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Mesa, EV kids prepare ‘Matilda’ for live audiences
GETOUT STAFF
It’s not often that “revolting” children get a standing ovation – but that’s exactly what will happen this week when nearly 40 Mesa and other East Valley kids and teens charge the stage in “Matilda the Musical.”
The Tony Award-winning show that has captivated audiences of all ages worldwide will be present by Gilbert’s Actor’s Youth Theatre at the Zao Theatre, 550 S. Ironwood Drive, Apache Junction. The show will run June 10-26 at 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays.
“Matilda” tells the story of a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the lovable Miss Honey. Over the course of her �irst term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey develop a powerful bond, but school life isn’t completely smooth sailing: headmistress Miss Trunchbull hates children and loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules.
“I fell in love with this show when I saw it on Broadway and was so excited at the idea of being a part of it,” said Iris VanSlyke, a Mesa 12-year-old who plays Alice. “There are lots of happy moments and some sad moments. I love the moments where Matilda �inds her con�idence and the rest of the class joins her.”
And while the story does have sad moments, Matilda proves triumphant in the end.
“I think Matilda is a role model because it’s really important to stand up for what you believe in and to stand up for other people,” added 11-year-old Belle Elle of Mesa, who plays the title role.
It’s a theme that director and Mesa resident Lucy Garner hopes to drive home.
“I think the relevance of ‘Matilda’ in today’s society is especially poignant,” said Garner. “My goal is for the audience to feel the opposition between good vs. evil, acRehearsing for their roles as school kids in “Matilda” are, from left: Sadie Holdeman of Mesa, Lexi Tidwell of Gilbert and Colin Quintana of Mesa. (Zac BonDurant/GetOut Contributor)
ceptance vs. rejection, youth vs. age, and intelligence vs. ignorance.
“Through the eyes of a gifted and spunky 5-year-old, we learn that with a little moral courage, good can triumph over evil, and we can be the authors of our own life stories.”
“Matilda” delivers these lessons through high-energy dance numbers and more than a dozen songs including beloved favorites like “Revolting Children,” “When I Grow Up” and “Quiet.”
Along with the life lessons is a healthy dose of fun – and this is especially true in the set design, which came together over the course of six weeks and hundreds of production hours.
“The show is written from the perspective of the children, so a lot of the elements are larger than life,” said Stephen Hohendorf, artistic director of Actor’s Youth Theatre.
“Matilda’s world consists of oversized books that seamlessly open and close to reveal different settings. The entire proscenium is covered in Scrabble tiles that look like they’re falling right out of the bag.”
“It was imperative that we found actors who could bring these over-the-top characters to life, and we’ve done just that,” said Hohendorf.
“It’s so joyful to see them having so much fun up on that stage.”
Bella Elle, 12, who plays the title role, said, “I have to speak Russian in my last scene. I don’t speak Russian, but my dad does. With his help, I’m pretty sure I can fake it.”
The kids are thrilled to be back on stage after a long hiatus, which, for many, put an abrupt stop to the thing they loved most.
“I had been going through some rough stuff with friends and school and I felt alone and sad, but when rehearsals started, I was back to my regular self in days. I’m so excited to be back with my friends and cannot wait for the performance,” said Saniya Sapakie, 12.
“I love being back with my people,” said 11-year-old Savannah Springer of Mesa, It’s been a hard year and I’ve really missed being with kids who are just like me. I’m so happy that theater is back.”
Added Iris: “I’ve really enjoyed being able to socialize again with kids that share my passions.”
“This show has been such a fast re-
Upbeat ‘Heights’ recalls old Hollywood �licks
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
GetOut Editor
In the Heights” stars Olga Merediz and Jimmy Smits say their musical masterpiece is the perfect anecdote to a rough 18 months.
“It’s balanced with emotional and deep moments, but there’s a lot of happiness and joy,” said Merediz, who plays the matriarch Abuela Claudia.
“The musical numbers are just right. The music cuts right through to you and Jon Chu has done an amazing, amazing job with his incredible visuals. I think people are really going to resonate with the characters and I think people are really going to enjoy it.”
With a wide smile, Smits said, “ditto,” but takes it a step further.
“We’ve also had to reckon with a lot of social issues in the past year and a half,” said Smits, who plays Kevin Rosario, a father who butts heads with his ambitious daughter. “We’re hoping that this �ilm provides joy. Musicals tend to be uplifting and inspirational, but the universal themes resonate very strongly. I think this �ilm is something all audiences will be able to grasp.”
Set to hit screens on Friday, June 11, “In
MATILDA ���� ���� 24
hearsal process, and even within the short amount of time, I’ve learned so much and created many new friendships,” said Mesa’s Lily Nelson, 14, who plays Miss Honey.
“Matilda” has won 99 international awards – including 24 for Best Musical.
“Matilda teaches people to stand up for themselves and never give up,” added 14-year-old Lily Nelson from Mesa.
Mesa residents in the cast include Lindsay French, Brenna Glenn, Alex Hinkle, Sadie Holdeman, Bella Elle, Kendall Morgan, Carter Neef, Lily Nelson, Noelle Parent, Colin Quintana, Savannah Springer, Zach Thompson and Iris VanSlyke.
Mesa residents helping director Lucy Garner include Music Director Michael Snyder and stage Manager Stephanie Coffelt.
Tickets are $20 in advance/$22 day-of and are available at aytaz.org/tickets or by calling 480-907-7050. Group discounts are available. Performances are expected to sell out quickly. An energetic and talented cast powers the upcoming fi lm musical “In the Heights.” (Special
to GetOut)
the Heights” fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music and lyrics with director Chu’s lively eye for storytelling. Chu also directed 2018’s “Crazy Rich Asians.” The �ilm takes viewers to the streets of Washington Heights, where the scent of
Bella Elle, 12, of Mesa, who plays the title role in “Matilda the Musical” rehearses a number with Caleb Dupree in the background. (Zac Cafecito caliente hangs in the air outside of the 181st Street subway stop. Led by bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos, “A Star is Born”), the tight-knit, multicultural community shares its dreams and wishes with each other — in the hopes of paving a way out, while maintaining its ties to Washington Heights.
“I hope people recognize themselves and see themselves and feel proud,” Merediz said.
Smith adds viewers mustn’t live in Washington Heights to feel for the characters.
“I’m sure you had your nanas, your grandmothers and that,” he said. “The city might be different, and the cultural speci�icity might be a little different, but the feelings of community and family, and how the generation who comes here from another place has expectations for their (children and grandchildren) are all the same.
“Those are universal things.”
Merediz starred as Abuela Claudia on the stage version of “In the Heights.” She’s excited to spread her character’s word among the mass of movie lovers.
Opens Friday, June 11, in theaters and HBO Max
“I wanted to give Claudia the platform she deserves,” said Merediz, referring to her character’s age. “She’s a character who is overlooked in our society. It’s just such a youth-oriented society. It gives me such pleasure to give her that platform.”
She explains she enjoyed translating the stage version for �ilm, although it was a little challenging.
“The difference is, on stage, you’re delivering to the last row and you’re doing things chronologically. In a �ilm, everything is very internal, and you shoot out of sequence. That is a challenge for an actor to keep your place, to where you are to keep that �low and that intensity of the moment in the song. It was de�initely challenging, but I was up for the challenge. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
“In the Heights” will be available in cinemas and on HBO Max. Smits and Merediz say, although it’s available to watch at home, “In the Heights” is worthy of a trip to the movie theater. “The �ilm has to be seen in the cinema,” Merediz said. “These huge numbers are epic, and they need the biggest screen you have. I know in the past year we were in lockdown. We didn’t have a choice.
“I think it’s a good idea to have the option to see it in the movies and also at home, if you don’t have the ability to go to the cinema. I hope people see it in the theater.”
The singing and dancing numbers can translate to a cellphone or computer, but Smits agrees — go to the cinema.
“Jon’s chosen to give these visual �lourishes to old Hollywood,” he adds. “It takes your breath away. He really did such a great job. I hope we bring richness, light and happiness to their (cinema-goers’) lives. After the horrible year that we’ve had, people are ready for a �ilm like this.”
