New Shafter Theater's 'Matilda the Musical'

Shafter's newest family community theater group will present its first production, ``Matilda the Musical,'' this Friday and Saturday, June 28-29, at 7 p.m. There will be an early show Sunday, June 30, at 5 p.m. All shows will be performed at the Fred Starrh Shafter High School Performing Arts Theater.

The new nonprofit Shafter Theater is comprised of community members, and is headed by Chad Givens, with daughter Lauren Givens assisting. According to their Instagram bio they are a faith-based community event production group performing various theatrical and entertainment productions throughout the year. Many old faces are active and some are new.

Givens, who is the mayor of Shafter, explained the originals of the new organization: "A group of people who wanted more for their kids and all who want to participate in community theater with higher advances in theater tech and opportunities that don't really exist in other places."

'Matilda the Musical' is an story about a super intelligent little girl who discovers she has special powers and with remarkable courage, against all odds, takes charge of her own destiny and helps others. Standing up for what is right, she is met with miraculous results.

This is the first production, with many more planned in the future. And new members are always welcome, any age. ``Matilda The Musical'' has 32 cast members and a 10-member production crew. Estella Loaiza will star as Matilda, supported by Dessie Claffy, Cassandra Lopez, Mark Sciallaba, Jamie Kirschenmann and many more actors and actresses.

``Matilda the Musical'' tickets are $10 per seat and can be purchased at the door or online at simpletix.com/e/matilda-shafter-theater-tickets-173997.

The cast invites the community to come out and support the new project. The group can be followed on Instagram at Shafter_eptheater.