Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 42nd season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, concludes its 2026 offerings with “Matilda JR.,” performed by students from its Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshop. Presented on the outdoor stage of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place under the stars at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, August 13-15.
Rebellion is nigh in “Matilda JR.,” a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination. This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.
Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence... and special powers! She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly lovable Miss Honey. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!
Based on Roald Dahl’s classic story, the book for “Matilda JR.” is by Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.
Directed by Sedona Taylor (New Fairfield) with music direction by Max Abarientos (New Fairfield) and choreography by April Smith (New Fairfield), Musicals at Richter’s production of “Matilda JR.” spotlights a talented cast of young area performers.
Featured in the cast are Luna Gibson (Danbury) as the ever-resilient Matilda and Tony Hudson (Danbury) as the frightening Agatha Trunchbull. Ronan O’Connell (New Fairfield) portrays Miss Honey, the kindhearted teacher who helps Matilda.
Matilda’s TV-obsessed family, the Wormwoods, are played by Addi Karow (New Fairfield) and Andrew Williams (Danbury) as her parents, and Liam Gaynor (New MIlford) as her brother Michael. Mrs. Wormwood also aspires to be a champion ballroom and salsa dancer and spends hours practicing routines with her self-absorbed dance partner, Rudlopho, played by Reese Melendez (Danbury).
Aurora Saxagne (Bethel) takes on the role of Mrs. Phelps, the sympathetic librarian who listens to Matilda’s colorful stories featuring boldly vibrant characters such as the Acrobat (Myra Middleton of New Milford) and the Escapologist (Adrian Fontana of Ridgefield).
Assuming a variety of roles in the production are Celeste Saxagne (Bethel); Addy Pasko (Brookfield); Catalina Alves, Lana Laughinghouse, Moira McKinney, Zoe Morales, Lilah Schwartz, Catherine Solano and Zoe Talley (Danbury); Alexa DeLucia, Nellie Joseph, Kayla Monaghan and Wren O’Connell (New Fairfield); and Daniela Coto-Perez, Amelia Fontana, Ruby Higley, Dylan Lannon, Charlotte Mayette, Emily Mayette, Paul Sudwischer, Ellie Znaty and Leah Znaty (Ridgefield). New York State residents include Nicholas Byrne (Brewster), along with Claire Brondo and Sky Browne (Patterson).
Taylor Byrne (Brewster, NY) serves as Workshop Coordinator and Liam Mikita (New Fairfield) is production stage manager.
Roald Dahl’s “Matilda The Musical JR.” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
“Matilda JR.” is performed August 13-15 on the outdoor stage at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for this summer youth performance cost $15 for adults, $10 for seniors/students (with I.D.) and $5 for children 10 and under, and may be purchased through the Musicals at Richter website (www.musicalsatrichter.org) or at the door. Grounds open at 7 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:00 p.m. Audience members are invited to bring their own blankets or chairs for lawn seating; a limited number of chairs are available free-of-charge. A soft drink/snack concession is on-site.
Of special note, there will also be a special autism-friendly viewing of the show on Friday, August 14 at 1 PM (rain date August 15). For more information and to reserve for this special event, email matildajrautismfriendly@gmail.com.
Now in its 42nd season at Richter Park, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances take place at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 100 musicals and workshop performances produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.