Matilda, NDA’s musical scheduled for January 23-26,  features students of all grades and talent levels, including freshmen new to the NDA theater program.

Emily Hoeppner, despite being a freshman, is not new to the stage and has “loved theatre for the longest time.” 

Hoeppner has been involved with the Birder Studio of Performing Arts since the young age of three, performing in the role of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and Brooke Wyndom in Legally Blonde. 

“I have learned so much, I don’t even know where to start, but if I had to choose one main thing it would be that I don’t have to worry about being judged, and I should just be myself because there are no mistakes when it comes to theater,” she said.

As far as Matilda, Hoeppner believes the rehearsals have been really effective, and she has never “gotten so much done in such a short time in a production before.”

“I really think that this is a fun and challenging show,” she said.”It’s a lot of work and time, but it is totally worth it.”

Audiences will be able to see Hoeppner playing Alice alongside her sister, NDA senior Elizabeth, as Mrs. Wormwood whom she is understudying.

Adalyn Weiss, a big kid and member of the ensemble,“couldn’t imagine” her high school experience without the musical.

“Coming to shows here when I was little, I knew I wanted to be a part of it someday,” she said.

Weiss has done school musicals for the past two years and theatre for the past six at Evergreen Productions. 

This year, she has learned what it’s like to be a member of an NDA cast and how to balance rehearsals and homework.

Despite having faith in the cast, Weiss is still somewhat nervous about something going wrong during a show, mainly messing up choreography. 

Overall, rehearsals have been a lot of fun and everyone has been friendly. “I have really been enjoying Matilda,” she said. “The music and plot are a lot of fun, the cast and everyone working on it have been amazing, and I can’t wait to see it come together.”

Emilie Chamberlain, who will portray the role of Tammy, is also not new to the stage, having gone to Birder for about six years participating in many shows.

She decided to try out because she has “always enjoyed doing theatre” and wanted to get involved at school.

“I think that this show is going to be extremely good; so far it’s one of the best shows I think I’ve ever been a part of,” Chamberlain said. “Being in this show has further shown me how when everyone brings their own talents together, whatever their strengths may be, it will create something special.” 

To her the musical “seems to be coming together very well and everyone involved is hard-working and professional.” 

“Rehearsals are fun because I have the chance to do what I love (performing) with friends that I become increasingly closer to with every practice,” she said. “One of the most fun parts of doing theatre is meeting people who eventually become some of your best friends.”