By Kendall Patterson
Editor
A part of Freed-Hardeman University’s Homecoming Week was three productions of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical that was performed by FHU Theatre and the Chester County Youth Theatre.
That made the experience of the show more entertaining for the audience and more special for the cast.
Chester County Youth Theatre member Tylon Hill, ninth grader at Chester County High, said he was nervous about working with the college students at the start of the rehearsals, but by the end of it all, it turned out to be an awesome experience.
“It was stressful because, because I was nervous to meet the FHU kids but once I got to know them better, they were very nice and welcoming to us younger kids, and it was very awesome,” he said.
On the other side, FHU senior Landon Rydl who was a “big kid” in the performance was uncertain about working with the youth theatre kids beforehand. Nontheless, the youth theatre surprised him with their skills, will to learn and more.
“Honestly, it was a ton of fun. I did not expect that. Going in, I had a couple reservations about it, but they blew me out of the water. They were amazing,” Rydl said. “They were so excited and ready to learn and just ready to help out and be whatever we needed. They are amazing.”
The cast and Director Becky Hartle put together the amazing performance in eight weeks, and in those “stressful” eight weeks, a theatre family was made.
“As theatre goes, it was stressful at times,” Rydl said. “But honestly, we all came together and we got everything we needed…We worked everything out and it really came together, and we really made a theatre family out of the show.”
That is Hill’s favorite thing about Chester County Youth Theatre performances.
“I enjoy getting to make new theatre family,” he said.
