MENDOTA - The cast has been announced for the 20th Mendota Education Foundation Summer 3M production of the award-winning “Matilda The Musical” based on the book by Roald Dahl. The story centers on a young girl with a gift of telekinesis who overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school, and helps her teacher reclaim her life.

Matilda’s parents do not understand her. They mock her decision to read when she could be watching the “tellie.” But Matilda loves to learn so she finds sanctuary in the library where she befriends Mrs. Phelps. The kindly librarian is mesmerized by the young girl’s stories. Matilda also shines at school despite being terrorized by the principal Miss Trunchbull. Fortunately, Matilda’s teacher, Miss Honey recognizes her genius and nurtures her ability to lift up those around her.

The show is based on the book authored by writer Roald Dahl, whose other well-known classics include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “James and the Giant Peach” and “The Witches.” Dennis Kelly was the playwright that transformed the book to the stage and composer and lyrist was Tim Minchin. Since the opening in 2010, the show has won many awards, including four Tony Awards and a record breaking seven Oliver Awards. This delightful musical is full of humor, twists and turns, and a happy ending.

The cast learned many British terms, a little “quasi” Latin, and also had a little Russian thrown in for good measure. “Matilda, The Musical” is more than just BIG songs, BIG burps, and BIG hugs. The cast will swing, fly, scooter, and dance into your hearts.

The cast is comprised of 42 community members from Mendota, LaMoille, Morris, LaSalle, Ottawa, Seneca, Spring Valley, Geneseo and Coal City. Cast members include Matilda - Jillian Younger, Mr. Wormwood- Patrick Foley, Mrs. Wormwood - Samantha Masini, Michael - Matt Grenter, Trunchbull - James Younger, Miss Honey - Alexis Trummel, Mrs. Phelps - Jennifer Masini, Escapologist - Jacob Stohr, Acrobat - Natalie Suarez, Rudolpho - Cole Enervold, Doctor - Eric Masini, Bruce - Collin Cross, Lavender - lzzy Kostbade, Amanda - Briza Cervantes, Nigel - Keegan Stewart, Hortensia - Sophia Pappas, Alice - Nora Maier, Tommy - James Whitmore, Eric - William Bentley, Party Entertainer - Linda Whitmore, and Sergei - James Carter.

Classmates are played by Eva Beetz, Dessa Komitas, Trey Lee, and Jadyn Leone. Ensemble are played by A.J. Baker, Kendall Biers, Mike Dilbeck, Brandton Eller, Abby Hesslau, Julie Lee, Liam McGann, Eulysses Presiado, Nya Ranel, Anna Roseland, Alex Stremlau, Clare Suarez, Dekin Walter, Lexi Wamhoff, Jacqui Whitmore, Katherine Wohrley, and McKayla Zorn.

The “Matilda” performance dates are Friday Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Mendota High School Auditorium. Tickets are on sale for $15 at www.showtix4u.com, search: Mendota or call the box office at (815) 615-1016. Tickets will also be sold at the door.