Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical Cast

Jojo DiStefano is a rising 5th grader who loves bringing stories to life on stage! She has previously played Fireball in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Rafiki (narrator) in The Lion King JR., Humpty Dumpty in Alice in Wonderland, Nemo in Finding Nemo Jr., and the unforgettable Gladys in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. When she’s not acting, she’s busy creating art, making music, and dreaming up her next big adventure. She is thrilled to take on her first big lead role as Matilda in Matilda.

Eva Atha is so excited to be performing as Miss Honey and is thrilled to be sharing the stage with many of her real life students! Since graduating from WVWC in 2022, Eva has been directing the choirs at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School and the First United Methodist Church. She also teaches ballet, jazz, and modern at The Dance Factory. In recent years, she has mostly been working behind the scenes and has done choreography for BCT, the B-UHS theater program, and the B-UMS theater club. This spring, she was the music director/choreographer for the B-UMS production of “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” However, this last year she has gotten back on stage herself as Tanya in the 2025 BCT production of "Mamma Mia!" and as a party guest/mouse in AYBC’s 2025 production of “The Nutcracker”. Eva wants to give a special shoutout to all of the kids that have worked hard to make the magic of “Matilda” come to life!

Jasmyne is beyond excited to bring the character of Agatha Trunchbull to life with Buckhannon Community Theatre!

Matt is making his fifth appearance in a BCT production after debuting as Scarecrow in 2023's Wizard of Oz. Since then Matt has been featured as Mr. Salt in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Bill in Mamma Mia, and Wayne in Puffs. Matt also enjoys helping the productions with set design and building. When not on stage, Matt practices as an attorney in Buckhannon, teaches classes at the Gym Zone, helps to homeschool his five kids, and plays the mandolin poorly.

Emily is looking forward to portraying the lively character of Mrs. Wormwood. She was originally set to play this very role for Robert C. Byrd High School in 2020 until the pandemic shut down their performance. She has been ready and can't wait for you to see her BCT debut!

Spencer is an 8th grader at Buckhannon Upshur Middle School. He has been in numerous plays through BCT and the school theater club including Frozen Jr, Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka, Beauty and the Beast Jr., Midsummer Night’s Dream, a Christmas Story and the Best Christmas Pageant ever. He has also played Bruce the Shark, Scar and Shrek in BCT’s McNeish Memorial theater camp. When not on stage Spencer enjoys playing trombone in the school band and all forms of games (including scrabble with his grandparents).

Mary Tillman has participated in many shows with Fairmont State University Town and Gown, and with BCT, including most recently, Professor Marvel/the Wizard in Wizard of Oz and Grandma Josephine in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. She is a retired attorney and part time piano teacher, and sing and plays handbells with her church community in Weston. She and her husband Mike have six children and seven grandchildren, and have resided in Lost Creek for over 30 years.

Arthur Stott made his debut with BCT's The Wizard of Oz in 2023 as a Munchkin, Flying Monkey, and a Winkie. Since then he has played Chip in "All the Ways the World Will End, but Not You" and Lysander in “Midsummer Night’s Dream” for Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School's Drama Club. He appeared again for BCT in Willy Wonka and Alice in Wonderland. He also performed for The Augusta Youth Ballet as the Prince in the Nutcracker and danced with The Dance Factory for their spring showcase. He has helped backstage, with set design, construction, and in the sound booth for The Dance Factory and BCT. He's excited to showcase his talents as Bruce.

Adrianne played Hermie in Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, young Anna in Frozen, Jr. and had several parts in The Wizard of Oz. Adrianne is a 14-year-old homeschooler who enjoys tap, jazz, hip hop and theater. She is active in her church and community. She wants to thank her family and friends for their continued support.

Thomas Loudin is thrilled to return to the BCT stage as Eric! Thomas is in sixth grade at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School. Thomas loves theater, having appeared in BCT productions as "Rudolph" in Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, "Simba" in the Lion King JR, "Charlie" in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, “Crush” in Finding Nemo Kids, “Flick” in A Christmas Story, the “Mayor of Munchkinland” in The Wizard of Oz, and a chorus member in Frozen Jr. Thomas enjoys playing the piano, dancing at The Dance Factory, playing soccer, hunting, and was in the WV All-State Children’s Chorus the past two years. He wants to thank his family and friends for their support, and his BCT theater family for helping him bring the character to life. Break legs to all fellow cast members!

Ellie is 10 years old and will be entering 5th grade this fall. She is an All Star cheerleader at Mountain State Cheer Academy, where she enjoys training and competing with her team. In her free time, Ellie loves tumbling, singing, and spending time with her friends and family. Matilda the Musical is her first theatrical production, and she is excited to continue exploring opportunities in theater and performing arts in the future.

Ronan Anderton is thrilled to be a part of Matilda the Musical as his very first theatrical production! He has discovered a love for theatre, singing, and dancing, and hopes this will be the first of many productions to come.

McKinley is 10 years old and will be entering the 5th grade this fall. She’s a proud Junior level scout with her Girl Scouts Troop, is a lover of all animals, and enjoys gaming, singing, dancing, and spending time with her family in the pool. This is McKinley’s first time performing and she is head over heels in love with being involved in the theater.

Sammy Stott started his theater journey as a Munchkin Town Father and Flying Monkey for The Wizard of Oz, an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, and Tweedle Dum in Alice in Wonderland. Sammy has also performed with the Gym Zone and Dance Factory in their expo and spring showcase, performing routines with warriors, gymnastics, and modern dance.

Genesis is a 5th grader thrilled to play Alice in Matilda — her 9th production with BCT! She got her start as a Lullaby League munchkin in The Wizard of Oz, and her roles since have included Pearl in Finding Nemo Kids, a Town Child in Willy Wonka, Gladys in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Dormouse in Alice in Wonderland, Nala in The Lion King Kids, Dolly in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and most recently Teen Fiona and one of the Three Blind Mice in Shrek Kids. Outside of theatre, she’s appeared in several movies with JCFilms, dances with The Dance Factory, and enjoys singing, writing, reading, history, and anything trivia-related — all while making plenty of time for the people she loves most. Genesis can’t wait to cause a little Matilda-style trouble on stage — because sometimes the best stories start with breaking a few rules.

Gavin is a graduate of Robert C. Byrd High School and is thrilled to be making his BCT debut as the flirtatious Rudolpho. He has played Patchy in Spongebob the Musical and Jason in Mean Girls. He has also performed at Weston's Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum as a scare actor for 2 years and 3 years on their staff team for their annual haunted house.

Katie earned a Bachelors degree in Applied Music in voice and violin performance from WVWC in 2007. Katie has enjoyed music and theater throughout her life, having appeared most recently as "Donna" in BCT's Mamma Mia! last summer. Other favorite BCT roles include "Mother" in A Christmas Story (2023), “Maria” The Sound of Music (2011), “Cinderella” in Into the Woods (2013), and “Bonnie” in WVWC’s Anything Goes. Katie also serves on the board of BCT and helps with the acting workshop during the McNeish camp each summer. She loves to share the stage with her children, and to help bring performing arts experiences to the community. Thank you to Adam, my family, and everyone who has come out to support local theatre!

Wesley is a 2024 graduate of Fairmont State University. He is the owner of film production company, Double-U Pictures, LLC. Wesley is a member of the Shinnston Arts Foundation and serves on the Marketing Committee of the Cultural Foundation of Harrison County. Recent theatrical credits include: Fairmont State - "Rocky Horror Show" (Brad Majors), "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (Dan/Feat. Dancer), "Matilda the Musical" (Michael Wormwood/Older Student); The Robinson Grand - "The Addams Family" (Ancestor/Grim Reaper/Thing). Wesley made his on-screen debut in the 2019 anti-bullying film, "The Zombie Club." Wesley has participated in The Rustic Mechanicals Apprentice Troupe and Montani Cantanti Apprenticeship Program at The Vintage Theatre Company in Clarksburg. He studies voice with Madison Linger and has previously trained with Broadway veteran, Jodie Langel. Wesley is a ten-year company member of Ingra & Company Dance Studio in Shinnston. In addition to his performance endeavors, he has assistant directed musical theatre productions at 5th Street Center for Dance in Fairmont.

Caleb Anderton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Performance and will receive his Master’s degree in Theatre Pedagogy this August. He directs the local high school theatre program and has taught improvisational comedy as an adjunct faculty member at West Virginia Wesleyan College. This is his second BCT production, and he has thoroughly enjoyed working alongside such a talented cast and crew.

Robin is excited to make her debut on the BCT stage! She prides herself on being an advocate for animals and encourages you to adopt and not shop. She hopes you enjoy Matilda the Musical!

Matilda the Musical is Nick's very first play with Buckhannon Community Theatre. He is 15 years old and loves acting and doing accents. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Aurora is 15 and moving into the High School this year. She had been in several BCT and BUMS Theatre theatre productions. She takes voice and dance lessons.

Abigail C. Benjamin is excited to join the cast. She has previously appeared as Veruca Salt in "Willy Wonka", Ester Jane in "A Christmas Story" and Young Elsa in "Frozen". Abigail has performed in Junie B. Jones, Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz and Finding Nemo. Abigail loves to sew, draw and dance.

Riley is fun- loving, compassionate and talented young lady with a contagious smile. She enjoys theater, singing, piano and dance. But most of all, she just enjoys being around amazing people and making new friends. Riley has been in Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and How to Survive being in a Shakespeare Play.

Emma is 14 years old, she has a love for dance, theatre, choir, and more! She has been in multiple shows with the BUMS theater club. This past year she was on the Studio 33 Dance Center’s first competition team, and performed a solo plus 11 other dances! She is in Matilda as a prefect/featured dancer.

Olivia is 14 years old. New to BCT but not theatre itself, she has portrayed Belle in Beauty and the Beast Junior for the middle school theatre club.

Emma Clark is 18 and will be going to Wesleyan in the fall. She is double majoring in psychology and pre-drama therapy. Emma is excited to be a part of her fourth show with BCT. She recently played Mrs. Donner in Rudolph, as well as past ensemble roles in both Willy Wonka and The Wizard of Oz.

Lauren enjoys life as a homeschooling mother of 5, who also delights in her part time job teaching classes at The Gym Zone. Lauren fell in love with musicals in high school performing in Cinderella, Annie Jr., The Sound of Music, and Grease. After a decade of being a college student and raising children, she got back into theater via her small town community theater and starred as Maria in The Sound of Music in Norwood, Colorado. Her debut for BCT was as one of the trees and adult ensemble in The Wizard of Oz in 2023 and in Willy Wonka as Mrs. Beauregard in 2024. Lauren is excited to be part of the adult ensemble, singing and dancing her heart out in Matilda.

Robert is usually the face you see at the Box Office scanning and selling tickets, but now he's thrilled to join his children - Spencer and Violet - on stage in the adult ensemble!

Erin DiStefano is thrilled to make her first appearance on stage in Matilda and is excited to spend the whole experience working alongside her daughters. She is looking forward to the performances after all the hours of hard work, teamwork, and shared laughter that bring a show to life.

Ava has been performing with BCT for 3 years. She began her theater experience in the Wizard of Oz and has starred in A Christmas Story, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Finding Nemo Kids, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Lion King Jr, Alice in Wonderland, and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. She is part of the Buckhannon Middle School Theatre Club and has played in Too Many Detectives in the Murder Mansion. Ava enjoys playing sports and art and brings a passion for creativity to the stage.

Izzy Stott has caught the performing arts bug and reveled in her roles as a Munchkin and Flying Monkey in BCT's The Wizard of Oz (2023) and a squirrel in Willy Wonka (2024). She also loves to dance and has appeared in Augusta Youth Ballet’s Firebird, the Dark Crystal, and twice in the Nutcracker. She has also appeared in the Gym Zone’s Expo and the Dance Factory’s Showcase.

Violet is a third grader at Buckhannon Academy Elementary School. This will be her sixth play, having participated in Nemo Kids, Lion King Kids, Shrek Kids, Wizard of Oz, and a cameo as a heart child in Alice in Wonderland. She also loves taking dance classes at Studio 33, playing Roblox with friends, playing outside with friends, swimming with friends…anything with friends.

Matilda DiStefano is a rising 8th grader who is thrilled to be part of Matilda. Her previous roles include Mr. Ray in Finding Nemo Jr., as well as performances in her middle school productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion. She also served as stage manager for Beauty and the Beast Jr., where she discovered a love for working behind the scenes.

Sylvia is thrilled to be making her BCT debut this summer! She is 9 years old and will be entering fourth grade at Buckhannon Academy Elementary this fall. In addition to theater, Sylvia enjoys gymnastics, 4-H, and participating in activities at her church. She loves drawing, baking, reading—especially books about Greek mythology—and spending time with animals, particularly her family's dogs, Otis and Ruby.

Arden is almost 11 and going into 5th grade at Nutter Fort Intermediate. Arden is passionate about preforming comedy and is loving her first experience with BCT! In her free time she loves swimming, playing with her dog Brandy, reading, and creating stories and musicals of her own.

Hi! I'm so glad to be part of the tech crew! I did one other show with BCT, I did Rudolph and played as Bumble! Thanks for coming to see the show!

Dominic has worked on many plays in the past, including being Stage Manager for "Too Many Detectives In the Murder Mansion" and played Mercutio in "Romeo and Juliet". He is starting high school this year. His hobbies include: sculpting, drawing, playing videos games, and playing with his cats. He'd like to give a shoutout to Mrs. Rachel for always helping throughout his middle school theatre career.

CJ's theatre experience lies in both Buckhannon Upshur Middle School theatre club shows. She'd like to give a shoutout to her friend Lily.

Greyce’s first involvement with BCT was on stage as a Munchkin Town Father in Wizard of Oz. Since that time she has moved backstage helping with sets, rigging, and this year with projections. Greyce is grateful for a welcoming community at BCT and the chance to be part of this year’s production alongside her family.