Reed Intermediate School's cast members from the school's musical production of High School Musical, Jr huddled on risers in a school music room waiting for four visitors to enter, on Monday, June 6.

"Yeah, Van," one student said as Tony Award-winning producer Van Dean entered moments later, to clapping from the students.

Mr Dean is the executive producer and president of Broadway Records. He is also chairman of the Theater Arts Committee and a production consultant for NewArts, a local theater group encouraging social, emotional, and character growth through performing arts. Mr Dean has been supporting local students through NewArts and other efforts, such as the event at the school earlier this week.

After Mr Dean spoke with the students, three cast members from Matilda The Musical - Katie Zimmer of Monroe, and sisters Talia and Mimi Ryder of New York City- were introduced to more applause from the Reed students.

The visit was part of an ongoing program Mr Dean coordinates, and each year different grade levels are added. During the 2014-15 school year, Mr Dean arranged for Broadway and movie actress Lilla Crawford to visit with Reed students.

Mr Dean and the three young actresses - Katie and Talia are 13, and Mimi is 10 - spoke to the students about their experiences with Broadway musicals.

The Reed students learned Mimi played the part of Matilda until recently, Katie said she alternates playing the parts of Hortensia and Alice, and Talia said she plays Hortensia and is an understudy for the part of Lavender.

Students asked questions about a range of topics: the audition process, whether the young actresses ever get nervous, and their favorite parts of Matilda.

"I think one of the most brilliant parts is the 'School Song,'" said Mr Dean, explaining that he likes the choreography and how the song follows the alphabet. He also said he likes the friendship between the characters of Matilda and Lavender.

When Talia, Mimi, and Katie were asked whether they were nervous when they auditioned for their roles, all three admitted they were.

Talia said she does not feel nervous doing shows, because, "We have each other back stage, so you are with all your friends."

When asked if the girls or other cast members in Matilda have ever missed a cue, Talia smiled and shared that younger cast members have helpers back stage, ready to remind them of their lines. Before she gets on stage, Talia said she reminds herself about what she is doing.

"Once you get on stage, it all just kind of comes to you," said Talia.

The girls also spoke about how they manage homework and the responsibilities of school with their roles in the production.

Talia shared the story of how the casting director called her home to share the news that she had received a role. Talia's mother answered the phone and before long mother and daughter were screaming and crying, according to Talia.

One Reed student asked whether the girls ever listened to music from Broadway while they did their homework.

Katie and Mimi smiled and nodded, and Talia said, "Oh yeah," adding that she listened to songs from Matilda before she was a cast member, and now she listens to songs from the current Broadway musical Hamilton.

Mr Dean, who produced the album for Matilda, said it was incredible to hear the music was inspiring fans and new members of the musical community.

Katie, Talia, and Mimi sang songs from Matilda, as well as one from Hamilton, for the gathered Reed students. Before the visit ended, the Reed students shared a song they performed for High School Musical, Jr.

"We're all in this together," the Reed students sang, clapping and moving with the song as Mimi, Talia, Katie, and Mr Dean watched.

Many hands in the room were raised when Mr Dean asked how many of the Reed students had seen Matilda.

"Matilda will be done in January, so if you haven't seen it, or you want to see it again, see it before January," Mr Dean suggested.

To the familiar NewArts faces in the audience, Mr Dean told them, "I will see you this summer for School of Rock and The Wizard of Oz."

School of Rock, a brand-new musical based on the famous Paramount film written by Mike White, which starred Jack Black, according to the organization, will run August 5-7. The Wizard of Oz will run August 11-14.

The productions will be presented at Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel. More information about the musical productions and the organization is available at newartsct.org.