The Knoxville Area Community Theater (K-ACT) production of “Matilda the Musical” will open tonight.

In the KACT production, the title character of Matilda is played by Chloe Lee, who is making her K-ACT debut. Featured characters will be played by Marijean Schaben, Melissa Miller, Greg May, Jana DeZwarte, Denise Becker, Trey Thomas, RaShaun Boyer, Kaylee Figland, Violet Miller, and Anni Winward. Supporting cast members include Tavi Albers, Noa Bauer, Isabella DeJoode, Avery Dittmer, Miranda Fay, Denise Gregory, Logan Jackson, Ryan Keep, Melissa Miller, Mackenzie Niday, Ali Pearson, Regan Roberts, Lillian Shelburn, Hannah Thomas, and Kamron Warden.

Carol Adkins is directing the show, Troy Errthum is Technical Director, McKenzie Niday is the Choreographer, and Kamron Warden is the Music Director. Many other volunteers are supporting the production. Adkins says the audience plays a crucial role in the performance.

“People in the audience are very important because we’ve been doing all of this in front of an empty theater and so when there are people in the audience and they laugh or clap it just kind of builds the energy and there is even a better performance after that.”

Matilda the Musical tells a story of a little girl that uses her wit, imagination and courage to lead her teacher and classmates to a better life. Inspired by the original story by Roald Dahl, this Tony Award-winning show was first brought to life by the Royal Shakespeare Company and has won 47 international awards.

The show will be performed Thursday and Friday at 7:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm at the Knoxville Performing Arts Center. Seats may be reserved for $15 at kact50138.seatyourself.biz. General admission tickets as available will also be sold cash-only at the door for $15. One dollar from each ticket sold will be donated to the Knoxville Community School District to support its literacy programs.