The spirited adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved tale comes to life on stage to sold-out audiences, featuring a community collaboration with local florist and library system.

WHARTON, TX — The Plaza Theatre is thrilled to announce the opening night of Matilda the Musical JR. performed by its young performance troupe, the Litefooters. This highly anticipated event, directed by Hailey Roberson, will run this weekend from June 22 through June 25, 2023 on Monterey Square in historic downtown Wharton, TX. The Litefooters Summer Youth Workshop & Production is presented by Roberson Air Conditioning.

The Litefooters, named in honor of Wharton-born, Pulitzer- and Academy Award-winning playwright Horton Foote, have spent the beginning of their summer refining their stagecraft skills and theatrical discipline. Now, they’re ready to bring their talent to the stage, performing for sold-out crowds in this enchanting adaptation of Roald Dahl’s much-loved tale.

Matilda the Musical JR. tells the story of Matilda, an extraordinarily intelligent young girl who must navigate a challenging world filled with cruel parents and the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. But with a little bit of magic, courage, and cleverness, Matilda may be just the saving grace her schoolmates need.

Complementing this theatrical triumph, Plaza Theatre is delighted to partner with local family and artisans at MacIntyre Manor (macintyremanor.com). Pre-orders were placed for her specially crafted, fresh cut bouquets, adding a touch of local charm and color to the event to celebrate the young performers.

The Plaza Theatre is dedicated to growing alongside the community, actively seeking ways to nurture and support it. In addition to this exciting production, the Litefooters have extended their reach beyond the stage, performing for summer program visitors at the El Campo Branch Library in Wharton County, thus spreading their passion for performing arts within the community.

Performances of Matilda the Musical JR. will run from June 22 – 25, 2023 on Monterey Square.

The magic of live performance doesn’t end with Matilda the Musical JR. The Plaza Theatre is thrilled to reveal its summer musical, Anything Goes, presented by Texasgulf Federal Credit Union. This musical comedy showcases the iconic music and lyrics of Cole Porter. The show, directed by Joanna Hickey and Sarah Wilkins, is set to dazzle audiences from July 28 to August 13, 2023.

Anything Goes unfolds on the ocean liner S.S. American, with an enchanting storyline of love, disguises, tap-dancing sailors, and a touch of good old-fashioned blackmail. Audiences will be taken on a journey from New York to England, where they’ll encounter a unique cast of characters, including nightclub singer/evangelist Reno Sweeney, the lovestruck Billy Crocker, and the ever-entertaining Public Enemy #13, Moonface Martin.

In keeping with the Plaza Theatre’s commitment to community engagement and presenting quality theatre, Anything Goes is set to be another remarkable addition to its growing repertoire of performances. For more information on ‘Anything Goes’ and other upcoming Plaza Theatre productions, or for further information about the Litefooters Summer Youth Workshop & Production, visit whartonplazatheatre.org.