A theatrical event that tells a story of kindness, courage and imagination is entertaining audiences at Skyridge High School as the Lehi Arts Council presents “Matilda the Musical.”

The family-friendly adaptation of the 1988 novel by Roald Dahl follows the similar theme of a young girl trying to make a difference in the world.

The two-week musical production began July 19, with showings on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings, as well as Saturday matinees running through this weekend.

While “Matilda the Musical” has been quite the fan favorite throughout Utah County, this is the first year the Lehi Arts Council has produced it.

A production of this magnitude doesn’t come together overnight.

Cali Wilkes, theater chair for the Arts Council and the show’s producer, said there was a lot of interest from seasoned and aspiring actors when auditions were held back in the spring.

“We had tons and tons of people audition, a couple hundred, anywhere from 10-year-olds and up,” Wilkes explained.

Casting brought along a vast ensemble ranging from young children to adults.

“It’s really like the perfect summer musical. It’s like families can be in it together, and we have a couple of families that have come to rehearsal every night and spent the summer performing together,” Wilkes said.

She teamed up with the directing team of Kathryn and Howard Little plus choreographer T’naiha Ellis, who all worked together last year for the Arts Council’s production of “Newsies.”

Due to the duration of the production, two young actresses were casted for the role of Matilda.

“They perform every other night, as it is such a demanding role. We wanted to spread the joy,” Wilkes said.

Maevah Hiatt and Alicia Wright both share the starring role as the brave yet sometimes mischievous Matilda.

John Newall and Jas Petrell display their strong personalities as Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood.

Trevor Williams takes on the iconic role of Miss Trunchbull. Miss Honey is played by Kat Hawley Cook.

Nearly 30 actors play the main characters, with others rounding out the dancers and vocalists. The entire production highlights a range of talent throughout the community.

“Our cast is closer to 50, which is bigger than some of our past summer shows,” Wilkes told the Daily Herald. “And a lot of these kids, (it’s) like their first time doing the show, or it’s like their second time, or it’s their first time doing a show in this big of a role.”

Wilkes said the magic of the Lehi Arts Council is its inviting environment for community theater and the ability to give people a place to realize their talent. “I love spreading that opportunity to Lehi and its residents,” Wilkes said. “I would say to a new performer that would like to try it, ‘Come and see the show. See the awesome risks these people are taking, and come and audition for our next show.'”

Tickets for “Matilda the Musical” can be purchased online at lehiarts.org or at the Skyridge High School door. Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday’s matinee begins at 3 p.m.

“Come and see the magic of Matilda. I’m not gonna reveal anything, but there’s lots of really cool special effects in this show,” Wilkes noted.