May 26, 27, June 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 2024
Magical ★ Mischievous ★ Miraculous
About the Show
Matilda the Musical is one of several Roald Dahl stories to reach the stage. The book Matilda was Dahl's last children's books, written just 2 years before his death. The book and musical revel in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Dahl’s novel is a dark, sharp-edged comedy about the cruelty of adults and a clever child’s quiet triumph. The musical kept that spirit but turned it into a theme of children collectively finding their voices (“Revolting Children”). It also added some subplots not found in the novel.
Matilda was developed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, with a book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus. It premiered in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010. Matilda won 47 international awards including Olivier (UK) and Tony (USA) awards.
The Production
For the fourth season, Craig Schieber, Jenny Dreesen, Guy Caridi, and Mark and Nancy Press headed one of our shows.
Matilda was a very complex show to direct because of the eccentricities which all Roald Dahl stories entail and the challenging music involved.
The cast was unusually large with 35 members. Among them were some regulars with Beaven Walters as Honey, Meagan Castillo as Matilda's mother, Tod Harrick as Matilda's father.
The title role was shared between Maisy Walters and Madeleine Rose.
Guy Caridi not only choreographied the many dance numbers, he insisted that he get to play Rudolpho, Matilda's mother's somewhat sleazy dance partner.
Two new people to the theater particulary stood out with Cat Chiappa as Agatha Trunchbull and Cynthia Dario-Good as Mrs. Phelps the town librarian. Ironically, Cynthia, known for her extraordinary voice had no singing part.
There were two large production number which were particularly impressive, not only for the music, but for the way they integrated dancing and acting into large choral numbers. Cat in :"The Hammer" impressed upon her pupils the importance of keeping their toes in the line. Energetic dancing and patriotic flag waving (appropiately British flags) made the scene particularly memorable.
The Sets
The sets for this show were particularly innovative. Leanne Markle did the design work and the more detailed painting. The set was designed around Matilda's obsession with books and storytelling. Large flats representing books were prominent. Even the stairs to the 'mound stage' were painted to resemble books laying on a table. The interior scenes of the heroines house pulled heavily from late 60s, early 70s sensibilities. Miss Trunchbull's office was filled with her many trophies.
George Pledger and Jim Johnson did the major set construction with the help of many others. They built all the large alphabet cubes which were used throughout the show not only as set pieces, but as part of Guy Caridi's choreography.
Production Staff
Director: Craig Schieber; Asst. Director: Jenny Dreessen; Choreographer: Guy Caridi; Music Director: Mark Press; Asst. Music Director: Nancy Press; Stage Manager: Danette Lam; Costumes: Amy Fancher; Props: Angela Templin; Set Designer/Artist: Leanne Markle; Set Construction: George Pledger & Jim Johnson
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