Star of the Day opens its 2023 season with “Matilda the Musical,” April 21 - 30, St. John’s United Church of Christ, Emmaus.

The musical is based on “Matilda,” a children’s novel written in 1988 by British writer Roald Dahl. The story follows Matilda Wormwood, a precocious child with an uncaring mother and father who goes to a school run by the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

The musical has music by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly.

Kirsten Almeida, Managing Artistic Director at Star of the Day, says the show is “all about kids becoming superheroes.

“A little girl leads this roller-coaster of a musical with the power of her imagination and determination to find justice for those who are treated unfairly and oftentimes silenced.

“‘Matilda the Musical’ sends a timely message to young people that it’s OK to speak out against wrongdoings and, in turn, demand justice for all,” Almeida says.

Matilda is a girl with wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the lovable Miss Honey. Matilda must deal with Miss Trunchbull, who hates children and loves to come up with cruel punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules.

“Matilda the Musical” premiered on London’s West End in 2011 and went on to win seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. At the time, it was the most Oliviers won by a show

The show opened on Broadway in 2013 and was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, receiving five Tonys.

The Star of the Day production of “Matilda the Musical” is directed by Will Windsor Erwin. Bekah Eichelberger is assistant director. Phillip Wallens is musical director. Almeida as choreographer.

Almeida says the production is packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and features a star turn for a young actress in the title role.

Starring as Matilda is 11-year-old Mia Moyer of Emmaus. Moyer made her Star of the Day debut in 2021 as Cruella DeVille in “Descendants: The Musical.” Moyer performed as Marta in Act 1 DeSales University Theatre’s “The Sound of Music” and as Emma in Pines Dinner Theatre’s “Home for the Holidays.”

Moyer, a daughter of Jessica and Lucas Moyer of Emmaus, is a student at St. Ann School, Emmaus, where she in in the performing arts programs.

Benjamin Ruth and Andrea Cartagena alternate in the role of Miss Trunchbull. Jillian Petrie plays Miss Honey.

The cast includes Katie Suratt, Julisa Trinidad, Nyrie Washburn, Cindi Surovi, Daniel VanArsdale, Alexandra Racines, Allie Sacher, Abby Roth, Kyleigh Vicoso, Safran, Anthony Sanchez, Courtney Bodnar, Nora Zackey, Ava Wilson, Olivia Davison, Everett Mason, Madeline Ulma, Arianna Grace Millheim, Gabriella Montero and Vega Lucia.

The show is recommended for those age six and older

“Matilda The Musical,” 7:30 p.m. April 21, 22, 28, 29; 3 p.m. April 23, 30, St. John’s United Church of Christ, 139 N. Fourth St., Emmaus. Tickets: www.StaroftheDay.org

‘¡Fiesta Latina!’ back in Bethlehem:

“¡Fiesta Latina!” returns to the Barrio Stage, 6 - 9 p.m. April 29, Touchstone Theatre, Bethlehem.

The free Latinx block party celebrates community and culture, part of an initiative that began with the Touchstone’s “Festival UnBound.”

Reggaeton music will be provided by El Elegido. Philadelphia’s Danza Azteca del Anahuac will feature traditional Mexican Indigenous dance and drums.

Homemade food and drink provided by General Zapata’s will be available for purchase. The Touchstone bar will have alcoholic beverages for purchase to benefit Touchstone’s community initiatives.

“Sharing our Latinx culture, our music, our food, our traditions, feels exciting and at the same time, it feels like such validation and appreciation. Our block party has become such a fun community event, you don’t want to miss it,” says Olga Negrón, a member of Touchstone’s Latinx leadership committee, which organized the event.

“¡Fiesta Latina!” 6 - 9 p.m. April 29. Information: 610-867-1689; http://www.touchstone.org

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com