Roald Dahl’s “Matilda” broke all previous records for a work of children’s fiction sales and won the Children’s Book Award the very same year it was published.

It’s no wonder then that Lycoming College and the Community Arts Center through Music Theatre International are bringing the theatrical production of this instant classic filled with bravery and genius, “Matilda the Musical,” to life on stage.

Kendall McEwen plays the part of Matilda Wormwood, a prodigy child with telekinetic abilities who’s reading great works of literature like “Great Expectations” and “The Grapes of Wrath” by the age of 5. She uses books as a way to escape her heavy-handed parents (portrayed by Grace Barkauskas and Elijah Nilson), who bully her whenever they take notice of her existence.

When she starts attending the Crunchem Hall Primary School, she finds a kindred spirit in her kind, affectionate teacher who is also unfairly treated by the authorities in her life named Miss Honey, performed by Lana Perry.

Things would be well with the world except that the school’s headmistress, Agatha Trunchbull, played by Muireann Tran, has a penchant for being unnecessarily brutal to the students. Fueled by a desire for justice and equipped with her brilliance, Matilda plays practical joke after practical joke until she can right all the wrongs done to Miss Honey, her fellow classmates and herself, proving once and for all that “Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.”

Lakeetha Blakeney, the director of this production, couldn’t be more thankful for the professionalism of her fellow directors and stage crew, and recounts how well the kids have worked together.

“My older cast members, who have jobs and drive and things like that, have worked really well with the middle school students,” she said. “You can see the leadership in the older students, because the younger cast members actually follow really well. My goal was to make this group of kids a cohesive company, instead of 24 people in the same show. You can see the friendships they have formed in the room.”

This play, historically, is the winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, and has been seen by over 7.7 million people up to date.

“It is a classic story where the little guy becomes the victor and good conquers all,” says Blakeney when asked as to why she thinks this stage play and story has been showered with success over the years. “Matilda is a character that you fall in love with and she has this cast around her that are misfits like her that you fall in love with as well. You want to watch them all win and you celebrate with them when they do.

“Roald Dahl gave a great foundation for a story, because that’s what you need for any good show, no matter what it is,” she added.

The performances are in full swing on Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 23, at 2 p.m. at the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St. To reserve seats for friends and family, you can contact the center at 570-326-2424 or visit caclive.com.