In the pantheon of children's literature, Roald Dahl crafted some of the most wonderfully peculiar worlds imaginable, and one such is the tale of Matilda – an extraordinary girl whose love of books and untapped potential go unnoticed by her family and school. Her story strikes a universal chord, speaking to anyone who's ever felt misunderstood or overlooked, reminding us that sometimes the most brilliant lights shine in the most unlikely places, waiting for just one person to notice their glow.
sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Actors Studio presents Matilda: The Musical on their Ellis Street stage until Dec. 22. The cast, except for a handful of adults, is remarkably young featuring energetic preteens and teenagers who carry the show with infectious vitality. Nine-year-old Rose Yazdinezhad leads the cast as Matilda Wormwood, a charming but matter-of-fact girl who seems to be waiting for everyone around her to grow up and understand that "it's not right!" – a phrase she repeatedly declares to her family and schoolmates throughout the play. The one person who truly sees her genius is Ms. Honey, played by Julia Laurenne Chambers, a veteran of the KAS stage who recently returned after studying at New York City's prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. Chambers portrays her character as a gentle, loving soul, and stands out as the one performer who doesn't need to animate her character—she simply is. It's mesmerizing to hear her sing and watch her subtle reactions juxtaposed against the larger-than-life performances around her. Adding to this remarkable ensemble is the cruel headmistress Miss Trunchbull, brilliantly portrayed by sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ Actors Studio's own director and owner, Randy Leslie. In a casting choice that pays homage to the British pantomime tradition, Leslie transforms into the child-loathing tyrant who views her students as nothing more than a "repellent parade of imps and hobgoblins." His interpretation of Trunchbull strikes the perfect balance between menacing and comedic, crafting a character so deliciously evil that audiences can't help but laugh even while recoiling at her cruelty. Leslie's commanding presence and comedic timing turn what could have been merely a villainous caricature into one of the show's most memorable performances.
Matilda's parents, Mr. Wormwood (Chris Derochie) and Mrs. Wormwood (Joanne Ryan), along with Rudolpho (Jordan Donatelli), form a deliciously despicable trio. Mrs. Wormwood, in particular, delivers a masterclass in unsympathetic parenting, congratulating herself as a dedicated mother because "dinners don't microwave themselves, you know," while spending her days twirling through ballroom routines with her flamboyant dance partner Rudolpho. The three actors tackle their roles with impeccable English accents, strong melodic vocals and fully embrace their characters' villainy. They dive so completely into these deplorable personalities that I found myself thoroughly enjoying how much I despised them – exactly as Dahl would have intended.
Matilda found solace inside the walls of her local library completely serene of the chaos and confusion of her life to create stories for Mrs. Phelps, the enchanted librarian played by KAS vetran Karen Shale, she becomes Matilda's most devoted audience, eagerly anticipating each visit when the young storyteller weaves her spellbinding tale of a lovelorn ballerina. These visits transform into cherished moments as Mrs. Phelps hungrily devours each new chapter of Matilda's continuing saga, her reactions making it clear that she recognizes the extraordinary gift of imagination before her.
Choreographer who was also on stage most of the time in various roles, Rhiannon Graham-Knapp deserves special recognition for crafting electrifying ensemble numbers that pulse with organized chaos. Her innovative choreography sends performers leaping across desks, executing precise high kicks, and moving in both synchronized perfection and calculated discord – creating the exact tension and energy this musical demands. The intricate footwork and bold movement choices showcase both technical precision and raw energy, elevating every musical moment into something truly worth watching.
KAS goes above and beyond with costumes, sets, props, lighting and sound – the team behind the cast is just as dedicated and truly talented as what I saw in front of me.
The production's technical elements serve the story beautifully, with clever set pieces that transform seamlessly between the library, classroom, and Wormwood home. The lighting design particularly shines during Matilda's storytelling sequences, creating magical moments that transport the audience into her imagination. The entire ensemble, especially the young performers playing Matilda's classmates, brings infectious energy to showstopping numbers like "Revolting Children" and "When I Grow Up."
