MJ Adams Rothrock (Mrs. Phelps)
is turning into a 7th grader at Francis C. Hammond Middle School. She loves acting and being able to be a drama queen, when she’s not in school she’s playing golf. MJ greatly appreciates everything that her parents have done to help her with Matilda.
Madeline Medema (Matilda)
is delighted to debut as Matilda in her first musical production. She has enjoyed taking theater classes at the Little Theater of Alexandria and musical theater summer camps at Saint Stephen’s Saint Agnes School. She enjoyed performing in the Talent Shows and Orchestra at Charles Barrett. She has performed in the Alexandria Children’s Chorus at George Washington Middle School. She will be joining Saint Stephen’s Saint Agnes as a 6th grade student this fall and looks forward to her next production. She is thankful to her friends and family for all their support and encouragement!
Armarni Thompson (Ms. Honey)
is a 14 year old principal’s honor student at Jefferson-Houston IB School in Alexandria, Va. She has been singing since she was three years old and participated church choir and youth ministry and other community events. Armarni has participated in the youth summer drama camp and personal vocal lessons. She is a member of New Era Ensemble at Shiloh Baptist Church where has been a member since she 2015. Other than being a songstress, Armarni is also a talented violinist. Armarni has always had a strong interest in singing and performing. Outside of performing, Armarni enjoys movies, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Ryan Gallagher (Mr. Wormwood)
Before this show, Ryan was in one other as Ralphie Parker in A Christmas Story the Musical. He would like to thank his vocal teacher, Ms. Aimee, and all of his friends, teachers and family (especially the ones who came from California!), for coming see him in the show. Ryan, who is currently portraying the role of Mr. Harry Wormwood, also known as Matilda’s father, would like to state garrontorically that he does not want any children that might be here watching this tonight to go home and read books. Enjoy the show!
Siena Wright (Mrs. Wormwood)
is very excited to be playing the role of Mrs. Wormwood in this production of Matilda. Previously Siena could be seen in Alexandria’s Children’s Theater’s production of the Little Mermaid jr. Siena just completed her 5th grade year at Immanuel Lutheran School. When she is not in school Siena enjoys riding horses and traveling with her family. She wants to thank all her family and friends who have supported her in her theater journey!
Lucas Griffin (Rudolpho)
is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform in the Momentum Collective’s Matilda, the Musical. Lucas is 8 years old and is a rising 4th grader at Samuel Tucker Elementary. This is his debut performance and he hopes this is the first of many. Lucas loves to sing and dance and has always been a very animated and energetic young child. When not on stage, Lucas enjoys building Lego sets, playing his Nintendo switch, and spending time with his loved ones and friends. Lucas is incredibly grateful to his family, friends, and the Momentum Collective for their continued support and encouragement. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Tomashia Dudley (Acrobat)
is an inspiring thespian from Alexandria City. She is a rising 7th grader at Patrick Henry K-8. Tomashia fell in love with the arts when she saw “Wicked” at the Kennedy Center. She is excited to be a part of the Matilda cast. Tomashia has been casted in “Once on This Island Junior” (Asaka), “Jungle Book Jr.” (King Louie), and “Into The Woods Jr.” (Little Red). Tomashia would like to thank Miss Jessica and Miss Melodye for encouraging her to pursue her talents
Derrick Grajkowski (Escapologist)
is a 9 year old, Alexandria VA native and made his debut last fall in Aladdin Jr. With his passion for dancing and singing he finds the theatre stage a comfortable place for him. Since the age of 4, Derrick has been involved with different groups, building his theatre skills, ex. (ASO) Sympatico music program, Little Theatre of Alexandria, Dynamic Gymnastics. Also, he’s quite a swimmer, a part of the Alexandria City summer swim team. In his free time, he loves to read, draw and play piano. He is creative, self-confident and passionate. Loves to read and spend time with friends. His favorite things to do include gymnastic, bike riding ,dancing and swimming.
Sylvie Benatti
is a rising 7th grader at Francis C. Hammond Middle School. She hopes to be an actress when she’s older. In addition to Momentum Collective, she has participated in drama programming with the Little Theater of Alexandria and Encore Theater. When not acting, she enjoys softball, swimming, and hanging out with her friends.
Ava Cordero
Ava Cordero is 9 years old and is in 3rd Grade at Charles Barrett Elementary School. She has a passion for the arts and loves being in front of the camera. Her favorite subject in school is math. This is her third musical, last year she performed in the Jungle Book and Aladdin. Ava also likes to play soccer, basketball, and sing. A fun fact about Ava is she has a twin sister, Ella!
Cana Zemariam
is a bundle of energy and joy, in a pint size package. She is a 4th grader at Jefferson Houston School, who loves to try new things. She also loves to dance and recently took her first ballet class. Cana has had a lot of fun making new friends, learning new skills, and participating in Aladdin Jr. She is a natural on stage and has perfected the art of “taking a bow”.
Genevieve Ertley
is 11 years old and is a rising 6th grader at George Washington Middle School. Geni played the role of Grimsby in the Alexandria Children’s Theatre production of The Little Mermaid Jr. the past fall. She has participated in many ACT musical theater classes and summer camps. Geni is ecstatic to participate in Momentum Collective’s production of Matilda and would like to thank her family, friends, MVCS carpool buddies, castmates, director and the Momentum Collective team for supporting her along the way.
Ella Cordero
Ella Cordero is 9 years old and is in 3rd Grade at Charles Barrett Elementary School. Ella loves animals, playing soccer, swimming and reading! Her favorite subject in school is math, and she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. This is her second musical, last year she performed in Aladdin and she enjoyed every minute. A fun fact about Ella is she has a twin sister, Ava!
Addie Davies
is so excited to be in Matilda! She was the black crayon in her school play “The Day The Crayons Quit”, and caught the theater bug. This is her musical theater debut. She is a fourth grade student at Cora Kelly Elementary school. When not at Matilda practice, Addy plays softball and the clarinet.
Harper Sykes
Harper Sykes is in third grade. She enjoys playing Minecraft, reading Harry Potter books, and dancing and signing in Matilda. This is her second musical experience as she played Iago in Aladdin Jr.
Sahar Noorani (Children’s Entertainer)
Karington Pratt
is 11 years old and a 5th grader at Jefferson Houston PreK-8 school. She considers herself adventurous and fun-loving, and as the only girl in a family with six brothers – she has learned to be tough and persistent to get her way. Karington loves to perform and has enjoyed the experience of participating in a musical production.
Harriet McAllister
Harriet is very excited to make her acting debut in Matilda. She is finishing 5th grade at Mount Vernon Community School where she participated in the Alexandria All-City Chorus. She also enjoys reading, karaoke, and writing plays with her friends. She wants to thank her mom, dad, and her brother Peter for their love and support.
Theodore Stolzfus (Michael)
is thrilled to be returning to the stage, and is excited to portray Michael. This is his second theatrical production with Momentum Collective, following an amazing experience playing Omar in this fall’s production of Aladdin. Teddy is in Ms. Gross’ third grade class at Lyles Crouch and enjoys sports with friends at NJL, swimming, comedy, acting, and all things outdoors. Teddy would like to thank his family and friends for their support and encouragement. Thank you to MC for the opportunity to participate in musical theater and make new friends. Good luck to the amazing Matilda cast and crew!
Noah Washington (Nigel)
Matilda is Noah’s second theater performance. His interest in theater was born after taking a drama class in school and performing in the production of The Wiz. Noah’s performance seemed to have come natural to him as he played the roles of a Munchkin, Mice Squad and a Winkie. Noah is also an avid reader, has a passion for fencing and enjoys creating video games and family adventures.
Vivienne Hart Dementi
vibrant 10-year-old born and raised in Alexandria, just graduated from 5th grade and is making her theatrical debut in her first play. Off the stage, Vivienne is an avid soccer player on the ASA travel soccer team, showcasing her teamwork and dedication. She enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her older brother and their beloved dog, Frosty. Vivienne’s passion for the arts and sports keeps her busy and well-rounded, as she continues to explore new interests and develop her talents.
Virginia Nahikian
is a third grader at Charles Barrett. When she’s not singing Taylor Swift songs, she loves to do gymnastics, ride horses, and read books. Virginia is thrilled to be performing with some of her good friends, and has loved making new friends.
Estelle Garloch (Doctor)
is 10 years old, and this is her first production. So far she is really enjoying it. She made so many new friends. It has been a magical experience, one that she would recommend. Shout out to the family and the carpool crew for all the time they put into this. She wants all her new friends that she made in Matilda to know that she hopes to see them again soon!
Skylar Washington
is an artist at heart and has been sketching, painting and creating pieces of art from age two. This is her first theater performance as she recently got the theater bug. Skylar has enjoyed every aspect of this experience from the audition, the callback, every rehearsal and the overall theater experience. Outside of the theater Skylar enjoys dancing, gymnastics and family vacations.
Charles Murray (Bruce)
is a 5th grader from Lyles Crouch Traditional Academy. His previous roles include an Electric Skate in SpongeBob the Musical, Mush in Newsies, and Hades in The Lightning Thief. In his spare time, he loves to play basketball and sing boy band favorites from the 90s. He wants to thank his family and everyone at Momentum who made this production possible!
Stella Cisney (Amanda)
Matilda marks Stella’s second stage appearance with Momentum Collective, following her role as Rajah in Aladdin Jr. She is excited to be a part of the amazing cast bringing one of her favorite musicals to life on the stage. Stella is a rising third grader at James K Polk and has a great passion for the creative arts, spending ample time making music on the piano, learning about classical composers and the origins of music.
Isha Jallah
is 13 years old and a 7th grader at Jefferson Houston School. Isha’s friends describe her as a humorous person with a big heart. She also loves to dance and is a natural performer. She has participated in other performing arts activities, with her first full musical being Momentum’s Aladdin Jr. She is excited about being in her second musical where she gets to build on her love of dance.
Maeve Quinn
(9), is delighted to be making her stage debut in Matilda. She has had a wonderful time working on the production, challenging herself, and making new friends along the way. She is a fourth-generation Alexandrian and rising fourth grader at Brooks Elementary. Maeve is an avid Harry Potter enthusiast and spends her free time playing soccer, swimming with friends, spending time with her dog (Jake) and cat (Leia), and tolerating her little sister (Griffin). Maeve wants to thank her parents, grandparents, friends, and even her little sister, for their support, and Momentum for the fantastic experience!
Maria Owens DeSalvo
is a rising 4th grader at Charles Barrett Elementary School. Matilda will be her first theater performance, which also happens to be one of her favorite musicals. Maria is extremely passionate about dance. No matter where we are, you’ll catch her busting a move! Outside of school Maria enjoys cheerleading, arts and crafts and spending time with family and friends.
Ollie Doyle (Eric)
began performing as a singer in the Little Choristers (at the Lyceum) and the Alexandria Children’s Choir (at Westminster Presbyterian Church). Through his participation in the Little Choristers, Ollie’s vocal coach, Megan Yingst, invited Ollie to participate in the recording studio production of a song written by David Charney for his book and music video “Santa Has No Elves.” Ollie’s first turn as an actor was in the role of Oliver Warbucks in the Campagna Kids’ rendition of “Annie Kids” (at Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School). He looks forward to participating in the ensemble as Eric in the Momentum Collective’s production of “Matilda, the musical.”
Alyaa Ali
Ramsey Fulmer
is so excited to be in her first musical production. She has enjoyed taking theater classes at the Little Theater of Alexandria and musical theater summer camp at the Alexandria Recreation Center. She is a rising 3rd grade student at James K. Polk Elementary. She loves playing soccer and riding horses when she is not on stage!
Campbell Robb
a rising 4th grade student at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, is excited to make her acting debut with Momentum Collective. When not at rehearsal, Campbell loves playing with her dogs, Maggie & Dolly. Campbell would like to thank all her family and friends who came to watch her in Matilda!
Andrew Brubaker (Tommy)
is finishing up Fifth Grade at Immanuel Lutheran School. His previous theater experience includes being a bat in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe when he was in Second Grade. His other hobbies include soccer, parkour, chess and Scouting. The thing Andrew has enjoyed most about being in Matilda is meeting new friends. He would like to thank Ms. Kirsten Boyd, his first musical theater teacher, who inspired him to continue down the road of acting. “When he grows up …” he wants to be a firefighter.
Ottilie Lakshas (Lavender)
is 8 years old and attends Charles Barrett Elementary School. She is active in soccer, swimming, choir and musical practice. Ottilie is positive, diligent, and always doing her best. After her first acting performance, where she played the villain Jafar! in Aladdin Jr., she is excited to be back on stage for Matilda.
Elisabeth Kirch (Lilac)
is a graduating fifth grader at Lyles Crouch Traditional Academy. Matilda is her first theater experience. Elisabeth is very excited to play Matilda’s BFF- Lavender! Outside of school and play practice, Elisabeth enjoys soccer, gymnastics, and hanging out with her little brother.
Aubrey Smith
is a lover of all things art! She enjoy creating art, music, dance and theatre. When she’s not creating, she’s talking to her friends or spending time with family. Aubrey is also a scholar and has maintained 3.9 GPA. She would one day love a dog but for now, it’s just Moonlight, her fish!
Mallory Mahoney
is a rising 6th grader at Patrick Henry Elementary School. Her favorite subjects are math, creative writing and art. When she is not at rehearsal, she enjoys playing the piano, playing soccer, reading and making up dances with her friends. When she grows up, she wants to be a lawyer and an actor. Mallory is looking forward to visiting her grandma and aunt in Montana this summer and taking their dog, Sadie, on walks.
Christina Cimanga
is a fourth grader at Jefferson Houston School. She is an honor roll student who loves art, reading, singing, and dancing. Christina was also nominated for the 2023 NYLF Pathways to STEM program. As a part of LINK Club, she has had the opportunity to perform in the Night of Stars and other school-based events, but this is her first professional production. Christina’s dream is to become a professional dancer and actress when she grows up.
Nickolas Pratt
is 10 years old and a 5th grader at Jefferson Houston PreK-8 School. He loves sports, games, and eating Chick-Fil-A. Additionally, he loves to sleep and enjoys a good nap whenever time permits. Nickolas has been bitten by the acting bug and is excited to showcase his talents in Matilda after performing in his first theatrical of Aladdin Jr. He wants to continue developing his acting skills and see what happens next.
Lena McCord
has just finished 5th grade at Mount Vernon Community School and will be going into 6th grade at George Washington Middle School. She loves to read and act and played Manal in Aladdin, Jr. She hopes you enjoy the show.
Jack McCord (Sergei)
just finished third grade at Mount Vernon Community School. He loves doing theater and climbing. This is his second professionally-run performance, and before that he did theater camps. He was in Aladdin, Jr. In the fall.
Madison Dominick
is a 3rd grader at Douglas MacArthur. She started performing last year in the Alexandria City Public Schools’ Night of Stars talent show and in Momentum’s Aladdin Jr. Madison also enjoys gymnastics and spending time with her friends and family, including her little sisters Natalie and Julia.
