As Kent State Trumbull Theatre enters its 60th season, this summer’s production of Matilda the Musical is more than just a show; it’s a celebration of legacy, mentorship and a creative home that has raised generations of performers.
Behind the scenes and under the lights, several members of this year’s Summer Stock production are not only theatre veterans, but also part of multi-generational stories deeply rooted in this community stage.
A Legacy of Learning
Marie Keene-James first joined Summer Stock in 1999, balancing her passion for theatre with her work at Kent State’s bursar office. Now, more than two decades later, she’s back as stage manager for Matilda, and 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. She credits four important mentors for helping shape her creative path: Retired KSU Professor of Theatre & Trumbull Theatre Coordinator Daniel-Raymond Nadon, Ph.D.; current Associate Professor of Theatre & Trumbull Theatre Coordinator Eric S. Kildow; and former Trumbull Theatre Technical Directors Tony Kovacic and Michelle Harvey.
A Director’s Full Circle
Melanie Lucas was just 8 years old when she made her Summer Stock debut in The Tattletale in 1992. Since then, she’s played nearly every role imaginable: actor, props manager, spotlight operator, costumer, crew, director and even theatre 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.”
Dance and Dedication
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 to stages aboard Holland America cruise ships. Today, she shares her passion as assistant choreographer for Matilda, working alongside her 8-year-old daughter, Clara, who is performing in the kids' ensemble.
“I’m beyond 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.”
Sixty Years of Spotlight
As Kent State Trumbull Theatre approaches its milestone 60th anniversary in the 2025-2026 season, Matilda stands as a fitting symbol of what the program represents: education, creativity, mentorship and the enduring bond of theatre 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 be held July 17–20 and July 24–27. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
For tickets, visit . To learn more about Kent State Trumbull Theatre or the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies, visit kent.edu/trumbull/theatre.
(Pictured, left-right) Melanie Lucas, Amelia Lucas, Marie Keene James, Clara Solich, Janelle Solich, and front-center, Kenzie James