulnerable has been not only impressive but inspiring and the trust and support they have built with each other throughout this entire process has been magical. And if you have talked to any of these students about the show or our journey creating it, you will likely have heard the word magic used more than a few times.

 

That is because unlike most productions of Matilda where she develops telekinetic powers I wanted to explore the idea that instead of telekinetic powers what if Matilda had “magical” powers? What if she was actually clairvoyant and could connect with the spirit world?  What if instead of making up the stories she tells, she is actually channeling spirits who speak through her in an effort to help a loved one left behind? What if Matilda was a Witch.

Whether you’re into all of that  “woo woo stuff” or not, I invite you to join us on this magical journey where even if you’re little you can do a lot, it’s never too late to change your story and the ones you love are never truly gone. 

 

Massive thanks to Kristyn, Amy, Chris, Toni, Kelly, Wendy, Tanisha, the Squad, Kim, Jordan, Val, Jaden, Promys, Jeremy, Dave, the production crew, the incredible cast of students and of course you, the audience for supporting the arts.

Thank you for coming, enjoy the show. As above, so below. 

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Jennifer

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“Written images and words when combined with action and ritual have the power to influence the world.”

- Amy Miranda
Author of What We’ve Forgotten - An Interdimensional Adventure to Remember The Wonder Within.