By Breanna Sanders
On Pitch Performing Arts (OPPA!) presents Matilda, the beloved story of a girl who uses knowledge, her ideals of fairness, and a little bit of magic to stand up to the bullies in her life. Originally a novel written by Roald Dahl and adapted for the stage by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin, Matilda is a gifted young girl born into a family that does not appreciate her talent for reading and learning. When she attends her first year of school, Matilda makes an enemy of the cruel headmistress Trunchbull, who hates all children and thinks up terrible punishments for any student who crosses her. Thankfully, Matilda finds an ally in Miss Honey, her timid but loving teacher. The two of them discover that they can help each other more than they first realized. Meanwhile, the other students are inspired by Matilda’s courage to speak up for what is right and fair, which leads them to revolt when Trunchbull attempts to implement more punishments.
The first thing I noticed when the show began was the music from the live orchestra. The orchestra really helps set the tone, especially during the story sequences when Matilda relates the tale of the acrobat and the escapologist and their amazing tricks. I love the thrill that the live instruments bring to the space. The set transports the audience from the gaudy Wormwood home to the quiet, grand library to the dingy school Crunchem Hall. The costumes by Amanda Larsen are equally as intentional. I especially loved how the costumes complemented the song “Loud” when quiet Miss Honey in her pale floral dress and cardigan is contrasted against loud and vibrant Mrs. Wormwood in a hot pink sparkling gown.
The title character Matilda is played by Malan Poll, who does a remarkable job of making her character feel real and relatable. She soars through difficult songs and captures all the sweet and sass that Matilda is known for. Miss Trunchbull (Jake Swensen) manages to be hilarious without being too over-the-top, while Miss Honey (Abbie Rose Webb) has a crystal-clear voice that captures the audience any time she sings. In fact, the entire cast of over fifty makes the unique music of this show look like a lot of fun to perform. Choreographer Quesley Bunch and music director Travis Clark successfully showcase the hopes, fears, strengths, and energy of children in the musical numbers throughout the show.
Director Henry Ballesteros focuses on the theme of feeling seen and valued, and that comes through in each of the characters. Matilda, of course, who longs for her mind to be challenged and to be loved. Also, Miss Honey, whose tragic past leaves her feeling “pathetic” despite her kind and brave qualities that go unnoticed. There is a fun breaking of the fourth wall when Lavender (Madison Child) wants the audience to know that she is Matilda’s best friend and to see her as an important part of the story, and we even notice the theme in Mr. Wormwood (Charles Cook) and Mrs. Wormwood (Jessica DeBoer), who use loud voices, bright clothing, and money to try to feel seen by the world. TV obsessed, oblivious Michael Wormwood, played by Keller Peck, rounds out the family Matilda is unlucky enough to live with. And of course, we can’t forget Rudolpho (Zach West), Mrs.Wormwood’s goofy, bright, funny dance partner.
Lights by Colter Lincoln, Sound by Josh Rice, and Set by Brandon Stauffer are excellent and bring perfection to a truly wonderful show. And it’s family friendly, and “Somewhere inside all of us <and in Layton, Utah> is the power to change the world.”
Matilda by On Pitch Performing Arts is a show unlike any other. It reminds us what it’s like to be a child, and what we want to be like when we’re grown up. Don’t miss your chance to see it. And don’t miss On Pitch Performing Arts’ next production, Little Women, September 16, 2022. Check website for days and times.
On Pitch Performing Arts presents Matilda by Roald Dahl, adapted by Dennis Kelly.
Layton High School, 440 Wasatch Drive, Layton Utah 84041
August 19-20, 2022 7:30 PM
Tickets: $16.50
Contact: 385-209-1557
On Pitch Performing Arts Facebook Page PPA’s Matilda Promo Reel
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