The Valley Players of Liberty concluded a successful two-week run of Matilda on Sunday, June 29, 2025. The performances, held at the Humphreys-Burson Theater in Liberty, drew enthusiastic crowds and praise for the cast’s energy, talent, and stage presence.
Under the direction of Jerre’ Delaney, Adalyn Dinsmore wowed audiences in the title role of Matilda, delivering a performance full of heart, wit and strength. Lexi Dallas gave a standout performance as the formidable Miss Agatha Trunchbull, while Kaci Rhine brought warmth and sincerity to the role of Miss Honey. The Wormwood family was portrayed by Nolan Myers as Mr. Wormwood, Kara Spear as Mrs. Wormwood, and Isaac Merrell as Michael Wormwood.
The supporting cast included Jackie Hartel Smith as Mrs. Phelps, Jake Gonzales as Bruce, Remi Spear as Lavender, Ellie Rhine as Amanda, Andrew Gonzales as Nigel, August Broom as Eric, Ariela Montanez as Alice, Elizabeth Colburn as Hortensia, and Axel Broom as Tommy. Scott Slack played dual roles as The Escapologist and The Doctor, and Adaiah Zamazal portrayed The Acrobat. The production featured more than a dozen additional cast members, each contributing to the show’s success.
With Matilda now closed, the Valley Players are turning their focus to an upcoming double feature of original one-act plays, written by two of the group’s own members. Auditions for the new production are open to high school students and adults.
Auditions will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 1.
The first production, The Galleon Family Grieving Competition, is written by Jaden West and directed by Lexi Dallas and West. The play centers on the death of wealthy businessman Atlan Galleon, whose estranged family gathers expecting an inheritance. Instead, they discover his fortune will go to whoever grieves him the most. What follows is a dark comedy full of exaggerated mourning, absurd behavior, and competitive emotion.
The second show, Grease for Greece, is written and directed by Nolen Thompson. Set in ancient times, the play tells the story of two best friends—Magrico, who dreams of becoming a cook, and Fakus, a would-be soldier—who secretly switch lives. Their scheme leads to chaos as they try to maintain their deception under the scrutiny of Magrico’s father, a high-ranking Grecian commander. The story unfolds with comedic twists.
The Valley Players encourage the community to audition and participate in this original production, which highlights the creativity and talent of local writers and performers.
Photos taken by Bluebonnet News at one of the Matilda performances are pictured below, capturing memorable moments from the stage. To keep up with future productions, ticket information, and audition announcements, follow the Valley Players on Facebook.
The show times and dates for the upcoming performances will be shared on the Valley Players Facebook page. These shows often sell out early, so be sure to act quickly to get tickets.
