MIDDLEBORO — Unlike some plays, when teens and tweens are forced to play much older characters, “Matilda the Musical Jr.’’ involves parts right in and around their age range of Nichols Middle School Drama Club performers. 

“It’s nice to do a show where the characters are the same age’’ as the young actors, said Eliza Thornton, the musical director of the show. 

Not that the plot reflects daily life exactly. 

Matilda is described as a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and oh, yes, psychokinetic powers. She struggles with her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher Miss Honey. 

She is less popular with the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who hates children and just loves to punish those who don't abide by her rules. 

Matilda is played by sixth grader Savannah Kelley, who leads her schoolmates in fighting back against the tyrannical headmistress, Agatha Trunchbull, played by Sabrina Toy. 

Matilda is helped along the way by her teacher, Miss Honey, played by seventh grader Scotti Brogna, the librarian, Mrs. Phelps, portrayed by eighth grader Chloe Cunha and many classmates, who are played by Avery Clifford, Jack Guilfoy, Clover Heinstadt, Henry Jope, Benjamin Luce, Mackenzie O’Connell, Nathan Phenix and Samantha Ring.

The performance involves high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, both of which were in evidence during rehearsals for the play.

“It’s really coming together,’’ Thornton said. “The kids are doing very well.’’

The dancing, she said, features “good choreography for beginners.’’

The young performers give the experience good reviews. 

Eighth grader Chloe Cunha said she has had a “passion’’ for singing and dancing since she was 4. She enjoys “dancing and being in shows.’’

Fellow eighth grader Sabina Toy said she liked the part of the villain because she was “so out there’’ and allowed her to “give so much emotion.’’

Benjamin Luce, who is in seventh grade, has always been a fan of the author whose story forms the basis of the play.

“I like Roald Dahl’s style of writing,’’ said Benjamin Luce, a seventh grader. When he heard the musical was based on a Dahl book, he was eager to participate.

The show is directed by Susan Schobel, with music direction by Eliza Thornton, and choreography by Erin Brogna. 

The production will be presented at 7 p.m. Jan. 31 and at 3 and 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at the school, 112 Tiger Drive.  Tickets are $10 and are available at the door.