Roald Dahl’s “Matilda,” the story of a little girl with special abilities who overcomes harrowing circumstances to transform the lives of those around her, has been made into a movie, a Broadway musical and a recent Netflix movie adaptation of the musical. This month’s production of “Matilda” at Draper Historic Theatre borrows elements from each of those versions to present a new take on a popular story.

Joy Austin, who plays Matilda’s mother, Mrs. Wormwood, said, “This show has it all—the laughter, warmth, drama—and naughtiness. It brings out the heart of the back story where you have real emotion.”

Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood do not understand their precocious, book-loving daughter Matilda. They send her to a private school run by the cruel and iron-fisted Miss Trunchbull. In the end, Matilda uncovers Trunchbull’s dark secret and inspires both her fellow students and their teacher, Miss Honey, to stand up for themselves.

Rosie Tucker, age 8, is one of the actors playing Matilda and is enjoying the role. “Matilda has magical powers,” she said. “She stands up for what’s right and she doesn’t care what other people say about her. Most of all, she’s nice.”

As many of the roles in this production are double-cast, Lilly Anderson, age 10, also plays Matilda. “I like how smart she is and how protective she is about her friends,” she said. “You can learn from Matilda that you can be brave and stand up for other people.”

In the Netflix version of “Matilda,” Ralph Fiennes plays Miss Trunchbull as in the British pantomime tradition in which male actors play caricatured women. Trevor Casperson has assumed the role in the Draper Historic Theatre production.  

He spoke of how each of the characters is portrayed in an over-the-top way, especially the villainous ones. “There are a lot of dark themes in this show that are told through the eyes of a child,” he said. “It’s more wild because it’s what Matilda is imagining.”

Casperson is enjoying being in a show with his daughter who is in the ensemble. He described Trunchbull as “stern and angry,” but also goofy at times, especially when the children make fun of her.

By contrast, as Neena Warburton explained, “Miss Honey is sweet and kind, an opposite to Miss Trunchbull.” Warburton and Ella Henrie both play Miss Honey in alternating performances.

“As a teacher, she has to be strong for those kids,” Henrie said.

“Miss Honey has the biggest character arc,” Warburton observed. “She is self-demeaning but learns she has more fight in her. I can relate to that, the journey to self-awareness, self-encouragement and self- confidence.”

As Mr. Wormwood, Jarrod Dew, is “finding the balance between playing ‘mean’ and ‘funny.’” He added that the role is “like a caricature or cartoon.”

Dew explained that this production has a key change from the movie version in that, “the dad recognizes Matilda’s value in the end and that the parents aren’t the best for her. They love her enough to let her go to someone who will realize her potential.”

Part of Matilda’s potential is her magical, telekinetic powers. Director Cassidy Ross described making the magic happen on stage. “It will be mostly practical magic,” she said. “The chalk writes itself on the board, there is a newt that is telepathically thrown, a cup that tips over. We think it’s more fun that way.”

Ross explained that over 120 people auditioned for the show. “It was really hard to cut it down to about 60,” she said. “I like to give everybody a shot to be on stage. That’s what community theater is all about.” She praised the cast for their hard work and dedication.

“A lot of people have worked very hard, and it would be delightful if people came to see the show,” Tucker said.

Draper Historic Theatre presents Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical” July 11-27. Performances are at 7 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on July 13, 20 and 27. The theater is located at 12366 S. 900 East. For tickets, visit draperhistorictheatre.org. λ