– Theater Review by Cate Marquis –
‘Matilda the Musical’ brings delightful kids’ revolt to Fox
“Matilda the Musical,” the award-winning stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book about a mischievous, brilliant, book-loving little girl, made its St. Louis debut at the Fabulous Fox for a run Oct. 21 – Nov. 1.
Packed with delightfully sarcastic British humor and catchy songs, “Matilda” was a treat, apart from being one marred by sound issues. With the cast’s British accents, the dialog was bit difficult to understand at times and song lyrics were rendered mostly unintelligible. Despite the sound issues (which hopefully will be corrected before the end of the run), it is still possible to follow the story, even without knowing the story, and it certainly does not diminish enjoyment of the high energy song-and-dance numbers nor the enormous, creative sets.
Matilda Wormwood is a bright, book-loving 5-year-old girl who is neglected by her loud TV-loving parents. The role is shared by three girls, who play the part for alternating performances, and was played by Mabel Tyler on Thursday, Oct. 22, the night this reviewer attended. Matilda is largely ignored by her dance-contest-entering mother (Cassie Silva) and shady used car salesman father (Quinn Mattfield), who find her love of books disgusting. But when she enters school, Matilda bonds with her shy, kindly teacher Miss Honey (Jennifer Blood). However, not all is wonderful at school, which has its share of bullies, not the least of which is the head mistress herself, Miss Trunchbull (Bryce Ryness).
The stage was dominated by a huge frame that seemed built of letter blocks, or maybe torn pages, spelling out various words. Other props and set elements are added to create the school, Matilda’s home or the library where she likes to spend her time. At the library, the little girl spins stories for an enthralled librarian, wild fantasy tales of a magical world.
The cast is terrific. Tyler as Matilda was perfect, with her fierce attitude and wild, long hair. In a part always played by a man in a dress, Ryness is marvelous as Miss Trunchbull, a funny, fearsome mix of childhood stereotypes – part scary nun, part mannish gym teacher, and all bully. Ryness does a bang-up job with the role, with plenty of physical humor, outlandish outfits and menacing looks. Another stand-out was Mattfield as Matilda’s plaid-suited father, who made the most of the comic potential in the role with a rubbery, high-stepping walk and fast-talking, near-hysterical ramblings. Jennifer Blood brings a sweet charm to teacher Miss Honey.
All the productions numbers were winners, with a kind of high-energy, Bob Fosse sass and no mawkish cuteness (although the kids are indeed cute). Special standout numbers were the finale “Revolting Children,” with the kids dancing on their desks, and Miss Trunchbull’s gym class, a torture chamber with roller skates, which was over-the-top hilarious.
With its dark British humor and high entertainment value, “Matilda the Musical” is a perfect Halloween treat that kids and grown-ups can both enjoy. The Fox tends to bring back successful show, and one has to hope this one will return, but just in case, go see it now.
