Matilda: The Musical

At the Stanley until July 14, 2019
Tickets from $39 at 604-687-1644 or artsclub.com

Posted May 23, 2019

What’s wrong with kids today? Absolutely nothing if you can judge by the ten or so kids on stage at the Stanley until mid-July. They are undoubtedly the stars of Matilda: The Musical. Oh sure, there are grownups Lauren Bowler, Ben Elliott, Alison MacDonald and John Ullyatt on stage, too – and they’re great – but what really rocks this show is the energy, commitment, professionalism and confidence that just explodes out of these kids. They take Kimberley Rampersad’s fresh and dynamic choreography (assisted by Anna Kuman) and run with it. Wisely, the choreography is kid-appropriate – not at all dumbed down, but with moves that look right for kids: punchy, cheeky and fun. And, wow, do those kids make it work, especially in the anthemic “Revolting Children”, an Act 2 number initiated by Bruce (Angelo Cornel) that should have parents and teachers quaking in their boots. Young Cornel takes centre stage and just rips it up with a voice ‘way bigger than his body and moves on him like he was born to shake his booty. A-mazing.

Multi-award winning Matilda: The Musical is based on Roald Dahl’s novel with book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.

Matilda was inconveniently born into the Wormwood family –  Mom (Lauren Bowler), Dad (Ben Elliott) and thick-headed brother Michael (Corben Kushneryk). Foxy Mrs. Wormwood was on her way to perform in a national dance competition with dancing partner Rudolpho (Julio Fuentes) when she went into labour although she didn’t seem to realize she was pregnant. Mr. Wormwood (Ben Elliott) was so shocked to find the baby had no “thingy” that he continues to refer to Matilda as “boy”. Matilda’s constant correction, “I’m a girl” gets her nowhere. Mom and Dad are horrified she is a bookworm. It’s obvious: Matilda, a whiz kid, is not loved by her parents.

Oh, yes, it really is a comedy. And it’s one that kids of all ages will like because it trashes parents, includes a made-up story by Matilda that, amazingly, has some truth to it, sees the come-uppance of Miss Trunchbull, the tyrannical head mistress (John Ullyatt), and ends happily-ever-after.  Every kid who thinks their moms and dads don’t understand them – and that’s all of them, right? – will relate to Matilda.

Sympathetic to Matilda’s plight is her teacher Miss Honey (Alison MacDonald) who, in supporting and encouraging Matilda, discovers her own inner strength. In the midst of outrageously exaggerated characters – notably Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, the librarian (Sharon Crandall), Miss Trunchbull and others – MacDonald’s Miss Honey is a quiet place in a storm. And with songs whose lyrics move at the speed of light (and many words, unfortunately, lost to us), MacDonald delivers some of the clearest, most heartfelt songs like “Pathetic”, “This Little Girl” and “My House” with quiet sincerity.

This production, directed by Daryl Cloran, winds up a run that started in Winnipeg’s Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, moved to Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre and finishes off in Vancouver. In each of the cities, local youngsters are found and while director Cloran says, “It has meant lots of rehearsal, but I have loved being surrounded by the enthusiasm and wonder of these young talents. It is such an incredible opportunity for all of these young performers to have a professional experience like this. It is not hyperbole to say this will be a life-changing experience for many of them, one that will stay with them for years to come.”

In her first professional role, young Georgia Acken as Matilda is thoroughly, spectacularly, wonderfully ‘launched’. She finds just the right amount of innocence and defiance (“That’s not right”, Matilda repeatedly says – and sets about to fix it); she sings and performs beautifully. Acken has musical comedy star written all over her – if she wants it. The wildly enthusiastic standing ovation on opening night might be the nudge she needs to make a lifetime commitment  to a career in theatre.

(Alternating in the role is  Thailey Roberge.)

Set design by Cory Sincennes (who also designed the costumes) features floor to ceiling shelves of books, books and more books, reinforcing the celebration of reading that is part of show’s charm. Lighting design is by Gerald King and Ken Cormier leads the six-piece, offstage orchestra.

Under  all the hijinx is the unhappiness of the unwanted child and the importance of at least one understanding, caring adult in each child’s life. But with a happy resolution to Matilda’s problems, Matilda: The Musical is sure to delight audiences young and old. On the Heart-Warming Scale, it’s a 10+.