In this episode of the 78644 Podcast, host Kate Collins takes you behind the scenes of Matilda the Musical at the Gaslight-Baker Theatre as opening night approaches. We hear from the creative minds bringing this colorful production to life, starting with Director Beth James, who shares insights into her vision for the show and the challenges of staging such a large production.

Throughout the episode, Kate interviews key members of the cast and production team, including Jack Baziuk, who plays the shady, telly-obsessed Mr. Wormwood, and Savannah Cervantez, Musical Director and Mrs. Wormwood herself joins for a hilarious chat about bringing Matilda’s eccentric parents to life. Cynthia Cruser channels her inner Miss Trunchbull for a funny interview while choreographer Xander Bien discusses the challenges of working with a large cast and creating memorable dance numbers. Don’t miss these behind-the-scenes stories and a look at what goes into making a community theatre production come to life.

Guests in This Episode:

• Beth James - Director of Matilda the Musical at Gaslight-Baker Theatre, with extensive experience in community theatre.
• Jack Baziuk - Cast Member playing Mr. Wormwood, everyone’s favourite shady car salesman & telly-obsessed dad 
• Savannah Cervantez - Musical Director and cast member, playing Mrs. Wormwood and overseeing the vocals and harmonies for the show.
• Cynthia Cruser - Cast Member playing Miss Trunchbull 
• Xander Bien - Choreographer of Matilda the Musical, responsible for the high-energy dance numbers in the production.

What’s Inside:

• Beth James on directing Matilda and creating a colorful, practical magic experience.
• The Wormwoods share their thoughts on fame and parenting Matilda.
• Savannah Cervantes talks about her role as musical director and cast member.
• Xander Bien explains the choreography process and working with young performers.

🎭 Don’t miss the opening night of Matilda the Musical at Gaslight-Baker Theatre! Get your tickets before they sell out! The show runs from July 11th to August 3rd. Visit our website for more details: https://mygbt.org/ 

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to Matilda the Musical

[00:27] - Beth James insights on Directing Matilda the Musical & Past Productions

[15:00] - Hilarious chat with Mr. & Mrs. Wormwood

[21:59] - Musical Director Savannah Cervantez on music direction

[31:03] - Quick interview with Miss Trunchbull

[31:53] - Xander Bien on choreography

Follow Our Guests:

• Beth James: https://www.instagram.com/bethjamesjenkins 
• Savannah Cervantez: https://www.instagram.com/plantmomatx/
• Cynthia Cruser: https://www.instagram.com/nucleocynthiasis/ 
• Gaslight-Baker Theatre: https://www.instagram.com/gaslightbaker/ / https://mygbt.org/ https://www.facebook.com/GaslightBaker/  

Follow our Host:

Kate Collins: https://www.instagram.com/kateiltis/ 

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Wella Foods: https://www.instagram.com/wellafoods/

Thunderbird Bar: https://www.instagram.com/thunderbirdbar/ 

PrintingSolutionstx: https://www.instagram.com/printingsolutionstx/ 

Gaslight-Baker Theatre: https://www.instagram.com/gaslightbaker/ 

Courthouse Nights: https://www.instagram.com/courthousenights/ 

Crystal Glaze Photography: https://www.instagram.com/crystalglazephotography/ 

Gray Beard Films: https://www.instagram.com/graybeardfilms/ 

Texas Hatters - HishatLady: https://www.instagram.com/hishatlady/ 

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