THOMASVILLE — Roald Dahl’s classic Matilda, hits the stages at Thomasville On Stage and Company this weekend, as the TOSAC summer campers present Matilda The Musical Jr.

Directed by Pat Orr, the musical follows along as a young Matilda (Emmalyne Schober) attempts to educate herself, much to the horror of her brother, Michael (Noah Harrison) and parents (Jane Waver Willis and Hogan Watson/Ronnie Gordon).

While sharpening her brain with numerous books and puzzles, Matilda comes to learn she possesses some special powers.

Her powers later come to good use when she is enrolled into a new school with a horrible headmistress, known as Agatha Trunchbull (Kennedi Smart/Ronnie Gordon).

While Matilda does not make a good impression on Trunchbull, she finds affection from her highly lovable teacher Miss Honey (Victoria Stewart) and friends Amanda (Jaide Waine Such), Bruce (Cameron Stewart) and Lavender (Audrey Barlow).

With the help of Miss Honey and her classmates, Matilda proves to her parents and Trunchbull that nice guys don’t always finish last.

Orr said the children in the camp, who range from ages 7-18, have been hard at work and loving the story of Matilda, especially the high-energy dance numbers.

Schober, who plays the titular role of Matilda, traveled all the way from Cairo to be a part of the fun and zany camp.

Orr shared that Schober was previously in Cairo’s production of Matilda the Musical Jr., but was not cast as Matilda. She practiced for hours on end, hoping the camp would lead her to a starring role, but Orr left it all in the hands of the judges.

Schober was beside herself when she was finally announced as the lead.

“You can only imagine her reaction when she found out she would be playing Matilda,” Orr beamed.

Schober, along with the other campers have also enjoyed being exposed to a drama education.

Orr explained that the camp brings in a variety of speakers to help give the campers a well-rounded view of every position required for a production.

“They have loved all of the speakers we’ve had, and have really gotten into it,” Orr said. “One day they got to do improv and I was crying it was so funny.”

The campers also learned about the importance of breathing, utilizing breathing exercises given to them by the music teacher.

All of the techniques campers have picked up will be on full display come opening night.The production will run Thursday, June 22 — Sunday, June 25, with two productions on Saturday- a matinee and a 7 p.m. performance. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children.

“These kids have worked really hard,” Orr concluded. “People will really enjoy this show.”

To purchase tickets for Matilda the Musical, Jr., visit tosac.com