By Jennifer Mustoe
Last night, Payson Community Theatre opened Matilda the Musical, based on the funny/scary/magical book by Roald Dahl. Matilda the Musical is a show that will keep you awake at night with the amazing talent we see, and for the scary, fantastical, riotous story.
Matilda is born to two of the worst parents on the planet, goes to the worst school on the planet, has the worst luck on the planet, and still stays her plucky, super brainy, and quirky self. Payson Community Theatre’s Matilda is played by the winning and talented Lecksa Joel. Miss Joel is stunning as she works through Matilda’s harsh journey. Her voice, her dancing, her acting (this is a tough role to carry) make us love this poor little girl all the more.
The best thing (and it is really, really, really wonderful and I mean this) about Payson Community Theatre’s Matilda is its amazing cast. The principles are: Joel as Matilda; Katelynn Blair as the sweet, beautiful Miss Honey; Ethan Blair as the despicable, predatory Agatha Trunchbull; Michael Hess as the slimy and oh so stupid Mr. Wormwood; Emma Black as the dancing starlet to be (in her own twisted mind) Mrs. Wormwood; Benjamin Ewell as the Latin Lover dance instructor Rudolpho/Escapologist; and Julie Hancock as Mrs. Phelps. I have seen many community theater productions, and this show has amassed an incredible group of talented dancer/singer/actors. And oh by the way–there are THIRTY children in the cast, as well. Director M. Chase Grant had his hands full, and what he has created is nothing more than a gargantuan genius spectacle. Grant has put in so many funny twists and little pieces of genius, I couldn’t keep track of them all. Matilda has gotten a huge dose of amazing.
Every actor has their role down so perfectly. K. Blair’s Miss Honey is so pathetic (her word, not mine) and handles her character’s arc beautifully. E. Blair’s Miss Trunchbull frankly scared the heck out of me. This is a character that could easily go to dark and never come back. E. Blair has squeezed every bit of comedy (dark comedy to be sure) out of this role and it is delightful. Hess as Mr. Wormwood is nothing short of brilliant. He has taken Mr. Wormwood into the scary depths of stupid and stupider and has returned with so much physical comedy, bits that had me laughing out loud, and straight up hilariousness. I could go on and on. If there was a half-hour show on the telly of just Hess as Wormwood, I’d be binge watching it every chance I got. Black’s Mrs. Wormwood is almost achingly funny. That trashy hair, those trashy clothes, her horrible treatment of Matilda, and her dancing–Black’s got the moves. (She should. She’s also the choreographer.) Her dance instructor Rudolpho, played by Ewell–keep your eye on him in his scenes. He often has no lines, but his physical comedy and strong character development are absolutely brilliant. He and Black look like they really could enter a dance contest. Maybe? Mrs. Phelps is the only mostly “normal” character in the whole show, and Hancock invites the possibility of breathing a moment, a tiny spot of kindness, caring, and a much needed lack of conflict and confusion. It’s no wonder she’s a librarian. Having been a librarian myself once upon a time, I can tell you, they’re a nice sort of people.
I have been to many community theater shows with kiddos in the cast and often the choreography is “easy”, meaning the kids sort of sway and walk around, meaning it’s boring. Or the dance steps are so intricate, it’s a mess. Choreographer Black has achieved something I have never seen before. She has those kids dancing with steps and routines I didn’t think that bunch of kids could do. The numbers are enjoyable and detailed enough for me to whisper, Whoa, a couple of times. And the jazzy numbers with Mrs. Wormwood and Rudolpho are great! I know from experience, those dance rehearsals were tiring and now, I can assure the players in the show, totally worth it.
And speaking of kids–many of these little cuties are mic’ed up and have lines in songs and dialogue. And do a fantastic job. Musical Director Marcie Jacobsen has created a symphony of voices made up of littles (kids), mediums (adults), and big (Trunchbull). Costuming by Miranda Mobbs, hair and make-up design by Julie Hancock create layers of delicious and hilarious that adds to this crazy show. Set Designer Perry Ewell has really outdone himself. From playground equipment, classroom desk and chairs, a room for Matilda, a “home” for Miss Honey, and on and on. Not only was it all interesting, it was easily moved and nothing slowed down the show. Technical Director LeEarl Peck and Sound and Lighting Director Chris Olson bring excellence that shows in the finished product.
Note: In Matilda the Musical, there is some darkness and some audience members (children?) may feel uncomfortable. There are also lighting issues that may affect those with sensory issues. But there is a LOT of fun that dazzles us, amazing performances by an incredible cast, and a delightful show by a community theater known for its excellent productions. Also, Matilda is a long show. Starting at 7:30 PM, we didn’t leave until 10:00 PM.
Payson Community Theatre’s Matilda the Musical is a magical, hilarious, and out of this world journey that you need to see to believe. Summer’s almost over, school has already started. Let’s end our long, hot, summer with some Matilda style.
Payson Community Theatre presents Matilda the Musical, based on the book by Roald Dahl, adapted by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.
Payson High School Theater, 1050 S Main St, Payson, UT 84651
August 25-27, 29, September 1-3, 2022 7:30 PM, September 5, 2022 3:00 PM
Tickets: online, General $12, Children/Senior $10, Group Pass $60 or at the door
Contact: paysoncommunitytheatre@gmail.com
Payson Community Theater Facebook Page
0 Comments