Helping children and teens find their voices is a goal of Lori Van Lenten.
As the director of VOCE – Young Voices of Greater Augusta, she teaches them to find their singing voices and develop them in a healthy manner, and as the musical director of the Augusta Players production of “Matilda,” she hopes they learn how to develop their inner voice, which is one of the play’s themes.
“I love the message of this play,” said Van Lenten. “It uses literary terms as double entendre.”
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Based on the Roald Dahl story, Matilda is about a smart, young girl whose parents think she’s a nuisance. She retreats into a world of books and discovers telekinetic abilities when she’s up against the terrifying headmistress of her school.
The children at the school are referred to as “revolting” or disgusting, but in the end, they are “revolting” against the conditions at the school, Van Lenten said.
More than 50 area children between the ages of 10 and 19 years-old are participating in the show, the version of which is not the “junior” one. It’s the full Broadway score, and it’s a complicated one, Van Lenten said.
She’s pulling in her expertise as a vocal teacher to make sure that the performers learn how to protect their vocal cords from damage after all the gymnastics the notes require.
Taking on the role of Matilda is Jacy Martin, who will be in the sixth grade at Augusta Christian in the fall.
“It’s really fun especially the naughty parts,” she said.
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The plot is similar to the film with Danny DeVito and Mara Wilson.
Matilda doesn’t always use her abilities for good. She sometimes gets into a bit of mischief.
“Matilda” will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Beverly Barnhart Theatre at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School.
Tickets are $12 and are available at augustaplayers.org.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the managing editor of The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
