Omaha Public Schools Community Comes Together for Summer Musical

Magic is taking shape as Omaha Public Schools students, staff and alumni come together to bring “Matilda the Musical” to the stage this summer. 

“It’s a lot of fun being able to work on something like this,” said Charlie Gaillard, a recent Central High graduate. “It’ll be great to see the end result and know that it was because of all the hard work we put in.”

Gaillard plays Miss Agatha Trunchbull, Matilda’s not-so-nice headmistress, a role he says he’s excited to take on. 

From learning lines and choreography to light design and managing props, students have worked to create a show they are proud of. With the support of Omaha Public Schools alumni and staff, “Matilda the Musical” is coming to life. 

“All of the people who’ve come in have been very helpful,” said Gaillard. “Our choreographer, music teacher, costume designer, they’ve done a great job, and they’re helping us put together something that’s really, really cool.”

Burke High alum Jordan Speer is sharing her choreography expertise with students. She’s teaching them to show up ready, willing and eager to make art. 

“It’s nice to be able to give my knowledge to others, and these students really want to be here and receive information,” said Speer. “As fun as it is to be on stage, finding myself behind the table and exploring different ways to express my artistic craft has been really fun for me.”

These lessons are already making an impact on 12-year-old Everly Turille, who is playing the lead role of Matilda. 

“They have a lot of skills to share,” said Turille, an incoming eighth grader at Buffett Middle. “It’s getting to know those extra things that I wouldn’t have known on my own that have been helpful. It makes this experience better and more fun.”

On the technical side, you’ll find Michael Reiger-Hydar, North High alum, working with students on how to visually illustrate the story on stage. 

“Technical theater is everything behind the scenes, from lighting, wardrobe, set design and set building,” he said. “A big part of this work is collaboration, listening to students, working as a team and building solutions together.”

Reiger-Hydar is studying to become a teacher through the Teacher Scholar Academy, a partnership program between Omaha Public Schools and the University of Nebraska Omaha. He says working with the students during the summer musical will benefit him in his career. 

“My reason for coming back to work on the summer musical is because I am a product of Omaha Public Schools,” said Reiger-Hydar. “Also, as a future educator, it’s an amazing opportunity to learn how to collaborate with students.”

Thomas Sibbitt, Benson High drama teacher, is directing the summer musical for the first time. He says the middle and high school theater students have been working hard to bring Matilda to the stage in just four short weeks.

“It has been a privilege to work with incredibly talented students from all over our district,” said Sibbitt. “This event is a good reminder that Omaha Public Schools is a city-wide community.”

Performances for “Matilda the Musical” are Wednesday, July 1, and Thursday, July 2, at 7 p.m. at Benson High. Admission is free. Guests can reserve tickets online before the performances.