The Davis Musical Theatre Company will be holding auditions for their Young Performers’ Theatre production of “Matilda The Musical, Jr.”

Matilda Wormwood, an intelligent, savvy and witty young girl with telekinetic abilities, is unloved by her cruel parents and disliked by the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who hates children. However, she manages to impress her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Utilizing her telekinetic abilities and with the help of Miss Honey, Matilda attempts to settle the score with the principal.

“Rebellion is nigh in “Matilda Jr.”, a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination,” said a press release from the DMTC. “This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the ‘revolting children’ who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.”

Auditions are scheduled for March 13 or March 14 at 4:30 p.m. at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, located at 607 Pena Dr. in Davis. Call backs will take place the next day on March 15 at the same time and location.

All roles are open including Matilda, Miss Honey, Miss Trunchbull, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood and all of Matilda’s classmates. Any role may be performed by an actor of any gender.

Those interested in auditioning should bring a song that is not from “Matilda” and be prepared for cold readings. The show is scheduled to open Saturday, May 6.

For more information and the complete audition form, visit https://dmtc.org/auditions#ypt.

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The Winters Theatre Company is set to open its 2023 season next week with the award-winning play “Art.”

Translated into 30 languages and the winner of the American Tony award for best play (1998) and its French and British equivalents, the Moliere Award and the Laurence Olivier Award, “Art” has enjoyed much international success and acclaim.

Written by French playwright Yasmina Reza, the production deals with the relationship of three lifelong friends, Serge, Marc and Yvan.

When Serge buys a very expensive modern art painting by a critically acclaimed artist, he is delighted with his purchase. When seeing the painting, which consists of a canvas with a white background and narrow white stripes in the center, Marc is convinced that “it is an overpriced rip off, a piece of garbage,” the press release from the Winters Theatre Company said. Yvan, the friend of both, tries to see each side. As the play progresses, the trio’s friendship is tested as opinions become even more firmly entrenched and initial discussions become angry disagreements.

“The play is witty and thought provoking as it deals with serious issues and questions,” the press release said. “What is art and what is the role of art in the modern world? But there are other questions as well. What is each individual’s role in the complex relationships of friendship? Can a person hold an opinion without becoming condescending or even cruel to those who disagree?”

“Art” will open on Friday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. at 201 Railroad Ave. in Winters. Additional performances will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 7:30 pm, followed by a Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm. The play will be performed again at the same scheduled times the following weekend, March 24-26.

To purchase tickets, visit http://www.winterstheatre.org/.

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The Mary L. Stephens Davis Branch Library will be holding an “Art with Nature” workshop in their children’s activity room.

The event will include a step-by-step workshop using mixed media art and simple materials. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, March 29 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the library, located at 315 E. 14th St. in Davis.

Children must be ages 6 to 12 to participate. Space is limited and registration is required. To register your child, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd__9KBkjM0ubdeBgaxdPkcaeZOyHlZp6ELQGT_AsFlFUqPjA/viewform.

Center Stage is a column exploring the arts in and around Yolo County.