Sometimes You Have to Be a Little Bit Naughty! ENCORE Students Bring Roald Dahl's Matilda Jr. to Life
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands — This summer, the stage at Good Hope Country Day School's Pavilion will come alive with imagination, laughter, and the extraordinary power of young people finding their voices as ENCORE: A Summer Theatre Experience proudly presents Roald Dahl's Matilda Jr.
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.
The production is the culmination of ENCORE's immersive five-week summer theatre program, where students experience every aspect of creating a musical—from auditions and character development to choreography, vocal performance, technical theatre, and live performance.
This year's production is made possible through the collaboration of an outstanding creative team:
Producer: Kiomie Pedrini
Show & Program Director: Heather McRae
Musical Director: Yoav Hayut
Technical Director: Joseph Barnwell
Choreographer: Maya Prasad (GHCDS Class of 2026)
Costume Design: Carolyn Forno
Program Counselor: Luca Forno D'Adamo (GHCDS Class of 2023)
Throughout the summer, students have worked alongside experienced theatre professionals while developing confidence, creativity, collaboration, and leadership skills. The ENCORE program emphasizes that theatre 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.
"Heather has created an environment where every student feels 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."
Show Director Heather McRae believes that theatre 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 students of ENCORE have 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.
More than a summer camp, ENCORE: A Summer Theatre Experience is 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.
Good Hope Country Day School is proud to invite the St. Croix community to experience the magic of Roald Dahl's Matilda Jr. and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of these young performers.
July 17 • 18 • 19
Curtain: 7:00 PM
GHCDS Pavilion
$15.00 Ticket
Purchase online through Eventbrite or pay by cash/check at the door.
