Alicia Trescavage, director of the Pequea Valley Intermediate School (PVIS) production of "Matilda The Musical Jr.," is looking forward to being able to present the musical live for a limited audience. "Even if you're in a mask, you are watching a live performance," said Trescavage. "I think that is the biggest gift our cast and crew and staff can give our community."

"Matilda The Musical Jr." will be presented in the Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) auditorium, 4033 E. Newport Road, Kinzers. Shows will be held on Thursday, April 15, at 7 p.m.; Friday, April 16, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, April 17, at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets, which will be discounted for students and seniors, may be purchased by emailing alicia_trescavage@pequeavalley.net. Actors will wear clear masks while performing.

"Matilda" tells the story of a little girl, played by Peyton Haley, who has extraordinary powers. Matilda escapes her difficult family situation when she is sent to school at Crunchem Hall by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, played by Owen Fisher and Ruby Byler, respectively, where she meets the hostile and wicked headmistress Miss Trunchbull, played by Naomi Brumbach. With the help of her friends and her teacher, Miss Honey, played by Maddie Heverin, Matilda is determined to improve her life by taking a stand and creating her own destiny. The show features more than a dozen musical presentations, with Trescavage noting that "Revolting Children" and "When I Grow Up" are both showstoppers. Mindy Lapp serves as assistant director, and choreography is provided by Sierra Anastasi.

In the title role, Haley is excited about the opportunity to take part in a musical. She sees her character as unloved, noting that the self-centered parents prefer Matilda's brother, Michael, played by Nolan Stoltzfus. "Matilda is super smart and loves to read," said Haley. "When she meets Miss Honey, (the teacher recognizes) how advanced Matilda is."

As the kindhearted Miss Honey, Heverin noted that her character will undergo a transformation. "In front of the classroom she is strong, but with Trenchbull, she is scared," noted Heverin, who is working with Trescavage on portraying those emotions through posture.

Trescavage noted that the show is fun and has a happy ending as Matilda comes under the care of Miss Honey. "(Matilda's) parents are the comic relief," said Trescavage. "They are bigger than life, self-absorbed, and very tacky."