‘Matilda’ brings its magic to the stage

Matilda, a story by Roald Dahl, is a timeless children’s classic that tells of an extraordinary little girl: Matilda Wormwood. “Matilda the Musical,” however, is so much more. “Matilda the Musical” is a masterpiece of modern musical theatre.

“Matilda” opened at Playhouse Square’s State Theater May 3 and starred Cassie Silva, Quinn Mattfeld, Jennifer Blood, David Abeles, Sarah Mckinley Austin, Savannah Grace Elmer and Lily Brooks O’Briant.

“Matilda” was filled with hysterical and entertaining characters. Matilda’s parents–Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood– were ridiculously ignorant, which made their every move hilarious. Mr. Wormwood refused to acknowledge Matilda as a girl and Mrs. Wormwood was too enthralled with her blonde locks and her ‘part-italian’ dance partner, Rudolpho, to notice that Matilda is a genius. Despite their characters’ traits, Cassie Silva and Quinn Mattfeld were ironically likable as Matilda’s cruel and hateful parents.

Jennifer Blood was inspiring as Miss Honey, the grade school teacher everyone wishes they had. Blood skillfully portrayed Miss Honey’s tragic story and her kindness despite her horrible circumstances. Miss Honey’s childish timidness when dealing with the play’s antagonist, Miss Trunchbull made her even more endearing to the audience.

David Abeles’ performance as the evil headmistress Miss Trunchbull was truly a feat of strength. Along with incomparable vocals and a chilling stage presence, Abeles’ physical stamina was evident as he spent the entire performance in heavy fat suits and costumes while doing back flips over gym mats and swinging children around by their pigtails.

While the adults in “Matilda” were very talented, the real stars were the children. With show-stopping numbers like the touching “When I Grow Up” and the rebellious “Revolting Children,” the children in the cast stole the attention away from the experienced adults. The young actors filled the theater with a youthful energy that is genuinely infectious. Ryan Christopher Dever, who played Bruce, was a stand out, belting out the beginning of “Revolting Children” from the top of a desk with what seems like a lifetime of confidence and stage experience.  

Matilda, played by a  rotating trio of talented actresses, provided the strong foundation for the incredible troupe of kids. The fact that Matilda doesn’t know she’s special despite her unparalleled intelligence and telekinetic abilities is tragic. Her heartbreaking ballad, “Quiet,” and her impeccable storytelling made her the tiny cornerstone the musical needed. The character of Matilda perfectly balanced out the rest of the ridiculous characters in the show.

The most entertaining part of Matilda, perhaps, lied in its groundwork. Lyricist Tim Minchin’s lyrics were punny and clever through even the most tense moments in the show. Standouts were “The School Song,” in which the adult ensemble plays tortured students welcoming the new students to Crunchem Hall, and “Miracle” the fantastic opening number.

The combination of its captivating ensemble of children, entertaining characters and its sublime lyrics make “Matilda” a night of theatre that is difficult to forget. “Matilda” was a whimsical tale that is entertaining for all ages. From adults who need an escape from reality, to a child’s first live theatre experience, Matilda was a perfect fit.