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Matilda the Musical
Broadway   THE
SHOW:Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin, Book by Dennis Kelly,
based on a story and characters by Roald Dahl. Sprung from the singularly quirky mind of Roald Dahl, Matilda
is filled with wildly eccentric characters, dark comedy, childhood hopes and
nightmares, and a pinch of the supernatural. The tale centers on a young, highly
intelligent girl growing up in a family who, when not mocking Matilda, ignore their
lonely wunderkind. Matilda finds some happiness in the local library, and upon
starting school finds a soul mate in the sweet Miss Honey. But the intimidating
headmistress Miss Trunchbull, gleeful in her policy of corporal punishment with
torture devices and a knack for the hammer throw/pigtail toss, will keep Matilda
and her hapless classmates from finding happiness if it’s within her powers.
Though Matilda finds she has some powers of her own. Dennis Kelly
and Tim Minchin capture the story’s
magic and madness very well, add a couple great new songs to the American
musical theatre canon with Revolting
Children and When I Grow Up, and
have launched a huge Broadway hit as well as a definite future hit on the youth
theater circuit. THE PRODUCTION: The Broadway production directed by Matthew Warchus is a feast for the eyes with the letter-tile set (Rob
Howell) and beautiful lighting (Hugh
Vanstone), not to mention Paul
Kieve’s magical tricks, but it all doesn’t overwhelm Matilda’s story.
They keep a four-girl rotation of Matildas who, as a group, were recognized by
the Tony Awards. My night saw Oona Laurence
lead the way – big, soulful eyes imbued at times with unquenchable curiosity,
at times with sadness or earnest hopefulness, at times with mischievousness when
she’s being “a little bit naughty.” Lots of personality and strong vocal
and dancing skills has her keeping the heart of the story beating strong.
And then there are Matilda’s classmates. All revoltingly
talented young actors who dazzle and delight throughout with their personas,
singing, and spot-on dancing to Peter
Darling’s brilliant and creative choreography. Frenie Acoba is close friend and newt-handler Lavender, Jack
Broderick is Bruce the cake eater, and Beatrice
Tulchin is Amanda who gets a traumatic upbraiding by Miss Trunchbull (one of
many great illusions in the show). Along with Jared
Parker as Nigel, Ted Wilson as Eric, Madilyn
Jaz Morrow filling in nicely for regular Ava DeMary as Alice, Emma
Howard as Hortensia, and Judah
Bellamy as Tommy, these kids combine for many highlights including the
little Veruca Salt-ish “Miracles” at the opening birthday party, the fun and
catchy Revolting Children, and so
beautifully capturing the essence of the story in the charming When
I Grow Up – not needing any clever illusions for the visually compelling
staging that includes the children swinging playfully above the stage and
audience, daydreaming of a utopian adulthood that can always be aspired to, and
with a pinch of magic we might eventually find. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L98qeFBRPN4 Performed August 16, 2013 at the Shubert Theatre Rob Hopper ~ Cast ~
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She
shares the stage with a host of remarkable adult stage veterans. Bertie
Carvel is a marvel as the hilariously frightening Miss Trunchbull who is
just as comfortable with ribbon dancing as he/she is with medieval instruments
of torture. Body language, voice, and a perfect blend of evil and comedy. Gabriel Ebert and Lesli
Margherita are a hit as Matilda’s zany, self-absorbed parents who would
drive any sane kid to seek refuge in the library. Karen Aldridge gives a lovely portrayal of the kind and captivated
librarian. And Lauren Ward is
riveting as the loving but fearful teacher whose genuine tenderness could change
a lonely little girl’s world if Miss Honey can find the courage.