It seems universal—especially in a small community like the CWE—that one conversation leads to another topic, and before you know it you find connections you never expected. That’s what happened in early May when Kate Haher and I were visiting New City School in advance of the 2nd Neighborhood Community Meeting. We were there to meet the school’s Performance Arts Specialist Ben Griffiths to learn about the sound system and lighting.
Griffiths explained that the school’s production of Matilda Jr was in final rehearsals, and advised that our meeting coincided with one of those rehearsals, so the cast and production crew would be exiting the auditorium as our event was scheduled to start.
In order to make the transition smoother, Griffiths generously suggested that early arrivals could watch the rehearsal. I took advantage of the invitation and was so totally charmed by what I saw that I decided to return for the final performance a few days later.
As we were wrapping up, I asked Griffiths, above, if he was aware that CWE-based artist Mary Engelbreit designed the costumes and set for The Muny’s 2019 production of Matilda, and that Mary and her husband Phil Delano’s late son Evan attended New City School many years ago.
Actually, Griffiths said, both The Muny ‘s production and the touring show at the Fox Theater were instrumental in his decision to stage the play, and that his mother was the Kindergarten teacher when Evan was a student. (More on the Mary Engelbreit connection follows.)
Griffiths explained: “I’ve always been a fan of Roald Dahl’s storytelling style, and Tim Minchin’s musical adaptation was amazing. However, just at the time Musical Theater International released Matilda Jr., COVID hit. So we had to put the production on pause for a couple of years. It was thrilling to finally license the show for Spring 2023.”
In his introductory remarks to a packed house on Saturday, May 13, Griffiths explained that, while the play is a dark story about what it’s like to grow up, “We all face obstacles the way Matilda did. Overcoming those obstacles is how we rewrite our own stories.”
The program’s cover art was created by 3rd grader Zooey Guenther and digitized by 5th grader Ekie Werner.
Fifty-four students were involved in the production, including 3 who were behind the scenes handling the technical work. Those included 3rd grader Kaien Geng, and 5th graders Jax Barnes and Osi Dressel. 
The first meeting for the spring production was in December. All the students were taught a dance sequence and a section of a song to memorize in advance of the audition. “This is a strong ensemble show,” Griffiths said,”so we were able to give everyone a part that was challenging in some way. Our number-one goal is to help the kids build confidence on the stage, and develop their passion for performing. We strive for a great show, but the kids and their experience always come first.”
Third grader Mia Burning starred as Matilda. Griffiths said he got to know Mia when she was in first grade and attended New City’s Young Actor’s Theater Camp. At the time, Griffiths told her parents they should expect pretty big things from her. “It was the easiest casting decision I’ve ever had to make, and I’m thrilled I had the chance to make it.”
As was mentioned earlier, this production involved a large cast, which meant there were at least 75 costumes.
Griffiths said: “It was a joy to work with all these young actors as they made choices and crafted their own vision for their characters. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
The production crew came out for a huge round of applause, especially from the students. They included from left, Music Director Tina Poynter, Stagehand Joe Guzon, Costume Assistant Maeve Toolan, Costume Director Molly Lodes, and Assistant Director Malayka Ferhi.
As Griffiths took his own curtain call, he summed up what I assume the audience,made up of parents, grandparents and siblings, felt: “The way this New City Community, which is devoted to the arts, has brought people together to create on stage is pure magic.”
And now more on the Mary Engelbreit connection to New City School:
The art gallery outside the school’s Multiple Intelligence Library is named in Evan Delano’s memory. Years ago, Mary drew a poster, above, which embodied the multiple intelligences, that hung in the school’s hall for a long time. Mary drew her sons Evan and Will, who also attended NCS peeking out of the lettering at the top of the poster.
And just in case you missed the link above, here are Mary Engelbreit’s designs for the 2019 production of Matilda at The Muny.
New City School, located at 5209 Waterman at Lake, was founded in 1969 by a group of CWEnders concerned about the fallout to the neighborhood following the closure of Barat Hall and City House at Maryland and Taylor Avenues. More on the history of the school can be found here.
With gratitude to New City School’s Head of School Alexis Wright and Performance Arts Specialist Ben Griffiths for their generosity in allowing me to bring this post to you.
This piece about the cast of MATILDA at New City School is as spritely and charming as Mary Engelbreit herself. I wasn’t aware that the Multiple Intelligence Library at the school was named in memory of Evan Delano . . . how perfect is that?!
I’m sorry I missed this show, because supporting kids in their growth experiences is what every healthy neighborhood is about. Thank you, Nicki, for giving us this important story.