Meet Matilda’s Classmates: ArtXecute’s Little 8
We affectionately call them the Little 8, but spend a little time with Matilda’s classmates and you’ll discover they are big on talent, big on commitment, and full of personality. From learning choreography to helping a castmate find their confidence, these eight bring plenty of heart to Crunchem Hall.
Several are familiar faces from ArtXecute’s Annie: Jalina Johnson played Tessie, Journey Clark played Kate, Taliyah Tyndall was an orphan, and Tris’tian Tates and Parker Sherard performed in the ensemble. Now, they’re joining their castmates for a new adventure—and a very different school experience!
Parker Sherard (Nigel) loves soccer and art. His favorite onstage moment? Jumping on tables during “Miracle.” Balancing sports, rehearsals, and late nights takes practice, but Parker keeps at it. As for making Nigel’s worried reactions funny, his explanation is wonderfully straightforward: “I just do it!”
Rebekah Caetano (Amanda Thripp) shares Amanda’s love of pigtails, although pink isn’t her thing. Outside rehearsals, she has a bearded dragon named Spike. Rebekah hopes audiences leave inspired to keep going, and her understanding of Amanda reaches beyond those famous pigtails: “Being scared does not mean that you cannot be brave.”
John Moore (Bruce Bogtrotter) enjoys guitar, piano, reading, and sketching. Like Bruce, he loves cake and singing—a useful combination for this role! He especially enjoys “Revolting Children,” when the classmates stand up for fair treatment. John also understands what makes a production work: considering others, staying focused, and adjusting for the good of the group.
Taliyah Tyndall (Lavender) serves as a youth usher at First African Baptist Church and enjoys time with family and friends. She shares Lavender’s quirky side, though she says she can tone hers down when needed! “Miracle” gives her room to express herself, and encouragement from the cast has helped her embrace Lavender’s personality.
Jalina Johnson (Alice) enjoys gymnastics, dancing, and singing. She and Alice both have a sassy streak, but Jalina draws the line at pushing someone’s face into a cake! Watch for her chair dancing during “Bruce,” along with the expressions she uses to make Alice her own. She hopes this production encourages other children to join ArtXecute.
Austynn Deye (Erica) likes practicing her songs and dances outside in the fresh air. She’s also paying attention to details: she counted Trunchbull’s ear pulls in the movie and wants equal treatment for both ears! When nerves arrive, Jalina helps her feel calm. Erica’s new school rule, if Austynn could choose? Make everything fair.
Journey Clark (Hortensia) likes drawing, building, and reading. Repeating choreography helps her master the dancing, while Alexis and Taliyah help with her part. “Revolting Children” is a favorite, and her advice for a new Crunchem Hall student is practical: “Watch out for Trunchbull!”
Tris’tian Tates (Tommy) brings years of dance experience, including jazz, ballet, and modern dance. Returning for his second ArtXecute production, he’s giving rehearsals his all while balancing schoolwork and chores. He works well with his castmates, and “Revolting Children” is among his favorite numbers, too.
Their answers reveal something we love about this group: they’re learning their parts while looking out for one another. Choreography gets explained, encouragement gets shared, and friendships grow.
That’s our Little 8. We can’t wait for you to meet them onstage.
Pictured, left to right: Front row: Parker Sherard (Nigel) and Rebekah Caetano (Amanda Thripp). Middle row: John Moore (Bruce Bogtrotter), Taliyah Tyndall (Lavender), and Jalina Johnson (Alice). Back row: Austynn Deye (Erica), Journey Clark (Hortensia), and Tris’tian Tates (Tommy).