Somersfield Academy’s Matilda Jr.: A Broadway-Worthy Performance
Somersfield Academy has delivered a spectacular production again, bringing Matilda Jr. to life with energy, emotion, and Broadway-level execution. Under the brilliant direction of Gerlie Bell, Tiffany Fox, and Janice Pearman, supported by Caroline Brown and Marilyn Swainson, the students demonstrated remarkable talent and dedication, leaving the audience in awe. The teachers and production team ensured that each student fully embodied their character, resulting in a seamless and captivating performance.
Two Brilliant Matildas: Madison Branco & Martha-Rose Young
One of the unique aspects of this production was the dual casting of the lead role, with Madison Branco performing on opening night and Martha-Rose Young taking the stage for closing night. This decision proved to be a masterstroke, as both young actresses brought their own magic to the role.
Madison Branco was the heartbeat of the show, delivering a performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. She embodied the defiant side of Matilda with poise, confidence, and a deep emotional understanding of the character. Her British accent was flawless, her vocal delivery was world-class, and her ability to command the stage was remarkable for an 11-year-old. It was clear that Madison had dedicated hours of effort to studying every nuance of Matilda’s character, and it paid off in a performance that felt both natural and captivating.
Her rendition of Quiet was a show-stopping moment, filled with raw emotion and intensity. How she conveyed Matilda’s inner turmoil, transitioning from frustration to a moment of almost meditative stillness, was breathtaking. Audience members could be seen wiping away tears as she poured her heart into every note. Madison’s performance made Matilda feel real, relatable, and truly powerful, proving that she is a young actress with an incredibly bright future.
On closing night, Martha-Rose Young took over the spotlight and delivered a performance just as mesmerizing. From the moment she stepped on stage, her angelic voice captivated the audience, filling the theater with grace and emotion. Her strong stage presence and ability to connect deeply with Matilda’s character gave her performance a distinct and equally compelling quality.
Martha-Rose’s rendition of Quiet was stunning, as she effortlessly carried the melody with warmth and depth, drawing the audience into Matilda’s world. Her vocal control and tone were impeccable, and she displayed remarkable poise in every scene. Just like Madison, Martha-Rose fully embodied the role, proving her exceptional talent and ability to command the stage easily.
Somersfield is spoiled for choice with two phenomenal Matildas in Madison and Martha-Rose, both were Broadway-worthy in their own ways, each leaving an unforgettable mark on the production. By casting two incredibly talented young actresses, the teachers demonstrated their expertise in molding young talent and turning them into stars, with each bringing their own dimensions to the character.
A Standout Supporting Cast
Miss Trunchbull (Havilland Hassellbring) – Playing the infamous, larger-than-life villain is no small task, but Havilland rose to the challenge spectacularly. She towered over the younger actors physically and in commanding presence and execution. She nailed every line, confidently moved across the stage, and truly embodied the cruel, imposing principal.
Miss Honey (Sydney Troake & Riley Jones) – Both young actresses brought warmth and depth to the beloved teacher. Their vocal performances were stunning, and their ability to convey the kindness and inner strength of Miss Honey was remarkable.
Mr. Wormwood (JD Wideman) & Mrs. Wormwood (Harlow Pettingill) – These two brought the comedic energy, with JD Wideman delivering a brilliantly exaggerated performance as Matilda’s scheming, green-haired father and Harlow Pettingill fully embracing the flamboyant, self-absorbed role of Mrs. Wormwood. Their chemistry on stage and hilarious interactions added much-needed comic relief throughout the show.
Michael Wormwood (Andrew Tyers) – The comedic glue of the Wormwood family, Andrew delivered deadpan humor perfectly, making his one liners some of the funniest in the play.
Rudolpho (James Bigley) – James fully embraced the flamboyant dance instructor who is as ridiculous as he is hilarious. His over-the-top performance added a fun, dramatic flair to the show with his nearly adult jokes and hip gyrations.
Bruce (Amaro Aw) – One of the night's pleasant surprises, Amaro’s strong vocals and confident delivery made him stand out. His performance in the infamous chocolate cake scene was executed masterfully, marking a pivotal moment where the students, “maggots,” in Trunchbull’s words, begin to rebel. His stage presence suggests we will see much more of him in Bermuda’s theater scene in the future.
Mrs. Phelps (Evelyn Fahy) – Evelyn once again proved why she is one of Somersfield’s strongest young performers. After wowing audiences in Annie last year, she delivered another scene-stealing performance as Mrs. Phelps, perfectly balancing humor, warmth, and curiosity with an on-point accent for her character.
The Escapologist & The Acrobat (Henry Ferris & April Cherry) – These two brought depth and emotion to the play, representing Matilda’s inner struggles. Henry conveyed deep love for his wife, and his heart-wrenching “Noooooo” when she fell to her death was powerful. Cherry’s impressive acrobatic skills made the performance visually stunning and she masterful control of her moves throughout the performance.
A Chorus That Brought the Stage to Life
A special mention must be made to the entire Chorus team, who truly elevated the production with their energy, enthusiasm, and dedication. They moved around the stage seamlessly and harmonized while in the large group songs. One standout moment was Michelle Fontanetta’s incredible gymnastic flips, which wowed the audience and brought an extra layer of excitement to the performance. And Ellie Fields numerous standout moments including the tee-up of the newt scene.
The Big Kids Chorus and Sergei (Anya-Aeleishe Pearman) deserve special recognition for their electrifying performances in some of the show’s most dramatic and high-energy numbers. Their renditions of "School Song," "When I Grow Up," and "Revolting Children" added depth, intensity, and excitement to the production. "School Song" was particularly impactful, as the students delivered it with precision and power, setting the tone for the challenges Matilda and her classmates faced at Crunchem Hall. "When I Grow Up" brought a heartfelt contrast, showcasing the students’ ability to balance emotion with vocal strength, while "Revolting Children" was a triumphant, rebellious anthem performed with infectious energy. Their dynamic stage presence and commitment to each number helped create some of the most memorable moments in the show, proving that the ensemble was just as vital to the production's success as the lead roles.
The youngest cast member, 9-year-old Isabella Branco, was the only primary school student permitted to join the middle school production, and she more than held her own. She was a natural on stage, delivering strong vocals, expressive acting, and impressive dance moves that made her blend effortlessly with the older cast members. The Branco sisters shone together, making their parents and school proud with their chemistry and commitment to the performance.
Another unforgettable moment in the production came from Emma Osborne, who played Amanda Thripp. In one of the most exciting and cleverly executed illusions, Amanda was made to appear as though she was swung around by her ponytails and launched across the stage by Miss Trunchbull. In reality, a doll was seamlessly swapped in, creating a stunning visual effect that had the audience gasping in delight. The moment was so convincingly performed that it became one of the students’ favorite topics of discussion, with many eagerly asking if Emma had actually been thrown by Trunchbull! Her expressive reactions and commitment to the role made this scene a true highlight of the show, adding both humor and theatrical magic to the production.
Sound, Lighting, and Production Enhancements
The sound quality was strong overall, with only a few minor microphone delays. Given the incredible performances from the students, an investment in upgraded lighting would further enhance the magic of the production. Additionally, a backstage fly system could help improve set transitions, which slightly slowed the pacing. With continued support from parents and the community, these enhancements could take future performances to an even higher level and give the kids the theatre they deserve. The school will keep donations online for anyone who wants to contribute to the drama club.
Final Thoughts: A Triumph for Somersfield Academy
Somersfield’s production of Matilda Jr. was a resounding success, proving yet again that the school’s performing arts program is thriving. Every student, from leads to ensemble, contributed to an engaging, heartfelt, and professional-level performance.
With a few technical improvements, future productions could be even stronger, but in every other way, this show was Broadway-worthy.
Bravo to the entire cast and crew! Somersfield should be proud of what they accomplished, and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the stage next year! We hope they add more seats to the auditorium for next year as each show was sold out.