Digital Program: Matilda
The Footlight Club Presents
Roald Dahl’s matilda the musical
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Matilda was first commissioned and produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and
premiered at The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, England on 9 November 2010. It
transferred to the Cambridge Theatre in the West End of London on 25 October 2011 and
received its US premiere at the Shubert Theatre, Broadway, USA on 4 March 2013.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited
Eliot Hall, 7A Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Information: 617-524-3200
The Footlight Club is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, a program of the state of Massachusetts administered through a collaborative arrangement between MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The Footlight Club is also supported in part by a grant from the Boston Cultural Council, a local agency which is funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, administered by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism and Special Events.
Our newly accessible Eliot Hall, completed in February 2021, is supported by grants from
the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund, the Community Preservation Fund, and the George B. Henderson Foundation.
Director’s Note
Dear audience member,
Directing Matilda has been a dream for years, but I didn’t expect the opportunity to present itself so early in my life. So when the theatre I had just joined said they were looking for a director, I couldn’t resist putting my name in the hat. After a month and a half of waiting and interviewing, I was told that the directing job was mine if I wanted it, and I sobbed as if some tragedy had occurred out of sheer joy.
I had a million and one ideas, most of which are not feasible for a first-time musical director. What stayed, though, is my love for this show and the connection I wanted everyone to feel for their character and the story at large. I hope I can return to this show one day, maybe even a few times, adding years of experience each time to see how I have grown and how I now experience the story.
Even if you’re little, you can do a lot! Though a children’s musical, this message is universal; it’s easy to feel small when the world is so overwhelming. Trunchbull is reminiscent of oppressors in our world, and, evidenced by the mass turnout of No King’s protests, we can revolt and say that it’s not right – even the youngest and most meek of us have this power.
I hope Matilda means something to you, whether at face value or through inspiration from this little girl who didn’t care what was bigger than her, and who fought against all odds with her resilience, power, sass, and joy.
So sit back, relax, think about when you can next eat chocolate cake, reminisce on the books of your childhood, and love on these amazing performers, many of whom are making their stage debut (and will be big names in no time). And embrace your inner revolting children and shout loudly: THAT’S NOT RIGHT!
Emma Cosette Neary
Scenes/Songs List
Act I
Miracle (Part 1)
Miracle (Part 2)
Matilda (Part 3)
Naughty
School Song
Pathetic
The Hammer
Naughty Reprise (Superglue)
Chokey Chant
Loud
This Little Girl
Bruce
~ INTERMISSION ~
Act II
All I Know
When I Grow Up
The Smell of Rebellion
Quiet
My House
Revolting Children
When I Grow Up/Naughty (Reprise)
Cast
Matilda Wormwood: Clara Curtis
Miss Agatha Trunchbull: Ann Persand/Adam Sell
Miss Honey: Shayna Plotnik
Mr. Wormwood: David Brown
Mrs. Wormwood: Katie Kobold
Bruce: Herman Xu
Lavender: Emilia Carapezza
Mrs. Phelps: Gabrielle Holme-Miller
Rudolfo: Jonathan Drapinski
Tommy: Rowan Mitchell
Nigel: Ekaksha Joga
Hortensia: Ava Gerrie
Alice: Jaclyn Jane Burns
Amanda: Avyakta Rohit
Acrobat/Ensemble/Dance Captain: Maria Barrett
Escapologist/Ensemble: Alexander Quilty
Adult Ensemble: Mia Kania, Phil Matos, Ryder Nguyen, Ruby Price, Nikki Shah, Olivia Troyer
Youth Ensemble: Miriam Abbet, Esme Martinez, Rosalie Shapiro
Production Team
Producers: Elizabeth Bean and Julie Joyce
Director: Emma Cosette Neary
Music Director: Steven Bergman
Choreographer: Bradford Robinson
Stage Manager: Caitlin Faria
Asst. Music Director: Sophia Samaha
Asst. Stage Manager: Zoe Warre
Costume Designer: Kathleen Carroll
Lighting Designer: Dylan Gozdziewski
Sound Designer: Lindsay Kenney
Props Manager/Set Dressing: Bea Life
Master Carpenter: Kate (Hutch) Hutchinson
Sound Board Operator: Lindsay Kenney, Dannie Smith
Scenic Painter: Sinead Bergeron
Photographer/Graphic Designer: Matt McKee
Crew
Backstage Run Crew: Anna Cisler, Bea Life, Glenn Singer
Set Build Crew: Kate “Hutch” Hutchinson, Elizabeth Bean, Zach Best, Hannah C, Kirk Carapezza, Jonathan Carlson, Allie Cheng, Gaf Condon, Penny Coombe, Noel Cummings, Chad Fisher, Margaret Fishman, Hannah Friedman, Lily Hall, Bethany Houston, Brandan Hung, Theo Hutchinson-Curtis, Sonia Lee, Bea Life, Derek Linville, Jennifer Lippay, D. Lopez, Ryder Nguyen, Dayna Reichert, Walter Simmons, Glenn Singer, Jeffrey Snyder, Will Yonce
Matilda Band
Conductor: Steven Bergman
Conductor (11/14, 11/15 evening): Sophia Samaha
Reeds: Jeff Leonard
Trumpet: Christopher Mish/Tom Gallagher (sub 11/2)
Trombone: Gabriel Rivera/Yuki Mori (sub 11/9)
Guitar: Chris Sweeney
Bass: Rusty Chandler
Percussion: Dan Pelletier
Keyboard: Alexander Breault
Keyboard: Chen Pinyu
Special Thanks
Missy Steak, Scot Allan of Riverside Theater Works, Margot Law and the First Church in Belmont, Liza Ulrich, Jamie Alley, Jennifer Bean
The Real Deal, Soup Shack, JP House of Pizza, The Purple Cactus, Costellos Tavern, JP Seafood, Sweet Rice, Casa Verde, Blanchards, and the many other local establishments who continue to keep us fed and sated for rehearsals, tech week, and post-performances!
And thank you to all our dedicated volunteers who help with Front of House!
Cast and Crew Biographies
Miriam Abbet (Ensemble | she/her) is 12 and lives in Jamaica Plain. She has previously performed at Eliot Hall with the Footlight Club in Tuck Everlasting (ensemble), and in many shows with Jamaica Plain's Freelance Players. Miriam is a student at Boston Latin School and plays on three soccer teams. She sends love and thanks to the cast, crew, and her family.
Maria Louise Barrett (Acrobat/Dance Captain/Ensemble | she/her) is thrilled to be part of The Footlight's Matilda as the Acrobat and Dance Captain. This marks her second Footlight production, following her role as Shelby in The Prom earlier this year. Previous favorite roles include Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. Being part of Footlight throughout 2025 has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and Maria feels lucky to have shared the stage with such a talented and supportive group. She is deeply grateful to the production staff and her fellow cast members for making this journey so joyful. Special thanks go to her roommate, Emma, who has patiently endured endless renditions of “Revolting Children” since it simply refuses to leave her head.
Elizabeth Bean (Producer | she/her) Liz is so grateful to be working on Matilda with such a great cast and production team. Liz was most recently on stage at Footlight as Stephanie in POTUS, Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. Other favorite roles include Ida (Honk!), Bird Girl (Seussical), Nun Ensemble (The Sound of Music), a Phantom (The Rocky Horror Show, DASH Award Winner, Specialty Ensemble), the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol (staged reading), Ensemble in Singin' in the Rain, and performing in the Cabar7A as part of the Footlight Club’s 7A Black Box Series. Producer credits at Footlight include RENT, The Three Sisters, Frankenstein, August: Osage County, Bat Boy: The Musical, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Legally Blonde the Musical. Liz is also the President of The Footlight Club, and has previously served as their Volunteers Director, and Development Director.
Steven Bergman (Music Director | he/him) – National Tours: Sunday in the Park with George, Nunsense Jamboree, Guys and Dolls. Music Director: over 100 regional productions. Favorites include Beauty and the Beast (Wheelock Family Theatre, New Bedford Festival), Adding Machine, Far From Heaven (Speakeasy Stage), Spring Awakening (IRNE Award), Parade, Assassins (FUDGE Theater), [title of show] (DASH Award, ACME Theater), Glory (Moonbox), Urinetown (BSU). Composer: Hannah and Margaret (in development); Murder, Meth & Mayhem: a folk opera (in development); Reigning Cats & Dogs (2015 winner of the national Jackie White Children’s Theater Award). His scores for Jack the Ripper: the Whitechapel Musical, The Curse is Reversed! and Marvin and Julius: the opera are available on all streaming media. Musical theater faculty at Bridgewater State. Public school music and theater teacher. Love, as always, to MZ and the soon to be wedded, Em! www.everydayaholiday.net
David H. Brown (Mr. Wormwood | he/him) is so excited to be back onstage at The Footlight Club! Previous Footlight credits include Out of Sight, Out of Murder (Dick Stanton), Tuck Everlasting (Ensemble), Ms. Holmes (Mycroft Holmes), Blood Relations (Dr. Patrick) and The Mouse Trap (Mr. Paravicini). He most recently played Lysander in Vokes Players' production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. He would like to thank his family and friends for their unerring support. Thank you to Julia, Laura, Carlee and Gigi!
Jaclyn Jane Burns (Alice | she/her) is so honored and excited to be performing at the historical Footlight Theater. Jaclyn is a student at Broadway Artists Alliance in NYC and has performed roles such as Annie and Matilda at The Palace Theatre in Manchester NH as well as many other community theater roles. Thank you to her family's unwavering support and encouragement to keep doing what she loves.
Emilia Carapezza (Lavender | she/her) is 9 and over the moon to be making her Footlight Club full-production debut! She previously performed in the Club’s children’s program under the guidance of the incomparable Carol Gallagher. Special thanks to Carol for her coaching and encouragement over the years. A Jamaica Plain native now growing up in Dorchester, Emi is a “revolting” child who loves singing, dancing, reading, creating art, telling stories, playing softball, and rooting for the Red Sox. She sends a big shout-out to her friends and family, especially her little sister Siena, for all of their love and support. Emi is grateful to the entire cast and crew for welcoming her to her very first Footlight show.
Kathleen Carroll (Costume Designer | she/her) is so excited to help tell the magical story of Matilda through costumes! Previously, Kathleen designed costumes for the Footlight Club's productions of The Prom and POTUS, as well as multiple theatre and dance productions at Bridgewater State University. All the thanks in the world to her husband, Bryce, and dog, Jackie, for letting her overtake their home with costumes and sewing machines, and to her extremely supportive friends and family. Special shoutout to Barbara, Kathleen’s aunt; when Kathleen and her sisters were little they watched their Matilda DVD so many times in Barbara’s living room that now she can quote the entire movie by heart! Enjoy the show!
Anna Cisler (Run Crew | she/her) is a lifelong Jamaica Plain resident currently pursuing BAs in both English and Theater at Ursinus College in Pennsylvania. While having acted all through high school, she’s shifted to more technical roles in college. Her recent work includes serving as the assistant stage manager for Ursinus’ Fun Home: The Musical in the spring and being the production dramaturg for Ursinus’s Agatha Christie Double Bill last fall. She’s also dabbled in directing: during her senior year at Meridian Academy and her freshman year at Ursinus. Despite living only a block away from The Footlight Club, this will be her first time working with the club and is super excited!
Clara Curtis (Matilda Wormwood | she/her) is ecstatic to be making her Footlight Club debut! Regional: Frozen (Young Anna, Ogunquit Playhouse), Sound of Music (Gretl von Trapp, Ogunquit Playhouse), Annie (Tessie, Rochester Opera House), and Into the Woods (Listening Child, Hackmatack Playhouse). Clara has also enjoyed being a part of many community theatre productions with both the Pine Street Players of Exeter, NH and Ovation Theatre Company of Londonderry, NH. Clara studies dance at the MusicalArts Academy and voice with Christina DeMaio Voice Studio both of Exeter, NH. Clara is a 9 year old littlest sister and dog lover from Brentwood, NH. She is especially honored to be sharing the stage with so many new revolting friends who have helped her become anything but quiet. Thank you to Emma for teaching Clara that even if she’s little, she can do a lot. @curtiscrewnh
Roald Dahl - Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG and many more of the world’s best-loved children’s stories. He remains one of the world’s greatest storytellers and is celebrated annually by the world’s biggest author-based event, Roald Dahl Day – which is recognised across the globe on 13th September.
His first children’s story, James and the Giant Peach, published in 1961 and was a huge hit. Every subsequent book became a best-seller. Today, his stories are available in 59 languages and, by a conservative estimate, he has sold more than 250 million books. Many of these stories have also been adapted for stage and screen, including the 1971 film classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Wes Anderson’s acclaimed Fantastic Mr. Fox, and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi-award winning production of Matilda The Musical. www.roalddahl.com; www.facebook.com/roalddahl; www.twitter.com/roald_dahl; www.instagram.com/roald_dahl/;
Jonathan Drapinski (Rudolpho | he/him) is excited to return to the Footlight Club in Matilda as Rudolpho. The last time Drapinski was with the Footlight, he was roller skating through the 1980s as Thalia in Xanadu. Outside of Footlight, Drapinski has starred in The Wizard of Oz as the Cowardly Lion, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat as Potiphar, and in Cabaret as Bobby over at Riverside Theater Works. He also partakes in local productions at Club Cafe with Plastic Theaterics, playing the role of Kurt Kelly in Heather, Heather, Heather, and Marcus in Draglesque. Jonathan is also an active member of the Boston Gay Men's Chorus where he is a featured dancer, and is gearing up for their holiday shows this December. In addition to his work in theater, he is a songwriter/ producer/ DJ performing at local LGBTQ Bars across New England in Provincetown, Ogunquit, and Providence, and is the Karaoke DJ Host Friday Nights at Dbar in Dorchester. Outside of his work in the arts & nightlife scene, Jonathan works in the tourism industry with City Cruises planning group events & charters.
Caitlin Faria (Stage Manager | she/her) is proud to be a part of the brilliant team bringing Matilda to the historic Footlight Club stage. Her other credits include The Secretary (assistant director) and The Wolves (props/costume designer) at Hovey Players in Waltham, Massachusetts and FLC's The Prom (assistant stage manager), Bright Star (assistant stage manager), and Tuck Everlasting (props designer). She works as an associate sports producer and writer for WHDH 7News Boston and as an assistant coach for the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Girl's Ice Hockey team. Caitlin would like to thank all of the maggots in the cast and crew for their hard work and all of her loved ones for supporting her.
Ava Gerrie (Hortensia | she/her) is thrilled to be making her Footlight Club debut in her 1st adult show! Past theater experiences include Matilda in Showstopper’s production of Matilda and Esther in her school production of the Story of Esther. In Ava’s free time she loves to dance and read. She wants to thank the entire cast, crew and production team for this amazing experience and is so proud of the show. Also, thanks to my parents for driving me to all of the rehearsals and supporting me!
Dylan Gozdziewski (Lighting Designer | he/they) is so excited to be lighting his first show for the Footlight Club. His previous credits include Alice by Heart, Spring Awakening, and Heathers. Dylan is a senior at Boston University studying Film/TV, but their heart is in lighting design. They are a freelance lighting designer and electrician, but have also worked as a stage manager, actor, and technical director. Check out his thesis film, Lola- currently in production, on instagram @lola_short_film. He would like to thank Emma for bringing him on to this show, and the amazing cast and crew for all the work they have done.
Gabrielle Holme-Miller (Mrs. Phelps | she/her) is thrilled to make her Footlight Club debut! After a long break from the stage, she has loved working with the incredible cast and crew of Matilda on this show. Some of her previous roles include Carrie (Carrie the Musical), Rusty (Footloose), Sally Brown (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown), Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing), and Hermia (A Midsummer Night’s Dream).
Kate (Hutch) Hutchinson (Master Carpenter | she/her) is the Master Carpenter for Matilda and a proud member of The Footlight Club’s backstage crew. She previously worked on set construction for Tuck Everlasting, Out of Sight, Out of Murder, and Bright Star. By day, she’s an executive communications strategist; by night, she’s happiest collaborating on new ideas and solving creative challenges. Hutch loves meeting other enthusiastic theatre folks, making new friends, and watching a show come together piece by piece. She’s deeply grateful to everyone who helped build this set—their teamwork, creativity, and skill brought the magic of Matilda to life.
Ekaksha Joga (Nigel) 12 year old Ekaksha Joga is very excited for his first show with the Footlight Club, Matilda as Nigel! He is very excited for this performance, and he can't wait for opening night. Recently, he has played Marlin in Finding Nemo Jr, and Davey in Newsies. Also with theater, Ekaksha enjoys playing piano, playing soccer, and doing math competitions. Ekaksha would like to thank Emma, Steve, Brad, the rest of the production team, and the cast and crew for such an amazing experience this show has been, and his family for the support.
Julie Joyce (Producer | she/her) is grateful to be back at the Footlight Club, producing her second show after The Prom in the spring. Matilda holds such a special place in her heart, so it has been a dream to help bring this incredible production to life! She would like to thank the entire cast and crew for all of their hard work on this show, Liz Bean for being such an amazing co-producer, and her friends and family (especially Ben, Potato, and Huckleberry) for keeping her sane!
Mia Kania (Ensemble | they/she) is excited to be making their Footlight Club debut with this production of Matilda! You may have seen her before in ensembles or ~sensed her presence~ backstage in local shows, including Twelfth Night (Arlington Friends of the Drama) and Little Women (Concord Players). They want to thank the entire cast, crew, and production team for such a fun, joy-filled experience!
Dennis Kelly (Author, Matilda) Work for theatre includes Debris, Osama the Hero, After the End, Love and Money, Taking Care of Baby, DNA, Orphans, The Gods Weep, and The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas. He has written the book for the new musical of Pinocchio which opened at the National Theatre at the end of 2017, and in 2018 his new play Girls and Boys opened at the Royal Court. His plays have been performed worldwide and to date have been translated into nearly forty languages. For television he co-wrote and co-created Pulling and wrote and created Utopia. For film, he wrote the screenplay for Black Sea, directed by Kevin MacDonald. He also wrote the book for the Olivier and Tony winning Matilda the Musical. In 2010, DNA became a set text on the GCSE English Literature syllabus.
Lindsay Kenney (Sound Designer | she/her) is excited to be returning to community theatre with Matilda after several years away. Her previous theatrical sound design credits include Disaster!, Carrie, American Idiot, Xanadu, The Last Five Years, A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine, Dancing at Lughnasa, The Little Mermaid, and The Diary of Anne Frank. Lindsay works in government affairs and policy for Massachusetts unions. She would like to thank the entire cast and crew for their amazing work and her friend River for their reminder that theatre is full of joy.
Katie Kobold (Mrs. Wormwood | she/her) is positively stoked to be making her Footlight Debut! Matilda was one of her favorite stories growing up, as a fellow bookworm herself, so much so that her grandmother still calls her 'Matilda' to this day. Some of her favorite past credits include Fiona (Shrek the Musical), Amber (Average College Lesbian Experience), and when she swung on for Cassie, Maggie, and Val in A Chorus Line, along with performing Diana’s vocals. Katie would like to express the deepest gratitude to the production team and cast for their dedication and resilience during the rehearsal process, and to her family and friends, whose love brightens her life even when they’re far apart. She hopes you find Matilda entertaining and instructive.
Bea Life (Props Manager/Set Dressing) Bea is happy to be back at The Footlight Club, continuing to haunt as many productions as she possibly can, this time doing props. She would also like to thank her friends, especially Milka and Robbie, for continuing to support her crippling theatre addiction and emotionally supporting her through the unpredictable, cascading effects it has on her life.
Esme Martinez (Eric | she/they) is making their debut performance at the Footlight Club in their home town of Jamaica Plain. She has previously performed in several shows at Riverside Theater Works in Hyde Park, MA, including Once Upon a Mattress Jr. (ensemble), Spongebob Jr. (fish girl trio), Beauty & the Beast Jr. (silly girls), Guys and Dolls Jr. (Benny Southstreet), and the lead role of Annie in Annie, Jr. When Esme is not shining bright on stage, they are hurling down a mountain on a bike, doing aerials in dance, painting, and planning their next travel adventure. Esme is excited to be in one of their favorite stories of all time, and is grateful to the cast and crew for making this an amazing experience!
Phil Matos (Ensemble | he/him) is delighted to be back at The Footlight Club with the talented cast and crew of Matilda! After performing in The Prom in May, he just had to do another show here. Especially because it means he gets to work once more alongside so many lovely pals from The Prom that make long rehearsals always a grand time. He'd like to say thanks to his mom, dad, and brother for all the love, to his friends Emily, Sam, and Rachel for all the support, and to the line dancing queens for all the great times.
Matt McKee (Poster Photography | he/him) is a commercial photographer based in Boston. He has created over 75 different posters for the amazing Footlight Club productions over the past 20+ years. Some of his past favorites include the poster for Matilda, The Musical, Yellowface, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and Steppin’ Out. But, his newest favorite will always be the next show. He loves applying the imaging and marketing principles he uses for his corporate clients to promoting the performing arts. More of his work can be seen at www.mckeephotography.com. He would also like to say, “Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the amazing world that is the Footlight Club!”
Tim Minchin (Music & Lyrics) Tim Minchin is an Australian musician, comedian, composer, actor, writer and director. He has toured extensively in the US, UK and Australia, performing solo, with bands, and with symphony orchestras. He's released five DVDs, the most recent recorded with the Heritage Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall. He is the composer lyricist of two hit West End / Broadway musicals, Matilda and Groundhog Day, both of which won the Olivier Award for Best West End Musical and garnered nominations for Best Score and Best Musical in Broadway's Tony Awards. Minchin wrote, produced and starred in the Sky Atlantic / Foxtel TV series, Upright, in 2019. Other screen-acting credits include Atticus Fetch in Season 6 of Californication, a Logie Award-winning Smasher Sullivan in the ABC's Secret River, and Friar Tuck in Lionsgate's Robin Hood reboot. Stage highlights include Judas in the UK / Australian Arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2012, and Rosencrantz in the Sydney Theatre Company's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead the following year. He has published two books: the graphic novel, "Storm", and the illustrated childrens' book, "When I Grow Up". He is a member of the Order of Australia, a philanthropist and a mediocre juggler.
Rowan Mitchell (Tommy | she/her) is 9 years old and she is excited to be making her debut at the Footlight Club. This is her first formal production and she absolutely loves playing Tommy. Previously, Rowan participated in the Broadway Bootcamp program at Wheelock Family Theatre. Her other interests include reading and drawing. Rowan wants to thank her family and friends. She is also grateful to the entire cast and crew for being so welcoming and for all their support!
Emma Cosette Neary (Director | she/her) cannot BELIEVE this is real! Directing Matilda has been a dream for an incredibly long time, so she’s been in disbelief since she got the job offer. When not directing, Emma is typically a Stage Manager or a certified Intimacy Director. Some favorite credits include The Prom (Stage Manager), Anastasia (Stage Manager), Anne of Green Gables (Director), and Spring Awakening (Intimacy Director). She cannot thank this company enough for all their hard work, ENERGY, and dedication, especially the 11 talented kids you see up there! A preschool teacher by day, Emma knows that the youngest of people are the ones changing the world, one story at a time. She is so grateful to the Footlight Club for this dream come to life. Break legs to ALL! And a special shoutout, as always, to my mama.
Ryder Nguyen (Ensemble | he/him) is excited to make his return to the Footlight stage, especially for one of his all-time favorite musicals. Ever since the first time seeing the musical on the West End more than a decade ago, it’s been his dream to be a big kid in Matilda. It really is a surreal experience. Recent credits include Reefer Madness (Mr. Poppy, Moonstruck Theater Company), Bright Star (Max, The Footlight Club) and Xanadu (Urania, The Footlight Club). Thank you to his family and friends for their continued support. Hugs and BURRRRPPPP! This one is ALSO for you, dad!
Ann Persand (Agatha Trunchbull | he/him) is the drag persona of Adam Sell, who makes his drag debut with this role. Matilda marks Adam's eighth production with The Footlight Club, following performances as Alfie Byrne in A Man of No Importance, Chuck Baxter in Promises, Promises, and several 7A Series shows, including Ravenscroft, The Great God Pan, and Three Viewings. If you don't recognize him from those productions, well...that makes sense, considering. When he's not painted and cinched (he's not actually cinched as Trunchbull, see if you can tell), Adam is a cybersecurity researcher and avid day hiker working on a project to hike in all 351 communities in Massachusetts (and six that don't exist!), which you can follow along at @hikemass on Instagram. Special thanks to voice teacher Josh, drag mother Missy Steak (@missysteak on Instagram), and husband Conor.
Shayna Plotnik (Miss Honey | she/her) is thrilled to be making her Footlight debut in Matilda the Musical. Having just completed a Masters in Speech Language Pathology at BU, she is equally as thrilled to be returning to the stage! Shayna holds a degree in Vocal Performance from the Jacobs School of Music and a master’s in Musical Theater and Voice Pedagogy from NYU Steinhardt. Returning to the stage in Matilda of all shows feels like kismet. As a lifelong favorite movie/book/musical, what has always stood out about this story is the bond between Miss Honey and Matilda. Two individuals deprived of loving families, who ultimately find each other. It speaks so much to the concept of chosen family and how a little bit of love and kindness goes a very long way. Thank you to this amazing team both cast and creative, my family, my dog Poppy, and everyone who has helped me run lines!
Ruby Price (Ensemble | she/her) is thrilled to be making her Footlight Club debut in the ensemble! After a theatre hiatus, she’s loved this opportunity to help make one of her favorite childhood classics come to life onstage. Ruby would like to thank her loved ones for their support and the cast and crew for being such an amazing community.
Alexander Quilty (Escapologist | he/him) is so excited to be performing again and to be making his debut with the Footlight Club after moving to Boston last Fall! When he’s not performing, Alexander works as a veterinarian at MSPCA-Angell right here in Jamaica Plain. Thank you to the amazing cast and crew, thank you to everyone who comes to support this show, and a special thank you to his husband Eric and their dog Charlie!
Bradford Robinson (Choreographer | he/him) is thrilled to be working with the Footlight Club for the first time! Bradford is a lifetime Massachusetts resident who has worked on many shows over the years. Favorite prior credits include The Laramie Project (Director), The Music Man (Director/Choreographer), Seussical (Director), 13! (Technical Director), 9 to 5: the Musical (Choreographer) and 35mm: a Musical Exhibition (Music Director). He is also the recipient of an EMACT Dash award for Best Stage Management for Disney’s My Son, Pinocchio. He holds a BA in Music from Salem State University and a Master of Education from Suffolk University. Bradford would like to thank the stellar cast for bringing this beautiful show to life, and a special shout out to Emma, Steve and Caitlin – so proud of all we accomplished!
Avyakta Rohit (Amanda | she/her) is thrilled to be a part of Matilda at The Footlight Club! This is her very first musical, and she feels so lucky to share the stage with such a talented and welcoming cast. Avyakta has loved singing for as long as she can remember and has been formally training in vocal performance for more than six years. She enjoys exploring many styles of modern music, especially pop and musical theatre. When she’s not singing, Avyakta loves drawing and sketching, writing short stories, and biking with her family. She enjoys finding creative ways to express herself through art, words, and music. Avyakta is grateful for the opportunity to perform in Matilda and for all the encouragement she’s received from the production team, her friends, and her family along the way.
Sophia Samaha (Assistant Music Director | she/her) is excited to return for her third show with FLC, having previously appeared in The Prom (ensemble) and Bright Star (Florence, Alice u/s). Previous music directing experience includes Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods (NU Stage Musical Theater Company) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Colleges of the Fenway). It is such a joy to be a part of Matilda, the show that gave her the theater bug as a kid. Thank you to the cast and crew!
Nikki Shah (Ensemble | she/her) is thrilled to be making her Footlight debut after a 6-year hiatus from performing! If you knew Nikki between 2012 and 2014, you probably heard her talk about how much she loves this show, so it’s such an honor to be returning to the stage as a big kid (actual dream role!). Favorite credits include Cabaret (Fraulein Kost) and Spring Awakening (Thea). Special shoutout to Scott for all the love and support always. “Even if you’re little, you can do a lot!”
Rosalie Shapiro (Ensemble | she/her) is 11 years old and is excited to be part of her first Footlight Club production, after previously doing shows at Eliot Hall with the Freelance Players. In addition to theater, Rosalie has been playing violin for 6 years and really enjoys it. She also loves skiing and figure skating. She would like to thank all of the cast and crew for making this dream come true and the production team for the opportunity.
Dannie Smith
Olivia Troyer (Ensemble | she/her) is pleased to join the cast of Matilda for her Footlight Club debut. Past credits include Lizzie Borden in Lizzie: The Musical and Ilse in Spring Awakening with Vanderbilt Off-Broadway, as well as Polyxo in Kate Soper’s Here Be Sirens and Semele in Handel’s Semele with Vanderbilt Opera Theater. Since moving to Boston last year, Olivia has loved getting involved in her local community, from singing with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus to joining the staff at Candlewick Press. Big thanks to the entire cast, crew, and production team for bringing Matilda to life!
Zoe Warre (Assistant Stage Manager | she/they) is a Boston based writer, performer, and mixed media artist. She can also be found leading late night ghost tours along Boston's Freedom Trail. This show is Zoe's first time working in the production side of the theatre.
Herman Xu (Bruce | he/him) is a passionate and expressive 10-year-old performer at Hardy Elementary School who loves musical theatre, storytelling, and making people laugh. He has appeared in a variety of children’s productions, including Private Penguin in Madagascar, Sgt. Tibbs in 101 Dalmatians, Prince Hans in Frozen, Horton the Elephant in Seussical, SpongeBob in SpongeBob, Mike Teavee in Willy Wonka, Earthworm in James and the Giant Peach. He feels lucky and excited to be playing Bruce in Matilda. He will next perform as Toad in A Year with Frog and Toad at the Junior Theater Festival West in Sacramento, CA. Whether he’s singing on stage or inventing new characters at home, Herman brings energy, imagination, and heart to everything he does. When he’s not performing, he enjoys drawing, reading comic books, playing the piano and spending time with his little sister Chelsea.
Footlight Club Board of Directors
President: Elizabeth Bean
Vice President: Michael Colford
Secretary: Zach Best
Treasurer: Chris Stuck-Girard
Artistic Planning Director: Jim Ansart
Development Director: Maryann Zschau
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director: Juliette McClendon
Facilities Director: Jerry Wheelock
Front of House Director: Rachel Veto
Membership Director: Meredith Weaver
Productions Director: Val Tracy-Indrakaran
Promotions Director: Beth Curran
Technical Director: Paul O’Shaughnessy
Volunteers Director: Courtney Breslin
Board Member At-Large: David Alger
Board Member At-Large: Ryder Nguyen
TRUSTEES OF ELIOT HALL
Shelley Icaza Norton (Chair)
Paul Campbell
Shannon Daly
Lorie Komlyn
Stephen Lussier
Matt McKee
Bill Shamlian
Jason Sheehan
Jerry Wheelock
Promotions and Publicity
Elizabeth Curran, Promotions Director
Kristin MacDougall
Michael Colford
Matt McKee, Photographer
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Juliette (Jules) McClendon, Michael Colford, Kara Chu Nelson, Ally Rzesa,
Amanda Bedford, Melissa Paz, Mordecai Choi, Steven Key
Special thanks to all our dedicated volunteers who continue to help keep the Footlight Club running day in and day out, from front of house, to club clean-outs, we appreciate you!
If you are interesting in becoming a volunteer, please contact us at volunteers@footlight.org
And to our loyal members and patrons, thank you for continuing to support the Footlight Club!
Thank You to Our Footlight Family
We Are So Grateful for Your Support
As you walked in this evening, you no doubt noticed the beautiful new accessible entrance to the Footlight. This project – a new exterior ADA-compliant ramp and interior elevator to all four floors of Eliot Hall – ensures that all our guests can fully access all our spaces. Along the way, extensive repairs needed to be made to the foundation and existing chimneys. New spaces in our basement and on the third floor will provide essential props storage, and we’re already feeling warmer with an upgraded furnace system.
These upgrades were only possible through the generous financial support of our community partners. We extend our thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund, the Community Preservation Fund, and the George B. Henderson Foundation. Most of our funding came from donations large and small from our Footlight Family. Thank you to everyone who donated.
Our most urgent need is clear: We need to restore our exterior façade, [carpentry, building envelope repairs, and painting] to ensure the historic character of Eliot Hall is preserved and to keep our building strong and safe. Our goal is to complete this work by January 2027, our 150th Anniversary!. This work will improve energy efficiency, safety and security; present the building as a welcoming neighborhood landmark; and ensure future generations enjoy the benefit of this important community resource. The Board of Directors voted to approve this approach in April 2024.
The continued revitalization and restoration of Eliot Hall will always be one of Footlight’s top priorities. Your contributions will continue to make it possible to take on large-and-small-scale restoration projects, as well as maintaining the day-to-day operations of the building.
Every Gift Counts
If you are thinking about making your first gift, now is the time to make a gift in any amount.
Please give now at: www.footlight.org/donate
Or mail a check payable to The Footlight Club to:
Treasurer, The Footlight Club, 7A Eliot Street , Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Other Ways to Give
Email Treasurer@Footlight.org to make a gift of stock.
Become a Footlight Club Monthly Sustainer. For gift of over $500, your donation will renew, and your credit or debit card will automatically be billed each month. Please email Development@Footlight.org for more details.
