WARREN, Ohio – Kent Trumbull Theatre is entering its 60th season, and its summer stock production of “Matilda, the Musical” will celebrate its legacy.

Several members of this year’s summer production are theater veterans who are part of multigenerational stories rooted in the campus’ theater.

Marie Keene-James first joined Kent-Trumbull summer stock in 1999, balancing her passion for theater with her work at Kent State’s bursar office. Now, more than two decades later, she’s back as stage manager for “Matilda,” and she’s sharing the spotlight with her daughter, Kenzie James, who serves as scenic designer.

“Kenzie grew up coming to rehearsals with me,” Keene-James said. “She was on stage as young as age 4.”

Before graduating from Kent State with a bachelor of fine arts degree, Kenzie participated in Kent Trumbull’s high school internship program. 

Melanie Lucas was 8 years old when she made her summer stock debut in “The Tattletale” in 1992. Since then, she’s handled nearly every role imaginable: actor, props manager, spotlight operator, costumer, crew, director and even theater president.

“Being in the Kent Trumbull Theatre space feels like coming home,” she said.

Now the director of “Matilda,” Lucas brings her children into the fold. Her 8-year-old daughter, Amelia, plays Amanda, and her 17-year-old son, Grayson, serves as sound designer. Lucas’ oldest son, Ethan, also spent years performing.

“This show is dedicated to my dad, Fred,” she added. “He took me to my first audition here, and sharing the stage with him is still one of my favorite memories.”

Janelle Falcione Solich was 13 when she performed in “Bye Bye Birdie,” a production that also featured Lucas.

A professional dancer and teacher, Solich’s career took her from Point Park University in Pittsburgh to performing aboard Holland America cruise ships. She is the assistant choreographer for “Matilda,” working alongside her 8-year-old daughter, Clara, who is performing in the kids’ ensemble.

“I’m excited to see Clara in her very first musical, on the same stage where I once performed,” Solich said. “It’s been a privilege to be part of this creative process and to share this experience with her.”

As Kent Trumbull Theatre approaches its milestone 60th anniversary in the 2025-26 season, “Matilda” stands as a fitting symbol of what the program represents: education, creativity, mentorship and the lifelong bond of the theater family.

“This isn’t just a summer production,” Lucas said. “It’s a continuation of something special that’s been growing here for six decades. And, now, it’s our turn to pass it on.”

Performances of “Matilda, the Musical” will take place July 17-20 and 24-27. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m.  Sunday.

For tickets, click HERE. To learn more about Kent Trumbull Theatre or the Bachelor of Arts in theatre studies, click HERE.

Pictured at top: Melanie Lucas, Amelia Lucas, Marie Keene James, Clara Solich, Janelle Solich and Kenzie James, front, will take part in the summer stock production of “Matilda, the Musical.”