Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical Cast

Jojo DiStefano is a third grader who loves bringing stories to life on stage! She has previously played Fireball in Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, a Rafiki Narrator in Lion King JR, Humpty Dumpty in Alice in Wonderland, Nemo in Finding Nemo Jr., a town kid in Willy Wonka, and the unforgettable Gladys in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. When she’s not acting, she’s busy creating art, making music, and probably dreaming up her next big adventure. She’s thrilled to be part of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer JR. and Buckhannon Community Theatre!

Eva Atha is very excited to be performing in her second show with BCT! Since graduating from Wesleyan in 2022, Eva has been directing the choirs at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School and the First United Methodist Church. She also teaches ballet and jazz at The Dance Factory. In recent years, Eva has done choreography for many local shows, including BCT’s “Frozen Jr”, BU High School’s “The Music Man” and “Cinderella”, and this past spring, choreography and music for BU Middle School’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and portrayed Tanya in the 2025 BCT production of "Mamma Mia!"

Matt is making his fifth appearance in a BCT production after debuting as Scarecrow in 2023's Wizard of Oz. Matt played Romeo twenty years ago and more recently in 2015 he played Uncle Max in The Sound of Music in a town in Western Colorado with less than 450 residents. Because of such a limited cast, he also got to play the priest that married his wife (playing Maria) to another man (playing VonTrapp)! Matt also enjoys helping the productions with set design and building. When not on stage, Matt practices as an attorney in Buckhannon, helps to homeschool his five kids, and plays the mandolin poorly.

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 has resided in Lost Creek, WV for 30 years, since moving from the Baltimore-Washington area with her husband Mike. A retired attorney, retired homeschool mom of six grown children, current part time piano teacher, and singer, and handbell ringer at her Church in Weston, Mary was last seen on stage as Professor Marvel/The Wizard in BCT's 2023 production of "The Wizard of Oz." Mary has performed in many BCT productions, as well as Fairmont State University's Town & Gown community productions. She can relate well to her role as Grandma Josephine, as she and her husband are now the proud grandparents of five grandchildren.

Arthur Stott made his debut with BCT's The Wizard of Oz in 2023 as a Munchkin, Flying Monkey, and a Winkie. He also played Chip, the scientist in Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School's "All the Ways the World Will End, but Not You". He has helped backstage, with set design and in the sound booth for The Dance Factory's Nutcracker and 2024 dance showcase,and played Tweedle Dee in BCT's 2025 production of Alice in Wonderland. 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 13-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.

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.

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.

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!

Genesis is a 4th grader who’s overjoyed to bring Dolly to life — and to dance and fly as one of Santa’s reindeer! She has loved performing with BCT as a Lullaby League munchkin in The Wizard of Oz, a Town Child in Willy Wonka, Pearl in Finding Nemo Kids, Gladys in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Dormouse in Alice in Wonderland, Nala in The Lion King Kids, and Dolly in Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. She has also appeared in JCFilms movies, takes dance at The Dance Factory, and loves writing stories, painting, cooking, and exploring fun facts in trivia, math, and science. Genesis is proud to represent misfit toys everywhere and hopes Dolly’s story reminds others that we all belong and have something special to share.

Samuel 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.

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 the Mother in A Christmas Story. Other favorite roles include “Maria” in BCT’s The Sound of Music (2011), “Cinderella” in BCT’s Into the Woods (2013), “Bonnie” in WVWC’s Anything Goes, and “Annie” in Danville Light Opera’s Annie. 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.

Aurora has been performing with BCT for three years. She has had roles in The Wizard of Oz, Death by Dessert, Will You Be My Nemesis, All the Ways the World will End But Not You, Finding Nemo Kids, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, How to Survive a Shakespeare Play, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Midsummer Night's Dream, Alice in Wonderland, Mama Mia (tech). She has studied at the WVU Youth Theatre Camp and was elected President of the BUMS Theatre Club. She is taking the stage this fall as Velma in Too Many Detectives in the Murder Mansion. Aurora enjoys singing in the BUMS choir and baking in her free time.

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.

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.

Isabella 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 loved dancing as one of the angels in The Dance Factory's Nutcracker (2023). Becoming a ballerina has been a lifetime goal for her and her first year dancing in ballet did not disappoint. She is so excited to play a revolting child in the children's ensemble this summer.

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 jobs selling children's books and coaching gymnastics for The Gym Zone. Lauren's first performance was in high school as a stepsister in Rodger's & Hammerstein's Cinderella. She fell in love with musicals and played roles such as Molly in Annie Jr., Liesel in The Sound of Music, and Sandy in Grease in her high school productions. 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. Her debut for BCT was as one of the 3 apple-throwing trees in The Wizard of Oz in 2023 and in Willy Wonka as Violet's mother, Mrs. Beauregard.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.