Wesley to play The Escapologist in 'Matilda'; returning to Buckhannon Community Theatre for his second consecutive Summer

Wesley Benson has been cast as The Escapologist in Buckhannon Community Theatre’s Summer production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical.

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.

Matilda marks Wesley's second show with Buckhannon Community Theatre. Wesley made his BCT debut last Summer, in their production of Mamma Mia. Additionally, this isn't the first time Wesley has performed this particular show. He played the role of Michael Wormwood in Fairmont State University's Town & Gown Players' production of Matilda The Musical back in 2022; however, the show's run ended prematurely due to multiple members of the cast coming down with COVID-19.

Since 1971, Buckhannon Community Theatre has been a cornerstone of local culture, born from the passion of Buckhannon-Upshur High School students and their vocal music teacher, James Knorr. What began as a summer project to keep musical theater alive has flourished into a vibrant, year-round tradition. In 1972, BCT officially became a non-profit organization, dedicated to bringing "Broadway-style" shows to the community.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical will run July 23-26, 2026 at the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, W.Va.

Tickets for the show are available HERE.