Wayne Center for the Arts premieres 'Matilda: A New Dance Tale' Feb. 6-7

Wayne Center for the Arts will present "Matilda: A New Dance Tale," an original dance production performed by its junior and senior dance companies, Feb. 6-7 at Wayne Center for the Arts. Performances will take place Friday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available in both general seating and VIP options.

This reimagining of the story brings Matilda’s world to life through movement, music and staging. The production will feature original choreography by dance coordinator Brittany Kranstuber, along with company instructor Lydia Havener and WCA’s newest instructor Justice Swint, who teaches hip hop and studies dance at The College of Wooster. The show is set to an original score curated from independent composers and musicians.

“The production is staged in the round, so the audience gets to fully step into the world of Matilda’s brilliant imagination,” Kranstuber said. “It creates an immersive, environmental experience that feels very special and intimate. It’s been a joy to shape, and I’m so excited to share it with our community.”

The role of Matilda will be performed by senior company dancer Amelia Linsalata, a student at Dalton Elementary who has been dancing since before the age of 3. Miss Trunchbull will be portrayed by senior company dancer Vivian Haughn, a Wooster High School student who has been dancing at WCA since age 4 and has trained at the Mid-Atlantic Dance Initiative. Miss Honey will be played by senior company dancer Brielle Burchett, also a Wooster High School student and longtime WCA dancer who is active in softball and the Wayne County 4-H program. The remainder of the cast is made up of members of the junior and senior companies, age 6-15, who have been rehearsing since last fall.

VIP seating is available and offers a dinner-theater experience. VIP tickets include premium table seating for up to four guests, early admission one hour before showtime, a family-style dinner provided by Omahoma Bob’s BBQ and two drink tickets per person. VIP seating is recommended for adult audiences and supports the Wayne Center Dance Department.

Tickets and more information are available at www.wayneartscenter.org/matilda or by calling Wayne Center for the Arts at 330-264-2787.