Casts that are composed of both adults and children are the most colorful! We love our cast of Roald Dahl's Matilda, opening July 14, 2023. We're delighted to share interviews with some of the actors bring to life the main characters in Matilda the Musical.
First up is the dynamic duo of Matilda (the precocious young girl with a passion for reading books) and her delightfully colorful librarian friend, Mrs. Phelps.
Carrigan Moon (Matilda)
Carrigan is thrilled to be making her Mainstage debut. She was most recently seen in the Stageworks Acting Academy production of Guys & Dolls Jr as Miss Sarah Brown. Favorite shows include Annie Jr (Annie), Seussical Jr (JoJo), and Into the Woods (Ensemble). When not onstage, Carrigan is a fourth grader who loves drawing, playing with Barbies, and spending time with her dogs.
Welcome to Stageworks! Is this your first time on the main stage? How long have you been performing and what have been some of your favorite roles?
This is my first main stage production but I have been in the Stageworks Acting Academy since January 2022. I’ve been doing shows since I was 7 years old. Some of my favorite roles I’ve done are Annie (Annie Jr), Sarah Brown (Guys & Dolls Jr) and Jojo (Seussical Jr).
What enticed you to audition for Matilda?
The show seemed like a really fun show to do and I really love the music. I also really like the movie and the book.
Tell us about your character in Matilda.
I would describe Matilda as brave, smart, and a very optimistic girl.
How are you like/NOT like your character?
I have an older brother like Matilda but I can’t do telekinesis… yet.
When you’re not onstage, how do you spend your time?
I like to cook and play with Barbies. I also like to swim in my pool and sing all day, every day.
What’s the best thing about Stageworks?
That all the people are so nice and kind. It’s very easy to make friends at Stageworks. I can just be myself without any judgement.
Heather Hall (Mrs. Phelps)
Heather is a Houston native and thrilled to make her Stageworks debut! Heather graduated early from the University of Oklahoma and has been doing theatre professionally for the past decade. Houston theatre credits include: TUTS, TUTS Underground, Stages, Art Factory, Moore Vision Entertainment, Queensbury, John Carpenter Productions, Obsidian, Haven Arts Theatre, and Firecracker Productions. Some of her favorite credits include Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Hilde in MacGyver the Musical, and Cathy in The Last Five Years. Follow her on Instagram @heytherr7
Welcome to Stageworks! I understand this is your first show here. How long have you been performing and what have been some of your favorite roles?
Hello! I am so excited to be here at Stageworks. I have been performing for 20 years now, but I’ve been a professional actor here in Houston since 2012. I’ve done well over 50 shows, but some of my favorite roles include; Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Amy in Company, Hilde in MacGyver the Musical, and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors.
What enticed you to audition for Matilda?
My friend and I went to see Agatha Christie's Mousetrap at Stageworks and hung out with the cast after the show. I had a blast with everyone, so my friend and I looked to see what shows I could possibly audition for later in the season. She said to me “oh my gosh, you would be perfect in Matilda,” and then showed me YouTube videos of the show until 3 in the morning. When the audition notice went out, I thought, “wow, this is my chance, I’m going to audition!” When I did get cast, it felt like a full circle moment- almost like we manifested it a year ago.
·
Tell us about your character in Matilda.
I play Mrs. Phelps, the librarian! She is Matilda’s first friend and the first important adult figure in Matilda’s life. She loves to hear what stories Matilda has made up for her that week, and she encourages Matilda to use her imagination!
How are you like/NOT like your character?
Mrs. Phelps is dramatic, over the top, and the ultimate hype woman. She wants the people in her life to succeed and use their creativity to shine. I feel like I’m very much like her! I am also supporting my friends, and helping them face their fears. I am also a safe space for a lot of people in my life, and I feel like Mrs. Phelps is that person not only for Matilda, but also Ms. Honey.
When you’re not onstage, how do you spend your time?
Although I wish I could be an actor full time, I spend most of my time working a corporate job. I am a contracted communication specialist for an oil and gas company. I also spend a lot of my time taking care of my 5 pets and hanging out with friends!
What’s the best thing about Stageworks?
I could go on and on about the things I have LOVED about this process. If I had to pick one thing, it would be how positive everyone is about the show. Every single person is working hard to make this show a success and putting in time outside of rehearsal memorizing their parts and choreography. I love how any wacky idea one of us comes up with for our character, Jess, our director, says “let’s try it!” It has been the most welcoming environment to be creative as an actor, but also to feel included, especially being a newbie.
Come see Matilda and Mrs. Phelps rock Crunchem Hall at Stageworks Theatre, opening July 14, 2023.
