Inspiration Stage (iStage) introduced Matilda JR for the first time to the attendees of the annual Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) in Atlanta in January 18th. iStage was honored to be selected to perform three Matilda JR numbers on the festival’s main stage in the New Works Showcase Saturday night for the festival’s almost 7,000 attendees.
“When Inspiration Stage was asked to pilot the brand-new junior version of Matilda at the Sugar Land Auditorium in October 2018, we were thrilled,” said Mandy Seymore-Sensat, Inspiration Stage’s artistic director. “Performing some of our favorite numbers on the main stage for the entire festival was a huge honor. We are humbled by the confidence the iTheatrics and JTF leadership has in our theatre to perform such an exhilarating introduction of this exciting new junior adaptation.”
iTheatrics adapts main stage Broadway musicals so they can be performed by kids in school and after-school settings. They create these adaptations for a distinguished list of clients, including MTI, one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies.
After Saturday’s introduction of Matilda JR. at JTF, the new Matilda JR. adaptation will become available for all theatres to license in the future.
The iStage troupe performed three numbers from the musical in the closing performance of the New Works Showcase. The opening, School
Song, thrilled the audience with its fast-paced choreography and creative staging, followed by When I Grown Up, which brought the audience to tears with its touching presentation. The finale, Revolting Children, brought the entire 7,000-member audience to its feet, dancing and clapping along with the performance.
“Ending with such a powerful and thrilling song got the audience on their feet and dancing,” said Seymore-Sensat. “It was an amazing way to end the always-exciting New Works Showcase.”
Inspiration Stage was one of only six companies selected to present in the New Works showcase, out of a total 127 attending companies.
Don’t miss the remaining shows in Inspiration Stage’s 2019/2020 modified season, including:
For more information about auditioning or for ticket sales, visit https://inspirationstage.com/shows/.