Review by Jane Smith, Front Row Reviewers
Take a dive with the Lehi Arts Council into this adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl story Matilda. Come meet Matilda Wormwood (Maevah Hiatt), an incredibly smart girl who loves to read, learn, and explore her world. As much as she loves to use her imagination, it’s truly an escape from her real life parents and the absolute torment they put her through from day to day. Even straight from the hospital, it was clear that her being born–let alone a girl– was not something her parents ever wanted, and they never let her forget that. It is only through her books and her daily trips to the library to visit her friend and local Librarian Mrs. Phelps (Shelby Barney) that Matilda truly feels like she has any escape. When she learns she is finally old enough to attend school, she very quickly learns that by abiding by a new set of ABC’s is the only way to stay safe from the Chokey- a nasty isolation box where all the naughty students go. She meets her new teacher Miss Honey (Kat Hawley Cook), a warm and gentle lady who truly loves the joy of teaching and her students feel that caring. Matilda also makes some new friends, Lavender (her best friend!) (Alice Pollock), Nigel (Ty Poulsen), Bruce (Grahm Miller) and more. Sadly, this new sanctuary quickly becomes her prison as the dreaded headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Trevor Williams) treats her students like the revolting maggots she believes them to be. Matilda leads us through her world where she learns that believing in herself and the power of learning and imagination will help foster the magic needed to obtain the life she deserves.
Matilda opens with an incredibly spectacular number about the absolute miracle of having a child. The doctor (Mallory Miller), along with the entire ensemble of children and their parents, astound us with their shockingly amazing harmonies and moves. Miller’s ability to bring soul and passion to the beauty of parenthood is a stunning set up for the world we are about to enter. Mrs. Wormwood (Jas Petrell) is clearly distraught with having a baby and breaks the news to Mr. Wormwood (John Newall) who right away is devastated. This was not the child they wanted.
Hiatt as Matilda glitters as she shows us into her mind, explaining how sometimes you have to just change your own story by being naughty. We love seeing her small acts of revenge that give her control. Hiatt’s ability to show us a wide range of emotions and thoughts, all the while in a crisp English accent, is truly a talent to behold. Her passion and ability to tell us stories is truly incredible and she takes us on a journey of love and loss of the Escapologist (Chad Taylor) and the Acrobat (Bronwen Merrill). Hiatt surprises us all with her ability to speak Russian to the Mob. Hiatt is certainly a talented girl and the absolute passion and life she brings to this role is certainly one to behold.
Cook as Miss Honey is a warm and sweet character– just like her name. She is so tender to her students and her outlook on life is so positive- despite how sad hers might have been. Cook plays this character with her whole heart and lets it all out on the stage for us to see. Her song “My House” is truly touching and we want to see her succeed and be happy just as much as Matilda does.
The Wormwoods (Petrell and Newell) are horrible and hilarious. Their characterization is awesome. These two players have embraced being awful so well, the audience clapped at their horribleness. Middle-aged Petrell prances around with her dance instructor Rudolpho (Maxwell Wright) with frightful flair that is ridiculously hilarious. Newell as Mr. Wormwood is grotesquely amusing and brings the audience on board as he instructs his son Michael (Tristan Bush) that all he needs to know you can learn from “Telly”. This father and son team truly bring comedic relief to Matilda and we laugh with these two even though they are really horrible humans.
In true form, Williams brings the villain Miss Trunchbull to life in such a fearsome way that the terror in the children seems real at times. From the moment Williams enters the stage, we are on the edge of our seats just wondering what this showstopper will do next. Williams’ acting chops are so perfect, you’ll find yourself blindly and blinkingly repeating, “Yes, Miss Trunchbull” even as you sit in the audience. And the Chokey? It is a dismal place that even made me squirm. Williams also provides the sting as she slimes through her insulting dialogue only a villain can deliver. Williams’ ability to bellow “The Smell of Rebellion” may or may not convince us that kids can be revolting after all.
Directors Kathryn Little and Howard Little bring precision to Matilda that highlights and enhances their clear vision. Every single member of the ensemble is clearly putting their whole heart and body into each note and dance step–to the audience’s delight. A standout song for me was “Revolting Children”, which had us all clapping and dancing along with the cast–if we had claimed victory with them. And what the directors’ expertise brings to the principles is top notch–using their many years of experience to bring magic and the best kind of disgust possible to this show.
Choreographer T’naiha Ellis has created beautiful movements, and with a cast of children, this says a lot. Stage Manager Jess Johnson keeps all those little folks, and the grown up ones, too, on track. Set Designer Tina Fontana, Scenic builder Andrew Oliverson, and Scenic Painter Madison Fontana create a stunning set and even provide wonderful swings on the set. Very satisfying and entertaining to watch. Costume designer Cali Wilkes and hair and makeup designer Lindsay Sampson create characters that we either really love or really hate–in a good way. The lighting (Elizabeth Griffiths), Projection (Caleb Wallengren) and Sound (Shaylin Guevara) illuminate the tale so well and their cues are on the mark. This production team in its entirety is clearly love telling stories and their passion can be seen throughout this show.
Whether you are a fan of the original story, the movie or the musical, this adaptation of Matilda is a favorite for a reason. To anyone who has ever been bullied, felt unseen or unwanted, this story will help teach us that sometimes, revolting children really do get a happily ever after.
Lehi Arts Council Presents Matilda the Musical. Story by Roald Dahl, Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin. Book by Dennis Kelly.
Skyridge High School, 300 N Center Street, Lehi, UT 84043
July 19-August 3, 2024 Thursday-Saturday, Monday. Various Times available.
Tickets: $12-15
Lehi Arts Council Facebook
Photos provided by Lehi Arts Council.
Matilda promo reel
lehiarts.org
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