Have you ever read Roald Dahl’s story “Matilda”? Saguaro City Music Theatre is bringing Matilda to life this holiday season Dec. 22 to Jan. 7. I got to interview Miriam Howell, who is playing the title role of Matilda. She is a Tucson native and is part of a theater family. I feel lucky to be a cast member of Matilda, too!
“Matilda: The Musical” is a show about a 5-year-old girl who loves reading books and has an extraordinary imagination. Even though Matilda’s mom and dad don’t like her, she keeps her heart strong to do anything that she wants. At school the headmistress, Ms. Trunchbull, hates Matilda and her classmates.
“Matilda: The Musical” has many memorable songs, including “Miracle,” “When I Grow Up” and “Revolting Children.” Miriam says “Revolting Children” is her favorite song because it is energy packed and everyone gets to be in it. “Revolting Children” is the grand finale in the show; it is the most remarkable moment when the children take on the Trunchbull. Both Miriam and I are very excited about this song and we just can’t wait to sing it in the real show!
During the interview, Miriam and I tried to compare the school in the show and our actual schools. In the musical “There is a lot more tension and it is much more serious and strict,’’ Miriam says. I totally agree with her. Based on the book, Ms. Trunchbull does seem quite zero tolerance with children making mistakes. She hates little children and calls them “maggots.” She even bullies them. But in our real schools, grown ups don’t treat the students that way; they tell us it is okay to make mistakes and they are always there to help. Teachers encourage us to try our best, like Miss Honey in the show!
Miriam said although Matilda is her dream role, she can do any of the parts as long as she gets to sing and dance in the show. Miriam shared with me that she started performing at age 2 in “Elf Jr.” She played Lulu in the Tucson performances of the national tour of “Waitress” when she was 4. She is a young actor with a lot of experience.
Have you ever felt a lot of emotions at the same time? I felt that way when I got the lead role, Jojo, in “Seussical: The Musical.” So I asked Miriam what she felt like when she knew she got the part of Matilda. “I felt nervous, excited and anxious all at the same time,” Miriam explained. “I knew it would be a lot of hard work.” I bet Miriam must be practicing the songs and the lines with her British accent a lot recently!
At the end of the interview, Miriam and I talked about Saguaro City Music Theatre and how we both feel so appreciated. “What is your favorite thing about Saguaro City?” I asked Miriam. “I love to see all people on the stage performing; it’s so amazing,” she said. That’s true! At Saguaro City, especially in their Studio Arts program, every kid can have the chance to sing and act on the stage and it is even tuition-free! Saguaro City Music Theatre is not just a normal theater, it is an inclusive one, with children of all abilities.
In rehearsals, we are practicing with a cast of local professional adult actors; we also sing and dance with an ensemble of kids and teens. If you and your family are fans of “Matilda,” please come to the Berger Performing Arts Center for the show! For information, visit www.saguarocity.org.
