REVIEW: MATILDA

BY RYAN LUÉVANO

Matilda the musical is now on stage at 5-Star Theatricals with a splendid production that’s a treat for the whole family. This British import plays like a delicious British cake—it’s chock full of hilarious physical comedy, witty and charming songs, and storytelling that so perfectly from the across the pond. What’s surprising about the musical is how much of the film and novel the stage version is actually able to accomplish on stage. You get all the iconic moments from the film with added songs and dancing that only heighten all the action. 

Director Lewis Wilkenfeld pulls out all the stops to make this production larger than life on stage—the whole show feels like one big magic trick. Scene to scene we get a mixture of grand moments that feel cinematic such as a puppet theatre come to life, action sequences and big dance moments; but there are also intimate moments like “Naughty” and “This Little Girl”. The writers for this musical have a crafted a piece that employs many different storytelling techniques, yet Wilkenfeld is able to realize them all while creating a production that is streamlined and engaging. 

Adding to all the visual spectacle on stage is the fiery choreography by Heather Castillo. True to composer Tim Minchin’s style, this score is full of energetic and zany music that makes dancing compulsory. The most impressive moment by far is the choreography for “School Song” where the cast of children dance with giant letter blocks while displaying the correct letters in perfect sync to the song—it must have taken lots of time to master this choreography, but the final product it is definitely worth the effort. Employing another different style of dance is the song “Loud” that features theatrical Latin ballroom dance style that’s energetic and exciting. 

Ten-year-old Lucy Bollier, the Matilda in the performance I attended, is magnificent. Bollier’s interpretation of Matilda is as sweet as pie, in all of her movement and songs she enchants from start to finish. This young actress performs the challenging songs such as “Naughty” and “Quiet” with ease, her voice is always gentle and controlled. Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper is an impressive Miss Trunchbull, he’s fully absorbed this unsavory character into all of his body. Add to this his robust voice in all of his songs—such as his first song “The Hammer”—and he’s a fully informed character that audiences can’t help but find interest every time he’s on stage. James Larsen as Mr. Wormwood is a master of physical comedy, his antics on stage are like watching a seasoned slapstick British comedian perform sketches.   

WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC DIRECTOR? Music director Jennifer Lin has splendidly prepared this fantastic cast of mostly children to sing all of the songs along with the full orchestra. She skillfully leads the production from the orchestra pit keeping all the musical elements in line and balanced. 

What 5-Star Theatricals has accomplished with this production of Matilda is astounding, no detail is overlooked: stellar performances, electric choreography, grand sets and an overall vision that is nothing short of magical. 

TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION:

PERFORMANCES: Thursday at 7:30pm; Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm; Sundays at 2pm

Opens on Friday, March 22, 2019 and runs through Sunday, March 31, 2019

THOUSAND OAKS CIVIC ARTS PLAZA

2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, in Thousand Oaks

Tickets range from $35 – $83

For tickets, please call (800) 745-3000.

For theatre information, call (805) 449-ARTS (2787) or buy online at www.5startheatricals.com.