Arts: Musical Unites Upper and Middle School Talent

FWCD’s spring musical, Matilda Jr., was a landmark production featuring both Upper School and Middle School students. The cast was a dynamic ensemble of 48 upper schoolers and 10 middle schoolers, including the debut of Mary Evans Bumstead ’27 in the title role of Matilda.

An adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, Matilda Jr., is about a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers. Despite facing neglectful parents and a tyrannical headmistress, Matilda’s sharp mind and kind heart help her to overcome challenges and change her own destiny.

Siouxsie Easter, Director of Upper School Theatre, shared her inspiration for involving the younger students in this year’s musical. “My classroom is right next door to the Middle School choir classroom, and every day, I hear such wonderful talent coming from that room,” she said. “Our team wanted to work with that talent and allow some of our middle schoolers a peek into the Upper School theatre program. It was so much fun working with these students that we are planning a future collaboration.”

FWCD’s 2024-25 stage performances promise more excitement. The fall play, The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong, is set for November 14-16, 2024, and the spring 2025 musical, SIX: Teen Edition, will run from February 20 through February 22, 2025.