Written by Bailey Jones

Matilda The Musical will be debuting on the Turner Stage at Lenoir Community College July 14-16 and 21-23. The Roald Dahl musical centers on Matilda Wormwood, a young girl who enjoys reading books and has psychokinetic powers. She overcomes many obstacles driven by her uncaring family and heinous headmistress. 

The show, directed by Lenoir Community College's Jessica Cruz, Fine Arts Program Chair and Music Instructor, will take place on July 14 -16 and July 21 - 23 at LCC in the Briley Auditorium on the Turner Stage. This show is one of many that will be a part of the performing arts series at LCC. The title sponsor of Matilda The Musical is Neuse News. 

The intimidating head of the mafia, Sergei, will be played by Christian Moore. Moore is a college freshman who loves anime, playing video games, eating Taco Bell, and being the center of attention. You may have seen him in North Lenoir High School productions, including The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, Grease, and Mamma Mia.  

Carsyn Tyndall will play the sweet and chipper Amanda. This will be the Kinston natives' first musical theater production! Tyndall will be in fourth grade at Moss Hill Elementary School this fall. She enjoys cheering for the Carolina Clawz in Kinston and dancing at Jennifer's School of Dance in Pink Hill. She also enjoys serving others through her Deep Run First Baptist Church youth group. Tyndall gives thanks to her family and friends for their love and support and she hopes everyone enjoys the show.

Carson Elizabeth Cade will be playing Erica, the smallest student in Miss Honey's class. Cade is a third-grade student at Southwood Elementary School. She found a love for theater watching Parker Ball, a member of her church, in the production of Grease and Into the Woods at North Lenoir High School. Cade enjoys spending time with her family, but her favorite person is her Gigi! Matilda The Musical will be her first musical performance, and she is thrilled to be working with such an excellent cast, director, producer, and choreographer. 

Hortensia, brave and mischievous, will be played by Lilly Ranieri. The New Bern native attends Ben D. Quinn Elementary School. Raineri enjoys movie nights, dancing, and spending time with friends and family. Her previous shows include Charlotte’s Web, Alice in Wonderland, and most recently, you may have seen her in LCC's production of A Christmas Carol. Raineri is thrilled to be part of another LCC production.