Roald Dahls Matilda The Musical Cast

Ava Badamo (Matilda) is a student at Valley Elementary and is entering the 6th grade and is in the gifted program. Ava is very excited to be in this production.  She has been dancing  at PAC for 8 years.  Ava enjoys art, soccer, basketball, gardening, and creative writing.  This is Ava’s 2nd show with PTPA and is enjoying every second of it!

Sydney Powell (Miss Honey) is a rising senior at Lehigh University where she is studying to receive degrees in both Biology and Public Health upon graduation. She then hopes to complete graduate school to obtain a Master’s degree in public health before attending medical school to become a physician. In past performances, some of her favorite roles have been: Cosette (Les Misérables), Morticia Addams (The Addams Family the Musical), and Mrs. Potts (Beauty and the Beast), in addition to countless ensemble appearances. In 2014, Sydney auditioned and was selected to train with the Radio City Rockettes at their annual summer intensive, which she attended for four years. She has received numerous recognitions for her performances and choreography at regional and national dance competitions, and has held titles within the Miss America Organization. She would like to thank the cast and crew for being such a joy to work with. Enjoy the show!

Chris Laundry (Miss Agatha Trunchbull) is thrilled to return to PTPA in the role of Miss Trunchbull.  He started his theatrical career in 2009 in the ensemble of Jekyll and Hyde at The Music Box and soon  found himself performing in many shows at many different theatres in the valley, including PTPA.  There, he has had a few highlighted roles such as Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, Collins in RENT, Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, Roger DeBris in The Producers, Moonface Martin in Anything Goes, and Jim in All Shook Up.  He would like to thank Sam Schugardt for the opportunity to once again perform at PTPA, and would also like to thank his friends, family, and co workers for their support during the long rehearsal process and the rest of the cast for an awesome theatre experience!

Dani Wiley (Mrs. Phelps) A recent theatre addict who’s age is undetermined, unless you’re an archaeologist. She is over the moon to play a librarian since she became a…...Nurse. She has taken up space on stage as Grandmama in Adam’s family, Amadeus as a Venticelli and an ensemble member in Home for the Holidays. Then of course covid hit and she became an essential worker, so they say. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her 2 very handsome and active grandbabies, Carter 5 and Greyson 7 months. (This Gigi can build a mean lego house). You may have seen her (hopefully fully dressed) as the lead singer in Monsters Of Rock, way back when big hair and leopard print spandex was in style. (seriously who thought that was a good idea). Short stints in C3 and Radio Rehab. She is a busy woman with 3 completely different jobs. You may have disrobed and bore your bottom for a good shot in the rump! She may have screened you for covid extremely early in the day. Or she may have served you a roadhouse relaxer and an amazing meatloaf. Nursing is her passion the other 2, well since no one else wanted to work, why the hell not. She wants to thank her family and friends for their support. The PTPA is not responsible for her dancing or bad comedy.

Scott Rave (Mr. Wormwood) is happy to be back on the PTPA stage! He has participated in several PTPA productions, including Something Rotten, Disney’s Newsies, A Few Good Men and Mr Roberts.  His most recent role was Porter in Deathtrap at Actors Circle. Some favorite past roles over the last few years have been Centipede (James and the Giant Peach), Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie), Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes and the White Chapel Murders), Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes and The Curse of the Sign of Four), Gypsy Scotty (Mona Lisa and the Cross), and Harry Bright (Mama Mia). Scott would like to thank his wonderful fiancé, Jennifer Kozerski, for her love and support. He would also like to thank everyone involved in the cast and crew of Matilda for such a great experience!

Tabitha Gombert (Mrs. Wormwood) Tabitha is a veteran in our PTPA theatre. She has been with the our theatre for years and has performed in many Musicals including RENT, All Shook Up, Godspell, and the Addams Family. She works has worked for Lehigh Valley Hosptial for 10 Years as a phlebotomist. She has 2 wonderful little boys, Carter(5) and Greyson(7 months) and is married to her wonderful and supportive husband, Ryan. She is also performing along side her mother who has taught her just about everything she knows and has supported her through the years of being involved with PTPA. She wants to Thank Sam for asking to come back to the theatre after a crazy year we have all had. She also wants to say that it was a joy working with such wonderful kids and cast. Break a leg!

Yeiber Gonzalez (Rudolpho/Stage Manager) is a recent graduate from Kutztown University where he was an active member of their Theater Club, Actors Creating Theater, in which he appeared as Ernst in their production of Spring Awakening and Harry Bright in Mamma Mia! Additionally, he has been active in the local theater scene over the years as Javert in Les Misérables(DMPW), Pepper in Mamma Mia(DMPW), Rapunzel’s Prince in Into The Woods (Theater at the Grove), and Spot Conlon in Newsies (PTPA). He is very proud to be part of PTPA’s main stage reopening following a historically difficult time for the world and happy to get the opportunity to work with this immensely talented and fun cast.

Aiden Denion (Michael Wormwood) is a Junior at Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences. This is his first show at PTPA. He has previously done shows for DMPW as King Triton/Chef Louis in little mermaid Jr, Jack Scott in High School Musical on Stage, and the bishop of Arendelle in Frozen Jr. He is excited to do this play and can’t wait to work with PTPA in the future.

Brian Snyder+ (Doctor/Escapologist) is thrilled to play these dream roles with this wonderful cast in his PTPA debut.  Brian performed in Show Choir, Madrigals and Men’s Choir, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Music Composition.  Brian began acting as an Orphan Boy in Oliver!, moving on to play Lafe in Big River, Baby John in West Side Story, Jesus in Godspell, Grantaire in Les Miserables, Paul in Rent, Skimbleshanks in Cats, and many more. Brian can be seen background acting in TV shows The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, Grey’s Anatomy, The Goldbergs, Love, American Horror Story, American Housewife, Another Period, Ghosted, Lethal Weapon, Man With a Plan, 2 Broke Girls, Fresh Off the Boat, Barry, Baskets, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Veep, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and movies Ford v Ferrari, Vice, The Unicorn, Don’t Worry He Won’t Get Far On Foot and Plus One.  When he’s not singing, songwriting, performing, skateboarding or surfing, Brian helps people feel better with acupuncture and energy medicine.  Brian thanks his family, casting directors and other artists for believing in and supporting him throughout his unorthodox, meandering journey as an artistic spirit.

Cody Scholl (Bruce) is in 8th grade at Drums. This is his 7th play. Cody was recently Zeke in High School Musical and Maui in Moana. This is Cody’s 2nd time performing as Bruce and can’t wait as this was one of his favorite roles! Along with his love of acting Cody is a part of the Hazleton Track and Field where he channels his inner Miss Trunchbull throwing the shot put, javelin and discus. Cody hopes you enjoy the show!!

Lily Youngcourt (Lavender) is a 5th grade student at Freeland Elementary / Middle School. Lily enjoys being on stage. Her very first theater production was Annie in 2018 with the PTPA, where she played the role of Molly. She was last featured in Moana Jr as Hei Hei. Lily has also performed with DM Perfomance Works in plays such as Frozen and Peter Pan. Lily takes dance lessons with Drama in Motion and has been dancing for the last 7 years. She is a member of the dance competition team. Lily is excited for this show and hopes everyone enjoys it!

Carly Force (Amanda) is in 6th grade at Berwick Area Middle School. This is Carly’s sixth play. At the PTPA, she was Pua in Moana Jr and Ed, the crazy hyena, in Lion King Kids. She also appeared as Flounder in Little Mermaid Jr, Sven in Frozen Jr, and Mayor Munchkin in the Wizard of Oz with DM Performance Works.  Carly is a member of her school’s student council and chorus.  She also just started taking dance lessons. Carly is super excited to be Amanda, the sweet girl with the pigtails, in this amazing play.

Zoey Force (Hortensia) is in eighth grade at Berwick Area Middle School. At the PTPA, Zoey was recently seen as Moana in Moana Jr and Timon in Lion King Kids. Zoey also appeared as Ariel in Little Mermaid Jr, Middle Anna in Frozen Jr, a munchkin in Wizard of Oz, and most recently in High School Musical with DM Performance Works. She is a member of her school’s student council, chorus, and National Jr Honor Society.  Zoey also plays soccer, volleyball, runs track, and just started dance classes. She is very excited to be part of this fun cast.

Austin Lutz (Nigel) is 11 years old and a 6th grade honors student at Drums Elementary Middle school. Most recently he appeared as Chief Tui in Disney’s Moana Jr at PTPA. He enjoys playing baseball, soccer, video games, Legos, and spending time with his friends and family. Austin is also part of the Chorus and Drama Club at his school, and is part of the youth group at his church. He is very excited to be back in the theatre!

Genesis Renning+ (Erica) is making her PTPA debut.  Genesis is a 5th grade honors student returning to Berwick Area Middle School this year. She loves singing and is in the school’s chorus.  She also enjoys dog training, horseback riding, and is a member of the United States Pony Club. Genesis is President of Sweethearts Club, a service club created by herself and her brother. She is ecstatic to be a part of Matilda and thanks PTPA for the opportunity.

Piper Brutosky (Alice) is thrilled to be back on stage with PTPA. She is a 4th grade student at Bright Beginnings Early Learning Academy. When she’s not acting, Piper swims for the Freeland YMCA Marlins and is a vocal student of Angela Conahan. She was last seen on the PTPA stage as Young Simba in The Lion King Kids. Piper also appeared in DMPW’s Frozen Jr. (ensemble), performed as Adrina the mermaid in Peter Pan Jr., and most recently attended Rehoboth Beach’s Clear Space Theater Summer Camps for Alice in Wonderland (King of Hearts) and Lion King Kids (Timon). She would like to thank the PTPA, cast, and crew for this incredible opportunity. Enjoy the show!

Stephen Adamoyurka (Tommy) is in third grade at McAdoo Kelayres Elementary/Middle School. He has previously performed as the Gate Keeper in PTPA's Moana Jr. He also is very active in his Church, helping with services and community meals. He enjoys creating Lego builds and drawing.

Sophia Andrae (Big Kid) is 13 years old and going into the 8th grade at Valley Middle School. She has been performing in local theater since 2018 appearing as Ancestor 1 in PTPAs 2021 production of Moana.  Sophia also appeared in Frozen Junior, The Wizard of Oz and High School Musical at DPMW. Sophia enjoys playing soccer with the GHYSA and is a member of the Hazleton Area Track and Field team. Sophia is an active part of her church youth group and loves hanging out with her friends. She is very excited to do Matilda with many of her theater friends.

Emily Brekke (Big Kid) is a 8th grade student at Berwick Area Middle School. Over the summer she was seen as Jestam in the Little Mermaid Jr (DMPW) and Right Claw in Moana Jr (PTPA). Outside of theatre she competes on the Berwick Area Swim Team. She also enjoys playing the violin and singing in her school’s chorus.

Alyssa Bogert (Big Kid) is in 6th grade at Berwick Area Middle School. At the PTPA, she was recently seen in the ensemble of Moana Jr. She enjoys spending time with her friends, playing with her dog Princess & her 2 cats Millie & Louie. She’s excited to be here, wants to thank you for your support & hopes you enjoy the show!

Ayanna Cherry (Big Kid) is an 8th grade Honor Roll student and National Junior Honor Society member at Freeland Middle School. Ayanna has been an active performer since she began dancing at the age of 4. She has been involved in the theatre since the summer of 2018 in her PTPA debut performance of All Shook Up. Since then Ayanna has performed in multiple shows here at the PTPA and has also volunteered countless hours helping with the renovations of the theatre space. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Olivia DeBalko+ (Little Kid) is a 7 year old 1st grader at Drums Elementary/Middle School. This is Olivia’s first experience in theatre. Her inspiration for theatre began after attending Annie here at the PTPA. She has participated in dance from a young age at PAC (Performing Arts Center) and Faberge Follies. Olivia’s dance experience includes ballet, tap, and gymnastics. For fun, Olivia enjoys acting out different movies and home with her little sister, Emma. She is excited for her role in Matilda!

Anna Drobnock+ (Big Kid) is excited to be making her PTPA and acting debut.  She is a 6th grade student at MMI Preparatory School.  She has been dancing for Performing Arts Center for several years, taking hip hop and jazz.  Anna has two yorkies and two guinea pigs that are the loves of her life.  Anna would like to thank her mom, dad, and brothers, John and Ben, for their continual support.  She would also like to thank the cast and crew of Matilda for being so welcoming and making this an exceptional experience. 

Brena Farley (Big Kid) is a 7th grade student at CCA. She has been a part of PTPA since 2018 when she made her stage debut in Annie. Besides performing with the PTPA, Brena has been dancing at Faberge Follies for the last 10 years. Brena enjoys Acro, Ballet, and performing with her many friends. PTPA has become a home away from home. Brena enjoys the time away from her sisters, although she loves them and her brothers who are now away from home. Brena can not wait to share the excitement she has for Matilda with everyone!

Rebekah Hoats (Big Kid/Dance Captain) is going into 8th grade at Valley Middle School. She has been dancing in the area for the past 8 years and is looking forward to showcasing her skills in this production. She has been performing with the PTPA since 2018 when she caught the theatre bug after performing in All Shook Up. Since then she has performed in Newsies, Home for the Holidays, The Addams Family, and more.  Rebekah is also a first year member of both the Hazleton Area Track and Field team and the Valley Eagle Cheerleaders. She would like to thank her mom and dad for their support in following her dreams.

Ruth Huey (Big Kid) is an 8th grade student at MMI. She has been involved in theater since she was 7 years old and Matilda will be her 25th play! She was most recently on stage for High School Musical with Drama in Motion. Her favorite shows were Newsies with PTPA and Matilda with Drama in Motion (yes, this is her second time on stage with Matilda). She takes jazz and tap with Drama in Motion. Ruth wants to thank everyone at PTPA for this opportunity!

Alexis Lutz (Big Kid) is 13 years old and an 8th grade honors student at Drums Elementary Middle School. Most recently she appeared as Tamatoa in Disney’s Moana Jr. at PTPA, and as a Soloist in High School Musical at Drama in Motion. She enjoys playing soccer, swimming, baking and spending time with her friends and family. Alexis is also part of the Chorus and Drama Club at her school, and is part of the youth group at her church. She is very excited to be back in the theatre and hopes you enjoy the show!

Kailyn MacCollum (Big Kid) is a 6th grade student at Drums Elementary Middle School.  She was last seen as Simba in Lion King Kids at PTPA.  A few of her more notable roles are Jane Banks in Mary Poppins Jr. (NCP), Alice in Matilda the Musical (DMPW), Young Elsa in Frozen Jr. (DMPW), Babette in Beauty and the Beast Jr. (NCP) and Tweedle Dee in Alice in Wonderland Jr. (DMPW).  Kailyn currently takes ballet lessons with Drama in Motion.  You will see her in several roles in the November production of Nutcracker (DMPW).  She is also part of the Drums Elementary Middle School Drama Club.  Kailyn and her family would like to extend a “Thank You” to the PTPA family as Kailyn & her friends enter the classroom to face the wrath of Agatha Trunchbull.

Lauren Somerdak (Big Kid) Lauren is 14 years old and is playing the role of a “Big Kid”. Lauren has been in 2 years of ‘The Nutcracker’ with Drama in Motion as a Candy Cane and a Polichinelle. She has been dancing at PAC for 9 years, performing jazz and hip-hop. She has also played ‘Middle Anna’ in a production of Frozen. Lauren has always loved to perform. She is entering the Arts and Humanities school in HASD as a freshman this year.

Jordan Wolf+ (Little Kid)  is 7 years old, entering the 2nd grade and this will be her first theatre experience! Although she has been on stage before performing in her dance recitals, where she practices a whole slew of different styles, Jordan has always been one to love putting on a show! In her downtime she practices the guitar, she enjoys gardening,  and hanging out with her brother and sisters. Jordan would like to thank PTPA for being given this opportunity and is looking forward to working with the cast and putting on a great show!

Gracie Youngcourt (Little Kid) is an 8th grade student at Freeland Elementary / Middle School. She has been in numerous plays since 2018, when she first appeared on stage with the PTPA in Annie. Aside from performing with the PTPA, Gracie has also appeared in DM Performance Works productions, the latest being High School Musical. Gracie has been dancing for the past ten years and dances with Drama in Motion, where she is a member of the dance  competition team.  She also takes voice lessons from Angela Conahan. Gracie hopes everyone enjoys the show!