Fall Into the Story of Matilda the Musical at Spanish Fork Community Theatre

Review by Avery Dall-Hilton, Front Row Reviewers

Having seen Matilda the Musical on many stages, from Broadway to college level performances, I can say that this production with Spanish Fork Community Theatre is a standout performance and a delight to review for Front Row Reviewers. Director Cami Jensen pulls out all the stops with this imaginative and exciting production. With technical elements ranging from full sets, projections, and extensive lighting cues on top of costumes, actors, and props, the technical team has their hands full with this ambitious production. I was so impressed by their problem-solving and teamwork. Lead by production team members Erika Ralphs (Stage manager), Lawson Bendall (Set designer), Kristin Grotegut (Costume designer), Zachary Lambson (Lighting designer), Brennen Woodward and Brock Larson (Sound designer, assistant), and many other dedicated technicians, this team is to be commended.

 Matilda is a wonderful story focusing on the experience of a young girl navigating school, friendships, family, and her marvelous mind. The classic story is brought to life on the Spanish Fork stage by a wonderfully talented cast and crew. Matilda herself is played by Emmie Berglind (and Aspen Gashler) who takes on the challenging role with grace and enthusiasm. She delights the audience all evening with her engaging performance, impressing us with her strong vocals, dance talent, and a shockingly accurate grasp of the Russian language. Her hilarious parents (Benjamin Wear, Chelsea Kennedy) are a wickedly dynamic duo and keep the audience laughing and booing throughout the night.

At the first entrance of the show’s main villain, Agatha Trunchbull (Jessica Champneys), we are left in no doubt that a showstopper has entered the stage. Champneys performance is bigger than life, terrifying and hilarious as she takes full possession of the stage. Her counterpart, the shy and scared Miss Honey (Kaylee Hepburn), is a breath of fresh air from the other adults that continually bully poor Matilda. Hepburn has a lovely voice that expresses the pain the character has felt after years of being intimidated. The two teachers lead an ensemble of wonderfully talented children. Not only can these kids sing and dance, they absolutely nail the British dialect and support the main energy and plot of the show. I was so surprised when “The School Song” began, and dozens of children and teens entered the stage without warning; it was one of my favorite numbers in the show. They continue to amaze throughout the show as they perform the very fun choreography by Bethany Taylor. Taylor’s choreography fits the style of the show so well and is perfect not only for the kids, but also takes it to the next level in showstopping numbers like “Loud”. Elizabeth Galovich plays Matilda’s best friend Lavender and brings a charming and enthusiastic performance to the stage as she plots against the Trunchbull and supports the other children. I was also impressed with Kaiya Thomson (Amanda), Titan Mitchell (Nigel) and Gabe Mansfield (Bruce). All the children are to be commended for their strong performances.

 As Matilda weaves her stories, she is accompanied by the Escapologist (Jason Karp) and an Acrobat (Nicole Ortiz). These two beautifully portray their story of love and loss, wonderfully costumed by Grotegut, and supported by imaginative projections and animations. The story is told to the enthusiastic librarian, Mrs. Phelps, played by Brooklyn Tanner. Tanner brings a bright and bubbly presence to the stage as the eccentric librarian cheering for Matilda at every moment.

This show is perfect for families with children as they can enjoy watching their peers perform in a central part of action and plot. Roald Dahl’s classic story pulls us into the magic of seeing life through the eyes of a child. If you are not familiar with the book, movie, or musical, this is a great production to introduce you to it. I commend the creative minds and talented cast/crew that brings this performance to the Spanish Fork stage in such a fresh and exciting way. You’re sure to be captivated from rise to fall of the curtain with this charming production of Matilda the Musical.

Spanish Fork Community Theatre presents: Matilda the Musical by Dennis Kelly (book), and Tim Minchin (music/lyrics).
Spanish Fork High School, 99 North 300 West Spanish Fork, UT 84660
July 27- 28 7:00 PM; 29 2:00 PM
Tickets: $6-10
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Photos provided by Spanish Fork Community Theatre.

Audiences are advised that this show contains instances of child abuse (mainly verbal/emotional but some physical), and some mild theatrical violence.