Children’s story writer Roald Dahl wrote “Matilda” in 1988. This is a story turned into a musical about an abused child who is gifted and handles the terrible neglect with an abundance of charm and an ability to “always make things right.”
A Royal Shakespeare Company production, from London with music and words by Tim Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly, ”Matilda the Musical” brings a unique kind of theater production that touches the imagination and creates roads you might not want to traverse. The musical won five Tony Awards in 2013 and seven Oliver Awards in 2012, reinforcing the fact that they must be doing something right.
The show spews scores of talented children that recreate Peter Darling”s (“Billy Elliot”) intricate choreography. Heading it all up and in almost every scene is Mabel Tyler who plays the 5-year-old Matilda; she is an amazing actress, singer and dancer who owns the stage every moment she is on. There are three other Matildas who alternate the demanding role. Matthew Warchus directs with a velvet glove and gives his actors the leeway needed to deliver this unique plot. Bryce Ryness carries the role of the terrorizing head mistress Miss Trunchbull that makes all other villains milk toast.
Matilda’s dimwitted parents played by Quinn Mattfeld and Cassie Silva make you want to call a child abuse hotline. Jennifer Blood as Miss Honey, who understands what Matilda’s abilities are, gives the few soft gentle moments in the performance. The real scene stealers after Miss Tyler are the marvelous sets by Rob Howell, with desks that slide a classroom on and off the stage by the moment and a delightful number with swings, a magic blackboard and a load of scooters. The stagehands really get a workout with this production.
“Matilda” will give you a bumpy, heart-wrenching ride into a favorite children’s tale with music and clever lyrics, but it will make you think and wonder how deep and true it might be in some areas.
“Matilda”
Where: Orpheum Theater, 1192 Market St., San Francisco
Running Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes with 1 intermission
Through: Aug. 15
Tickets: $45-$210
For reservations and information call 888-746-1799 or go to shnsf.com.
