Sooner Theatre will perform “Matilda the Musical” on Friday, marking their first musical of the 2025-26 season.
The theatre presents community productions each year, along with classes, student productions and summer camps. The 2025-26 season includes “Matilda the Musical,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Scrooge,” “Shrek the Musical Jr.,” “42nd Street,” “Cinderella Youth Edition,” “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” and “Dare to Dream Jr.”
“Matilda the Musical” follows a young girl named Matilda who struggles to be seen by her unusual family for her advanced intelligence. Her creativity and knowledge make her stand out in the classroom. While many see Matilda as a threat, her teacher, Miss Honey, recognizes her potential and helps her thrive.
The production is directed by Kassie Carroll Downey, who previously directed Sooner Theatre’s “A Christmas Story: The Musical” last fall. Downey received her bachelor of music in musical theater from the University of Central Oklahoma and has been performing, directing and teaching for several years.
Downey said artists can relate to the themes in “Matilda the Musical” of being unique and different.
“(Matilda) finally finds someone who sees her for who she is and allows her to thrive, and as an artist, I relate to that,” Downey said. “I’m sure there are a lot of artists out there who always felt a little different. I think that’s what is so beautiful about this show is elevating their differences.”
The cast is composed of artists of varying ages from elementary school students to adults, both professional and first-time performers.
“We have a father and daughter duo. She has been in theater and wanted to do a show with her dad and got him to come audition. We’ve got a mother-daughter duo that’s here in the show. It’s full of things like that, which is really fun to have,” Downey said.
Downey added that working with performers of all ages is one of her strengths and she enjoys mentoring young actors.
“I have a big heart for the kids specifically because I was one of those kids, and I had teachers that saw me and that allowed me to be quirky and have different interests and twirl around the classroom. … I think it’s just a part of my upbringing and what I want is to give back to the people that gave to me,” Downey said.
Downey said that one of her favorite parts of working in musical theater is the collaboration.
“I direct, I choreograph, I teach and I perform over the years, and I think no matter what job I have or role I’m in, it’s so fun because it’s always collaborative,” Downey said. “Nothing would literally happen without everyone.”
Guests should expect to leave each performance feeling entertained and moved.
“It’s funny, it’s silly, it will definitely make you laugh. It might make you cry,” Downey said.
“Matilda the Musical” has performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The musical will continue performances at 7:30 Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 and 2 p.m. Nov. 2. Tickets start at $33 for adults and can be purchased online or at the box office. The musical is recommended for audiences ages 6 and up.
Madisson Cameron edit this story. Kylie Caldwell and Avery Avery copy edited this story.
