Under the meticulous direction of Amy Haynes Rapnicki, the
fabulous cast including a sizable ensemble of talented children brings Roald
Dahl’s classic 1988 novel to life in a fast-paced, almost frenetic production. The dark comedy stage musical is adapted by
Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. Musical director Terin
Kelsey does a fine job with the backing tracks.
Being a director of such a young cast, and I mean really
young, is a major challenge. She is tasked with keeping the youngsters focused
and disciplined, ensuring their lines are executed, their positioning on stage,
the needed facial expressions, timing, movements, singing and dancing to allow
their talents shine and form a cohesive production. Ms. Rapnicki succeeds at
every level and, accordingly, this is one of the best examples of directing I
had seen in live theatre—community or professional.
The roles of Matilda, her young classmates, and the
terrifying Miss Trunchbull require massive vocal stamina and precise comedic
timing with priceless facial expressions. Seeing local youth and adult actors
tackle Minchin’s incredibly fast, at times too fast, wordy lyrics (especially
in tracks like “School Song” and “Revolting Children”) is
inspiring. This amazing cast delivers.
 |
| From left: Patrick Mulheron, Rosie Binnie & Ellen Quay |
Dancing plays a major role in the musical, and choreographer Hunter Lubawski was more than up to the task. A wide variety of steps and movements are employed from ballroom dancing to tap with a whole lot in between. The kids are magnificent in “School Song,” a show-stopping production number “Loud,” “The Smell of Rebellion”, another showstopper, and “Revolting Children.” And they're not confined to the stage; several romps down the aisles take place.
The story follows Matilda Wormwood, played by Mary Fliehman
on the night this performance was reviewed with Caroline Anderson in the role
at other performances. Matilda is a precocious and intelligent child who takes
refuge in books from her unsympathetic parents and is sent away to school.
There she encounters the frightening and cruel Miss
Trunchbull, the headmistress, but also the kind and encouraging Miss Honey. Matilda
finds the courage to confront both the cruelty of Miss Trunchbull and the shady
business dealings of her father.
Brave little Matilda knows she has to stand up against the
adults in her world, and in doing so, discovers her own remarkable powers.
Matilda’s bravery teaches Miss Honey and her classmates an important lesson --
that even though life can be hard, “nobody but me is gonna change my story” so
“sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.”
In the title role of Matilda Wormwood, Mary Fliehman is
jaw-dropping in her performance. Her ability to act and sing to effectively
convey the character’s intellect, passion, empathy, and telekinetic powers to
fight for justice is on display. Mary has a lot of lines to deliver as well as rapidly
paced song lyrics and did so quite impressively. She shines in such songs as “Naughty”
where she is doing her mischievous stuff to her father and “When I Grow Up”
among others.
Miss Jennifer Honey, played by Ellen Quay, is one of the
show’s protagonists. As the primary school teacher, Miss Honey is the first
adult to recognize and champion Matilda’s genius. Ms. Quay adroitly conveys her
caring and her inability to combat the cruelty of Miss Trunchbull. Her singing voice
is superb in performing “The Little Girl,” “Pathetic” and the very moving “My
House.”
 |
| Brian Sackett and Megan Mostow |
Those were the good guys (plus all the kids). Now we step into darkness with the leading antagonist Miss Agatha Trunchbull played deliciously by Patrick Mulheron. (The role is typically performed by a male in most, if not all, productions.) Trunchbull, a former legendary English hammer-throwing champion, is the child-hating, ruthless, headmistress at Crunchem Hall.
Physically imposing with her broad-shouldered outfits and size,
Miss Trunchbull is pure evil and views children as “maggots.” She uses weirdly
cruel punishments and the children appear to be no match for her. Mr. Mulheron
is excellent as he plays the role to the hilt with high energy, campiness, physical
comedy and command. His pronouncement while hopping around the stage, “There’s
a newt in my knickers” is a hoot.
Matilda’s father, Mr. Wormwood, brings laughter to the show,
and Brian Sackett pulls it off with flair and effective comedic timing. Decked
out in a garish chartreuse suit, shirt and tie combo, not to mention the green
hair Matilda provided, Mr. Wormwood, a corrupt used car salesman, is sleazy,
money-obsessed, anti-intellectual and treats Matilda with disdain and calls her
a boy. Mr. Sackett plays that role convincingly and comically breaks “the
fourth wall” prior to the second act.
Then there is Mrs. Wormwood, who at first denied her
pregnancy to Matilda despite being in her ninth month, is another super-comical
role. Megan Mostow is truly fantastic playing the character. As Matilda’s
self-absorbed, eccentric mother, completely obsessed with competitive ballroom
dancing, Mrs. Wormwood has no use for Matilda’s well-being. Ms. Mostow summons her
acting experience and skills to add zest to this role. Her vocals are excellent
in the song “Loud” where she values looks and noise over brains.
"...this is one of the best examples of directing I had seen in live theatre—community or professional."
Other notable members of the cast include Patricia Anderson
who plays Mrs. Phelps, the warm, rather exuberant local librarian who served as
Matilda’s first adult confidante and listened to her complex stories with absolute
awe and encouragement.
Ryan New, who you may have seen in Silhouette’s previous production
of American Idiot, is charismatic as Rudolpho, Mrs. Wormwood’s highly
dramatic, flamboyant, and intensely passionate ballroom dancing partner.
He also plays the role of the Escapologist. Shea Gardner displays
her silky-smooth
dance moves as the Acrobat. Both the Escapologist and the
Acrobat are characters in the tragic story Matilda invents, who later manifest
as figments of her imagination before being revealed as Miss Honey’s biological
parents.
Chris Binnie clearly enjoys playing Sergei, the dangerous,
intimidating Bulgarian Mafia boss whom Mr. Wormwood scams, leading to the
family’s ultimate flight from the country.
Speaking of things spinning out of control, there is Rosie
Binnie who plays the part of Bruce Bogtrotter. You see, Bruce admitted to
stealing a slice of Miss Trunchbull’s chocolate cake. As punishment, he was
forced to eat an entire chocolate cake, or he would be relegated to “The Chokey.”
Despite chowing down the cake as ordered, Miss Trunchbull still sent him to “The
Chokey.” Bruce leads the rock anthem “Revolting Children.” Young Rosie does a
fine job in this tasty role.
 |
| Ellen Quay and Mary Fliehman as Matilda |
The remainder of the talented and spunky cast and ensemble
contribute mightily to the success of the show. Full lists of the cast and
production team are shown at the conclusion of the review.
But this production has other stars. Without the work of the
stage manager Tori Davenport, Matilda would not have been as smooth and
enjoyable as it was.
Sammy Jungwirth designed a creative and functional set with
a lot of set pieces moved on and off the stage by the cast adding fluidity to
the show’s scene changes. The background is blank enabling Atticus Cooper Boidy’s
richly hued lighting design to take hold. Adding a fine touch and texture to
the stage is a screen where scenic views and other imagery are projected.
Heather Bertaux nicely designed the colorful, eclectic costumes that
included school uniforms for the kids and whatever odd outfits Miss Trunchbull
was wearing.
Matilda is a triumph of storytelling, expertly
balancing Roald Dahl’s trademark dark, wicked humor with a deeply touching
story of youth empowerment. Here you can write your own story, and as the
iconic lyric says, “Even if you’re little, you can do a lot / You mustn't
let a little thing like ‘little’ stop you.” Matilda had received 12
Tony Award nominations in 2013, winning 4.
This is a must-see show that features poignant messaging,
superb direction, acting, music and a talented, energetic cast. Whether I’m at Crunchem Hall or not, I grade
this production at Silhouette Stages A+.
Running time. Two hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.
Matilda plays on weekends through October 25 at the
Slayton House Theatre, 10400 Cross Fox Ln, Columbia, MD 21044. For tickets,
call 410-730-3987 visit their website.
Photos: Shealyn Jae Photography
