[yasr_overall_rating]
Winner of 50 international awards, including four Tony Awards®, “Matilda The Musical” is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
The choreography, book, music and lyrics all come together to tell us a story of courage and empowerment as told by the most powerless group of all – little children.
An audience comes to a show with their minds a blank slate, ready for anything. The first few minutes of a show tell them what is in store, both in terms of content and in terms of style. For better or for worse, many audience members will take the way the beginning of the show makes them feel and hold onto that.
Sadly, due to sound problems at opening night for “Matilda” in Dallas, it was difficult to hear the lyrics and quite a bit of the dialogue, especially in the opening number and well into the first act. Mia Sinclair Jenness, one of three young actresses alternating as Matilda, has a soaring voice and commanding stage presence, but patrons grumbled about difficulty deciphering the words Thursday. With an otherwise brilliant show, I hope the sound troubles were only an opening night phantom.
Roald Dahl’s books usually tend a bit to the dark side. Most of his heroes and heroines are oppressed children surrounded by monstrous adults and grotesque peers. Think of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “James and the Giant Peach.” “Matilda” is a little different. When the 1988 book became a musical, very little in the story was altered. It remains the story of a little girl growing up with parents who verbally abuse her, neglect her basic needs and are so wrapped up in their own self importance that they don’t see Matilda for the miracle she is. When she is sent off to school, Matilda becomes determined to make life better for herself and her classmates by fighting back against the evil Miss Trunchbull. Matilda finds an ally and friend in her teacher Miss Honey. As Matilda sings about in ‘Naughty,’ “Even if you’re little, you can do a lot. You mustn’t let a little thing like little stop you…if things aren’t right; you have to put it right…Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty!”
And so we follow this enchanting and extremely intelligent – albeit precocious – little girl as she fights the bullies, gives courage to the withered souls and changes her life into one filled with love, imagination and heart.
In 2008, the Royal Shakespeare Company scooped up Dahl’s book. With the genius of Australian Tim Minchin’s inspired music and lyrics along with Denis Kelly’s adaptation of Dahl’s book, “Matilda the Musical” is a home run. As classical a paring of story and song as “Annie,” but with enough original flare and magic to keep theatre goers completely wrapped up in the story.
Minchin’s real victory with “Matilda” is the song “When I Grow Up.” The scene takes place on the playground with children on swings that hang from the rafters. This makes for very dramatic large sweeping arcs over the orchestra pit. However, as the children sing about the fun and freedom they’re going to have when they grow up, adult versions of the children replace them on the swings. It’s then that all the grownups in the audience remember what they dreamed about when they were children. I was never so glad to be sitting slightly behind my 16 year old daughter so that she couldn’t see me crying. Thank you “Matilda” for helping me remember to never give up fighting for what is right, and to always feed my dreams.
When attending “Matilda,” take special notice of the excellent use of scenery to help tell the story. Although scaled down from the original British and Broadway productions, nothing is lost in the bus and truck adaptation. It’s never complicated or overly technical, but gives the audience that “How’d they do it?” magic. Simple, clean and colorful sets help pull the audience into Matilda’s world. The garish neon colors of the Wormwood’s home give a real understanding of their plastic and superficial personalities. The rich, deep, warm tones of the library to where Matilda retreats from her home, make it clear how her imagination and spirit grew to such heights. The school and school yard are in such depressing tones of grey and tan, there is absolutely no doubt that Matilda must change things.
Kudos to the costuming designers for “Matilda.” The story and music filled my heart, but the costuming was every bit as important at filling out the characters. The smallest details are often overlooked, but not in “Matilda.” My favorite character to watch because of her costuming and characterizations was the supporting role of the Jamaican librarian Mrs. Phelps (Ora Jones). Her swirl of scarves, jewelry and abundant vibrant color were absolutely delightful, and her control of her costuming never let it be a distraction.
The true magic in “Matilda” however, is in the message that is planted in our hearts to never give up on fighting for what is right. To never let our imaginations and inner child fall silent and unheard.
Now playing at the Winspear Opera House thru October 4th
i went to see it and simply loved it!
Glad you liked it Bonnie.
Great review but you failed to mention the brilliance of Bryce as Miss Trunchbull.