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Lycoming College’s theatre department is flying high following the successful summer stock production of Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical” that delighted audiences at Williamsport’s historic Community Arts Center. The show provided the community with live family entertainment, and young performers from across the region with the opportunity to exercise their singing and acting chops during the summer months.
“I am thrilled that we were able to provide students from Williamsport and the surrounding areas with the opportunity to work with theatre professionals and create art at no cost to their families while bringing the magical world of Roald Dahl to life at the CAC this summer."
Tony Award-winning “Matilda the Musical” tells the inspiring story of an extraordinary little girl who possesses courage and cleverness, as well as the gift of telekinesis! Biliana Stoytcheva-Horissian, Ph.D., associate professor of theatre at Lycoming College and chair of the department, served as artistic director and led the creative team and a diverse cast of 22 local students in grades 7-12 through a theatrical production packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy music. The professional staff included several other members of the Lycoming faculty:
- Jay Innerarity, associate professor of theatre at Lycoming, filled the role of technical director.
- Bonnie Hall, costume shop manager at Lycoming, served as costume designer.
- William Ciabattari, associate professor of music and chair of the department at Lycoming, served as orchestra conductor.
Rounding out production team for the show were several Lycoming College theatre department alumni and current students:
- Sadie Bossons ’23, theatre and sociology double major from Easton, Pa., acted as production and stage manager.
- Shantel Hill ’25, musical theatre major from Newark, N.J., served as choreographer and assistant director.
- Allison Feinstein ’22, theatre-acting major from Philadelphia, was the props designer.
- Erin Fallon ’24, theatre-acting major with minors in music and religion from Hypoluxo, Fla., was the wardrobe crew/stitcher.
- McKayla Cobb ’24, musical theatre major with a minor in anthropology from Coudersport, Pa., served as scenic carpenter.
- Elizabeth Flanigan ’26, theatre-stage management and creative writing double major from West Grove, Pa., worked on the production as the marketing intern.
“Matilda the Musical” was directed by Lakeetha Blakeney with musical direction by Jaime Namminga, scenic design by Shana Joslyn, lighting design by Heath Hansum, and projection design by Stephen St. Francis Decky.
“I am thrilled that we were able to provide students from Williamsport and the surrounding areas with the opportunity to work with theatre professionals and create art at no cost to their families while bringing the magical world of Roald Dahl to life at the CAC this summer,” said Stoytcheva-Horissian. “The Lycoming College Summer Stock production of ‘Matilda’ was a great success, captivating audiences and showcasing the incredible talent of our cast and crew while enriching the lives of the kids involved in the project and fostering a stronger sense of community and appreciation for theatre in the region.”
Lycoming College Summer Stock and the Community Arts Center will be back next summer with another production. Check the Lycoming College Theatre website for more information.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is based on a book by Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. It was presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com