This fall, Union Middle School students will bring Roald Dahl’s beloved story to life in a vibrant, double-cast production of Matilda Jr., blending humor, heart and a touch of magic — all while reinforcing the school’s yearlong focus on literacy and the empowering message that small voices can inspire big changes.

The upcoming musical production of Matilda Jr., set to run Nov. 19–22 at the school, 615 East 8000 South, features two casts of about 55 students each, offering more young performers the chance to shine. Tickets are $5 and will be available Oct. 31 to purchase on Union Middle School’s website, https://unionmiddle.canyonsdistrict.org, or at the door.

Directed by Brooke Grant, David Christensen and Roxanne Paulsen, the show is not only a creative outlet, but it also aligns with the school’s academic goals.

“Literacy is a big push for our school this year,” Grant said. “I’m really excited we’re doing a show based on a book students can go read or already have read. It’s a reminder that books matter — they’re entertaining, they’re empowering and they teach us.”

The junior version of the musical runs just about 60 minutes with no intermission. While the performance is family-friendly, it doesn't shy away from the deeper themes of the original — particularly Matilda’s message of self-empowerment.

“One of the lyrics (from “Naughty”) says, ‘Just because you find that life’s not fair, it doesn’t mean that you just have to grin and bear it,’” Grant said. “Matilda has such a powerful idea — don’t wait for someone else to fix things. She sets an example to stand up and make a difference.”

The technical demands of the show are higher than in previous years, with surprising elements like levitating glasses, chalkboard writing and a cake-eating scene that promise to entertain audiences and challenge students’ creatively, Grant said.

“There are things Matilda does in the story that are magical; we’ve gotten creative with how to bring that to life,” the director said. “It’s going to be really fun to watch.”

In preparation, rehearsals began earlier than usual to tackle the show’s larger ensemble numbers and complex staging. Students are also working on understanding their characters through both the script and source material.

To further bring Dahl’s world to life, students will help design set pieces using chalk paint and original artwork to reflect Matilda’s childlike creativity. 

“I want the set to feel like it came from the kids — joyful, imaginative and full of heart,” Grant said.

Music and movement play a major role, from full ensemble dance numbers to a memorable “aerobics routine” set during Miss Trunchbull’s P.E. class. 

“They’ll be singing while doing cardio; they are going to be in great shape by show time,” Grant said.

In conjunction with the musical, during performance nights, there will be a Scholastic Book Fair in the Bobcat Den, next to the auditorium. Plans also include a chocolate cake fundraiser — a nod to the infamous Bruce Bogtrotter scene — will be held to help support the production.

The show selection itself was inspired by a spontaneous moment. Last year, two seventh-grade boys performed “Revolting Children” for a class project, unknowingly sparking the decision to stage “Matilda Jr.” Fittingly, both were cast as Miss Trunchbull this year.

“It was one of those unspoken moments where we just knew — that’s the show,” Grant said.

The musical isn’t the only book-based production on the calendar. The school’s advanced theatre students will present “The Stinky Cheese Man” on Jan. 28–29, 2026, a fractured fairy tale production also rooted in literature. 

“It’s another way we’re connecting performance with reading and storytelling and teaching kids ‘books are cool,’” she said.

Throughout the show, the underlying theme remains clear: kids can be powerful, creative and may have something important to teach the adults around them.

“’When I Grow Up’ is such a powerful number about children’s hopes and dreams when they grow up,” Grant said. “When Miss Honey sings it — as an adult — it’s a reminder that we’re all still growing, and that childhood dreams don’t have to fade. It’s a tender reminder we can learn from kids. There’s something beautiful in that.”