Meet The Cast
Emily Calvert (Matilda Wormwood) is a 6th grader at McNiel Middle School. She is thrilled to be playing the title role for the very first time. When not performing or at rehearsals, she enjoys dance classes at Defining Moments Dance Studio, singing, playing the piano, art and cooking. Matilda the Musical is her 9th production to be a part of. Some of her favorite shows she’s been in are FUMC’s Shrek (Baby Bear), Mary Poppins (Jane Banks), Seussical Kids (Gertrude McFuzz) and of course Matilda! Emily would like to thank her parents, sister and family and friends for their love and support. She would like to dedicate this show to all of her incredible teachers, directors and instructors who have taught her so much and encouraged her to achieve her dreams!
Mark Dudley (Miss Trunchbull) is very involved at The Wichita Theatre. When not on stage, he is always ready to help behind the scenes. Mark is a teacher at McNiel Middle School and also enjoys music, Broadway shows and traveling to Colorado. He has been a part of many productions, but some of his favorites include Titanic, West Side Story and Guys and Dolls. Mark would like to dedicate this show in memory of his dad, Richard C. “Dick” Dudley.
Emily Clements (Miss Honey) is excited to not only be part of this cast, but also the director. She has been a part of the Wichita Falls theatre community for almost 20 years and has a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from Midwestern State University. Some of her favorite productions to be a part of include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive), Hairspray (Tracy), Into The Woods (The Witch). When not on stage or working behind the scenes, Emily works for WFISD in the Community Relations Department. She would like to thank everyone in the cast for working so hard and making this show happen!
Sheldon Clanton (Mr. Wormwood) has been a part of the Wichita Theatre community for many years. Some of his favorite productions he has been a part of include Titanic (Jim Farrel), Beauty and the Beast (Gaston) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Outside of the theatre, Sheldon works at American National Bank and Trust.
Adrian Cargall (Mrs. Wormwood) is very happy to be returning to the Wichita Theatre stage. Some of her favorite previous roles are Mayzie La Bird in Seussical, Mrs. Gloop in Willy Wonka, and Mom in A Christmas Story. She is a teacher for WFISD and loves raccoons and possums. Adrian would like to thank the Jacksons for giving her family the opportunity to be on stage and do what she loves. Acting and singing are her outlet and she does not know what she would do without the Wichita Theatre.
Matthew Delagarza (Michael Wormwood) is a freshman at City View Jr/Sr High School. He is passionate about skateboarding and learning new tricks. He enjoys theatre and has been in Oliver (Noah Claypole) and Wiley and the Hairy Man (Wiley). He would like to thank his grandma for her love and support.
Melissa Hansard (Mrs. Phelps) was in our production of Titanic the Musical last fall and is thrilled to be back on stage as Mrs. Phelps in Matilda. She works at Henrietta Junior High as a paraprofessional and loves all things theatre. She also loves spending time with her family and watching her boys play sports. Being there for her students is also important to her. Melissa would like to dedicate this performance to her Ninny who started her passion for ballet and theater when she was young. She would like to thank her husband, mom, and kids for always showing their support. Finally, thank you to her students and staff for always lifting her up and supporting her.
Bryleigh Tarter (Lavender) is a 7th grader at McNiel Middle School. Matilda is the sixth production she has been a part of. Some of her favorites from the past are Alice in Wonderland (Little Alice), Into the Woods (Little Red Riding Hood) and Seussical (Ensemble). She would like to say thank you to her sister, Sydney.
Allie Calvert (Amanda Thripp) is an 8th grader at McNiel Middle School where she is on the tennis team and involved in NJHS and STUCO. She has been in twelve productions and some of her favorites are Moana Jr. (Tamatoa), Lion King Jr. (Serafina) and FUMC’s Shrek (Teen Fiona/ Ensemble). She also loves to sing, play the piano and read. Allie would like to thank her parents for supporting her through both the good and the bad and being excellent examples of putting other people's needs before their own!
Isaac Haro (Bruce Bogtrotter) is an 8th grader and homeschooled with Classical Conversations. He enjoys reading, being a summer missionary with Christian Youth In Action and riding bikes. He has been in several productions at The Wichita Theatre, but some of his favorites include Oliver, Sleeping Beauty and Lion King Jr. Isaac would like to dedicate this show to his Grammy. She was the first one to tell him about auditions for Oliver when he was 8 years old.
Elijah Davis (Eric) is a 5th grader at Frederick Elementary School. He has shared his talent and enthusiasm with the Wichita Theatre community over the last several years and enjoyed being in Seussical Kids (JoJo), Lion King Jr (Young Simba) and now Matilda. He enjoys road trips, reading, music (especially 70’s classic rock), family game nights & learning random facts. Elijah would like to thank his parents for driving an hour several times a week so he and his sister can be part of the Wichita Theater family.
Jadon Allen (Nigel) is a 10th grader at Burkburnett High School. Besides being involved in theatre, he is part of a worship team and teaches younger kids the gospel during the summers. He has been in numerous shows over the years, but his favorites include Tarzan (Young Terk), Lion King Jr (Simba) and Moana (Hei Hei).
Rylee Cargal (Hortensia) is a 7th grader at Dexter Learning. She has been a part of several productions over the last several years including Seussical Kids (Cat in the Hat), and Moana Jr. (ocean ensemble). Some of her hobbies include acting, reading and drawing.
Nikki Goodgion (Alice) is a 6th grader at Christ Academy where she loves playing volleyball and basketball. She has been very involved in theatre over the last several years and has now been in twelve productions. Some of her favorite roles include Little Lucie in A Tale of Two Cities, Marta in The Sound of Music and Chip in Beauty and the Beast. She would like to thank her parents, friends and teachers who support her and encourage her to try new things. Nikki would like to dedicate this show to her Papa J who passed away this year and was one of her biggest supporters and encouragers at The Wichita Theatre.
Anthony Delagarza (Doctor/Rudolpho) is a junior at City View Jr/Sr High School. He enjoys skateboarding and is a lifeguard as well. His favorite role to date is Bernardo in last year’s production of West Side Story here at the Wichita Theatre. Anthony would like to give thanks to Kimberly Gordon.
Max Trusler (Tommy) is a homeschooled 8th grader. His hobbies include singing, theatre and playing video games. He has been on stage for many productions, including Elf (Michael), Jungle Book Kids (Baloo) and Seussical Kids (Horton). Max would like to thank the Wichita Theatre for providing a venue for the youth of Wichita Falls and thank you to his family for supporting him.
Addi Strickland (Acrobat) is a homeschooled 10th grader. She enjoys performing and dancing and has graced the stage several times in the last few years. Her favorite shows to be a part of have been Newsies, West Side Story and Freaky Friday. On stage she has been a boy, a Puerto Rican, an animal and water.
Zachary J. Binx (Children’s Entertainer/Escapologist) is an avid reader and loves War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. He has never been in a production before, he was pulled into this completely blindsided. Outside of his teaching job at Crunchem Hall, he enjoys gator wrestling, extreme skateboarding and paper hat folding. Fun Fact: He has met Richard Kline - don’t know him? Wouldn’t be surprised. Zachary would like to dedicate every syllable he pronounces, to a man named Zeke, a carnival freak.
Adam Cook (Children’s Ensemble) is a 5th grader at Fain Elementary School. He enjoys being on stage and some of his favorite productions to be a part of include Seussical Kids (Vlad Vladikoff), Jungle Book Kids (Mogley) and Titanic the Musical (Jack). Besides performing, he also enjoys drawing and loves foxes.
Rylie Ammons (Children’s Ensemble) is a 9th grader at City View High School. She is excited to be in her first production at The Wichita Theatre, but is no stranger to performing. She has been Alice in Alice the Brave OAP, Dipper/Pick pocket Orphan girl in Oliver! at Backdoor Theatre, and the Understudy for Laura in Footlight Frenzy OAP. When not performing on stage, she plays the flute with the CV band, FBC Student Orchestra and with the Youth Symphony Orchestra. In kindergarten she received a life saving liver transplant! She loves helping others and likes to read about random facts, including murder mystery crimes! Rylie would like to thank her family for the constant support and encouragement as well as her theatre group at City View for helping her grow and develop more and more. She would like to also thank her past and current cast mates for memories that I will always cherish, including Chloe for always pushing her to be more!
Saylor Garza (Children’s Ensemble) is a 6th grader at McNiel Middle School and is thrilled to be making her Wichita Theatre debut! She loves music, dancing, reading, and spending time with friends and family!
Kennedy Heetland (Children’s Ensemble) is a 5th grader at Christ Academy. Her hobbies include acting, video editing, drawing, photography, tennis, swimming and basketball. She has been in several of our productions over the years, including Jungle Book Kids, Seussical Kids and Aladdin Kids. Kennedy would like to thank the Wichita Theatre for giving her and others The opportunity to be on stage and to entertain our community!
Kresee Maroney (Children’s Ensemble/ Matilda Understudy) is a 6th grader at McNiel Middle School. She is passionate about fostering dogs and helping out at PETS. She also enjoys playing volleyball and creating diamond paintings. She has been involved at the Wichita Theatre for several years now and some of her favorite productions to be a part of include The Sound of Music (Gretl), Lion King Jr (Young Nala) and Jungle Book Kids (Kaa). She would like to thank her mom and dad for always showing their support.
Allison Marshall (Children’s Ensemble / Alice Understudy) is a 7th grader at Christ Academy. She has been a part of several productions at the Wichita Theatre, and some of her favorites include The Wizard of Oz, Seussical Kids and now Matilda the Musical. She was also once in a commercial for Memorial Auditorium. Allison would like to thank her parents and teachers for believing in her, and her friends for their encouragement.
Isabelle Roe (Children’s Ensemble) is a 6th grader at McNiel Middle School. She is excited to make her stage debut at the Wichita Theatre. Some of her hobbies include drawing, computers and anime.
Selah Strickland (Children’s Ensemble) is a homeschooled 4th grader. She enjoys reading, cooking and dancing. Some of her favorite productions have been Seussical Kids, Jungle Book Kids and Peter Rabbit.
Mark Walker (Children's Ensemble) is a 9th grader and homeschooled with Classical Conversations. Matilda is his first production to be a part of at the Wichita Theatre, but he has previously performed in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and Alice in Christmasland.
Elaina Davis (Teen Ensemble/Parent) is an 11th grader at Frederick High School. Some of her previous roles include ensemble in The Sound of Music, ensemble Lion King Jr (twice) and Gramma Tala in Moana Jr. She loves to write stories. By doing so, she can take herself and a reader on a journey in a world away from the one we live in. She loves theatre because she gets to hang out with incredible people, but she also gets to be a part of an emotional journey that is different for every audience member. Elaina would like to thank her theatre family for all of their friendships, encouragement and of course the experiences. She would also like to thank God for placing with her incredible family. (Love y’all!)
Donovan Johnson (Teen Ensemble) is a 10th grader at Rider High School and no stranger to the Wichita Theatre stage. He loves performing and some of his favorite productions have been Newsies, Elf and Aladdin Kids. His hobbies include Jiu Jitsu, reading and he loves to travel (Disney World, Seattle, Canada, Las Vegas, Portland, etc). Donovan would like to thank his mom, dad and nana for always encouraging him to show his passion on stage.
Jenna Leslie (Teen Ensemble/Parent) is a 9th grader at Rider High School. She loves performing and some of her favorite roles include Annie in Annie, The Cat in the Hat in Seussical and Sharpay in High School Musical Jr. She would like to thank her loving family who has been with her every step of this incredible journey. She could not have been blessed with a better family. Much love and thank you for supporting her.
Chloe Sokora (Teen Ensemble/Nurse) is a 9th grader at Wichita Falls High School. She has been a part of many productions over the years, but her favorites include The Sound of Music (Brigitta), Moana Jr (Chief Ancestor) and Jungle Book Kids (Shanti). When not at the theatre or dance studio, she can be found at the flower farm where she helps take care of rescue horses and agriculture. She also sings with youth worship teams on Sundays and loves to make her own chilly cakes.
Lucas Steele (Teen Ensemble) is an 8th grader at McNiel Middle School where he is on the tennis team and was in last year’s production of Into the Woods, playing Jack. Last fall he was Pua in the Wichita Theatre’s production of Moana Jr. He plays the cello for the Youth Symphony Orchestra, and also has an identical twin brother. Fun fact- at the age of 2, he was found climbing a 20ft lamp post at an outdoor concert. Lucas would like to thank his mom and dad for their support and encouragement.
David Fisher (Sergei/Parent/Judge) served in the US Air Force for 25 years. He has been in several productions, including The Sound of Music, Oliver and Peter Pan (2003). He has five children, Jason, Crystal, Nicole, Olivia and Abigail. David would like to dedicate this performance to his family.
Eddie Johnson (Parent/Judge/Henchman) works at United Regional as an HVAC technician. He has been in many different productions at The Wichita Theatre, including North Texas Rising, A Christmas Story and Titanic the Musical. When not on stage, he enjoys playing on computers and playing cards, especially Texas Hold’em. Eddie would like to thank the Wichita Theatre for this opportunity.
Vaughnie Reed-Baker (Parent/Judge/Henchman) is a licensing agent for the Comanche Nation Gaming Commission. Matilda the Musical is her third production to be a part of. She also has been in Elf and Titanic the Musical. She also loves softball, singing, collecting bells, and volunteering. Vaughnie would like to thank her family for their support. She found theatre a little late in life, but they have been there to encourage and cheer her on. She would like to thank her husband, Rocky and her daughter, Paige, for being patient especially during the many rehearsals and volunteer time. One last person she would like to thank is Luke Draper - “You set off a chain of events that led me to where I am now. I will forever be grateful for your encouragement and friendship.”
Melanie Wright (Parent/Judge/Cook) is a history teacher for WFISD and is excited for her stage debut at the Wichita Theatre. She enjoys dressing up as historical characters (such as Abigail Adams, Alexander Hamilton, and Sacagawea) for her students from time to time. She would like to give a shout out to Cheryl Jenkins at Wichita Theatre for all her costume assistance over the years! This is her first show to be a part of and she would like to thank her good friends Zachary J. Binx and Mark Dudley for encouraging her to take a leap of faith to step on stage. Melanie would also like to thank our audiences for supporting the arts! Finally, she says “And how about those AMAZING kids? Their work ethic is unbelievable, and I am so proud to be a small part of their show.”