The Howell High School Performing Arts Department is presenting D.W. Gregory’s acclaimed play “Radium Girls,” with performances set for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, and Saturday, Nov. 5, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/2ZGF1HK or at the door.
We are featuring some of the students involved in the production. Today we are featuring Haley Matta.
1. Biographical info
Age: 17
Parents Names: Josh & Haydee Matta
Siblings: Kyle Matta
Year In School: 12
Activities: Choir, ITS, Classicality, advanced drama
Hobbies: Singing, dancing, listening to music
Future Plans: Going to college to hopefully pursue a career in the performing arts
2. How did you get involved with the production?
I have always loved the productions that Howell High School has put on and have always been interested in being in one someday! When I found out that I could take drama as a class, I was ecstatic. Being a part of this community has been the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I am so lucky to be a part of this touching story with this amazing cast.
3. Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I have been in one other production, which was Rock Of Ages in spring of 2022. I played a venus dancer, and had the best time rocking to some 80s music!
4. What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I love getting to know the entire cast on a level you didn’t think you could reach in a friendship. Getting to see the unfolding of the production and watching your friends play roles that are now a big part of history is such an eye-opening experience.
5. Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My biggest inspiration is Malo, my drama teacher. If it weren’t for her and the drama program at Howell High School I would not be where I am today. Thanks to Malo, I have discovered my love for performing arts and hope to pursue it in the future. I would also like to thank my parents, Josh and Haydee Matta for supporting me through thick and thin and pushing me to follow my dreams. They have inspired me to go for what I want and don’t hold back.
6. What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
My favorite part about being in Radium Girls is that I get to step foot into a real life story and be one of the girls who fought for their rights with everything they had. This has shown me a part of history that not many people had known or do know about.
7. What can audience members expect when they see the show?
Expect to see a beautiful tragedy told through many different perspectives.
