Photo by Deb Gau Mrs. Wormwood, played by Layne Ziemer, reacts with shock to discover her 5-year-old daughter Matilda, played by Brenna Springborg, reading books.

MARSHALL — The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot of things about the arts at Marshall Public Schools last year. Not only did it change how music and theater performances could be held, it made it harder for local kids to get to see plays.

The cast and crew of Marshall High School’s fall musical say they’re looking forward to changing that this weekend. Performances of “Matilda” will kick off on Friday with a pair of special matinees for elementary and middle school students.

“It’s really exciting to get kids in here, especially because they haven’t been able to see anything for the last year,” said MHS senior Emma Runchey Smalley.

Public performances of “Matilda” will start Saturday evening at the high school. Students were busy rehearsing this week, and making sure everything came together for the performance.

“It’s more about making all the characters come to life,” said Layne Ziemer.

“Matilda” is a musical based on Roald Dahl’s book, about a little girl who loves reading and develops special powers that help her stand up to the villainous headmistress at her school. MHS theater director Dan Smith said “Matilda” is a fairly new play — it won five Tony awards in 2013, and just became available for schools to produce in 2019.

“I chose it because it’s a fantastic show, but also because I felt that it was important for us to provide an arts experience for elementary students after the pandemic has basically shut down the fine arts for the past 18 months. It was important to me that we get kids into the theater,” Smith said. “Having said that, it is definitely a play that adults will enjoy. It is not just a play for kids.”

Cast members said it was exciting to be able to put on “Matilda.” In addition to an “amazing” soundtrack, students said there were some fun, larger-than-life characters in the story.

“It’s energetic — very energetic,” said cast member Elly Lewis.

“The cast is what makes it fun,” Ziemer said.

In the role of Matilda’s mother, she said, “I get to be crazy and dramatic, and scream.”

Brenna Springborg, who will be playing Matilda, said there will be some special effects in the show as well.

“Jett Skrien came in, and he’s been working with us on creating some of the supernatural things that happen,” Springborg said.

Skrien is a magician and a past MHS student.

“Matilda” may be a fun show for families, but students said they’re also having fun being on stage.

“It’s nice that we can be here with a full cast and crew,” Sophia Gaul said.

“Matilda” will have three performances open to the public. Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Monday. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students.