(Photo by Kiomie Pedrini)
The curtain came down on Good Hope Country Day School’s ENCORE summer theater program as students concluded a weekend run of “Roald Dahl’s Matilda Jr.” after five weeks of rehearsals and theatrical training.
Featuring a talented cast of students ages 8–16, this heartwarming musical tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, an exceptionally bright and courageous young girl who discovers that intelligence, kindness, and determination can change the world around her. Filled with unforgettable songs, larger-than-life characters, and plenty of humor, Matilda Jr. reminds audiences that even the smallest person can make the biggest difference.
More than a “summer camp,” ENCORE is, according to the program’s promotional materials, “designed to nurture the next generation of performers, storytellers, artists, and confident young leaders. Every rehearsal encourages students to take creative risks, celebrate one another’s successes, and discover the transformative power of the performing arts.”
During the immersive summer program, students were exposed to and experienced every aspect of creating a musical – from auditions and character development to choreography, vocal performance, technical theater, and live performance. Students worked alongside experienced theater professionals while developing confidence, creativity, collaboration, and leadership skills. The ENCORE program emphasizes that theater is far more than performance – “it is an opportunity for young people to discover their voices, support one another, solve problems creatively, and grow as individuals.”
This year’s production was made possible through the collaboration of an outstanding and committed creative team that included Producer Kiomie Pedrini, Show & Program Director Heather McRae, Musical Director Yoav Hayut, Technical Director Joseph Barnwell, Choreographer Maya Prasad (GHCDS Class of 2026), Costume Designer Carolyn Forno and Program Counselor Luca Forno D’Adamo (GHCDS Class of 2023).
“Heather created an environment where every student felt seen, encouraged, and challenged,” said Producer Kiomie Pedrini. “Watching these young performers discover what they’re capable of – both onstage and off – has been one of the greatest joys of this program.”
McRae believes that theater has a unique ability to help children grow in confidence. “One of my greatest joys is helping young performers discover courage they didn’t know they had,” McRae shared. “The story of Matilda reminds us that kindness, imagination, resilience, and believing in yourself can truly change lives. It has been inspiring to watch these students embrace that message throughout the summer.”
Like Matilda herself, the production’s press release explains, “the students of ENCORE learned that curiosity, perseverance, teamwork, and creativity can overcome even the biggest challenges. Through rehearsals filled with music, movement, laughter, and learning, they have formed friendships and memories that will last well beyond the final curtain.”
