Vernal Theatre: LIVE is set to host a series of upcoming theatrical events, beginning with performances of Matilda JR. scheduled for July 15 through July 18. The theatre has also announced upcoming auditions for the musical Finding Neverland, which will take place in late July as part of its upcoming production season.
Matilda JR. Performance Details
The production of Matilda JR., sponsored by Vernal’s TaVaci School of Performing Arts, will run from July 15 to July 18. The musical tells the story of a highly intelligent girl with special powers who faces cruelty from her parents and her school's headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, before finding an ally in her teacher, Miss Honey.
To accommodate different schedules, the theatre is utilizing two distinct casts for this production. The Yellow Cast will perform on Wednesday evening, Friday evening, and Saturday afternoon. The Purple Cast is scheduled to appear on Thursday evening, Friday afternoon, and Saturday evening. All evening performances are set to begin at 7 p.m., while matinee shows will start at 2 p.m.
According to the theatre's performance policies, all patrons must have their own tickets, as lap seating is not permitted. The theatre also noted that all sales are final with no refunds or exchanges available. Doors for these performances open 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Cast and Production Team
The production features a large ensemble of local performers split between the two casts. For the Yellow Cast, Cora Stoddard will play the title role of Matilda, alongside Titus Jensen as Eric/Escapologist, Michael Flaniken as Tommy, and Jaidyn Batty as Amanda. The cast also includes Haiden Gaskill as Bruce, Ada Mae Evans as Lavender, Sarah Putnam as Alice, Lucy Evans as Hortensia, Jak Allred as Nigel/Sergei, Bronson Merrill as Mr. Wormwood, Evelyn Stoddard as Mrs. Wormwood, and Levi Jensen as Michael Wormwood.
The Purple Cast features Grace Olsen in the role of Matilda, with Titus Jensen returning as Eric/Escapologist, Carter Rich as Tommy, Lana Colt as Amanda, Hahend Gaskill as Bruce, Rozlynn Mitchell as Lavender, Annalise Barker as Alice, Blair Long as Hortensia, Jak Allred as Nigel/Sergei, Bronson Merrill as Mr. Wormwood, Cambria Davies as Mrs. Wormwood, and Caed Gaskill as Michael Wormwood.
Other notable performers in the production include Celeste Bolton and Sarah Colt as Miss Honey, and Olivia Blankenagel and Ila Smuin as Miss Truncbull. The production is directed by Nashelle Jackson, with Taysia Tello serving as student director, Karilynne Pearson as music director, and Megan Pearson as choreographer.
Finding Neverland Audition Information
Auditions for the musical Finding Neverland will be held on July 22 and July 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Vernal Theatre: LIVE location on East Main Street. Following the initial auditions, callbacks are scheduled for July 25 by invitation. The production is directed by Nashelle Jackson.
The musical, which has an approximate duration of two hours and 20 minutes, follows the story of playwright J.M. Barrie and his inspiration from the adventures of the Llewelyn Davies boys to create children's theatre. Performances for Finding Neverland are scheduled to take place from September 11 through September 19.
Roles are available for men and women ages 14 and up, as well as four specific roles for boys between the ages of 8 and 13. For those aged 8-13, a responsible adult over the age of 16 must accompany them to every rehearsal.
Audition Requirements and Guidelines
The theatre has issued specific requirements for those participating in the Finding Neverland auditions. Applicants are instructed to prepare a Broadway song cut that is 60 seconds or less, as time limits will be strictly enforced. Performers should also bring a recent 4x6 color headshot and be prepared to complete a rehearsal calendar detailing any conflicts between July 27 and September 19.
The theatre has noted that there will be no double-casting for this production, meaning all selected actors must be available for every scheduled performance. Additionally, the theatre requested that auditioners do not contact members of the production team individually; instead, all inquiries should be directed to the theatre via email at vernaltheatre@gmail.com.
For those interested in being involved but not performing, the theatre is actively seeking individuals to join their production teams. Opportunities are available for crew members and leaders to assist with upcoming productions.
Community Engagement
Vernal Theatre: LIVE continues its mission of bringing the community together through live performance. In addition to upcoming shows, the theatre offers year-round classes for all ages and has recently made Season 11 season tickets available to the public.
