Theatre Three’s “Matilda the Musical” Soars!
By Cindi Sansone-Braff
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Despite the August 18 rainstorm and the subsequent flood damage to Theatre Three, the resilient team of creatives, staff, and the local community rallied to uphold the showbiz credo: the show must go on! And what an electrifying show it is! The power of the performance was palpable, as evidenced by the thunderous standing ovation at the end of Saturday night’s opening performance of the family-friendly British import “Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical.”
Originally staged in 2010 by the Royal Shakespeare Company at Strafford-upon-Avon, “Matilda” premiered on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre in 2013. Based on British author Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel, this Olivier and Tony award-winning show has music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly.
The enthralling storyline of this musical revolves around Matilda Wormwood, an imaginative, intelligent, and psychically gifted five-year-old whose love of reading helps her escape the horrors and neglect of her upbringing. This musical is not just delightful entertainment but also a thought-provoking piece with powerful themes such as “do not blindly follow authority figures,” “use your unique abilities and gifts to help others,” and “a prophet is not recognized in their own land.” These themes add depth and relevance to the story, making it a truly engaging experience.
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Sadie Mathers and castSadie Mathers, a rising star, was perfectly cast as Matilda. With her innate intelligence and charisma, Mathers was the living embodiment of this extraordinarily likable character. She demonstrated strong dance skills throughout the show and delivered powerful renditions of her solos, “Naughty” and “Quiet.” The audience’s enthusiastic cheers when Mathers stepped on stage to take a curtain call were a testament to her popularity and the success of her performance.
Miss Trunchbull, the tyrannical headmistress at Matilda’s school, is always played by a male, and Liam Marsigliano did a bang-up job of portraying this sadistic and darkly comic character. A show-stopping number was “The Smell of Rebellion,” in which Trunchbull gave a Phys Ed class that seemed more like a Fascist boot camp on steroids, with the children doing a series of calisthenics at supersonic speed. Veronica Fox gave an award-worthy performance as Miss Honey, Matilda’s compassionate and kind-hearted teacher, who, despite her trepidation, musters the courage to stand up for the children against Miss ;)
Liam Marsigliano as Miss Trundhbull And Sadie MathersTrunchbull. Fox displayed her strong vocals during the beautiful ballad “My House.”
Steven Uihlein aced the role of Mr. Wormwood, Matilda’s uncaring, callous father. Uihlein is a first-class comedian, and his spot-on timing had the audience in stitches as they listened to his slimy, harebrained schemes to sell used cars. Act II opened on a high note with Uihlein and Jax Segal as his dim-witted son, Michael, performing a riotously funny musical number, “All I Know.” Segal’s deadpan facial expressions garnered some of the biggest laughs of the evening. Rachel Geiser delivered an unforgettable performance as Mrs. Wormwood, a self-absorbed wife who cares little for her children and is only concerned with winning ballroom dance contests. Will Logan captivated the audience as Rudolpho, Mrs. Wormwood’s dance partner.
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Steven Uihlein, Jax Segal, Rachel Geiser.Michelle LaBozzetta, as Mrs. Phelps, a librarian who befriends Matilda; Bryan Bowie, as Sergei, the Mafia boss; Eric J. Hughes, as The Escapologist; and Josie McSwane, as The Acrobat, delivered memorable performances. The stellar adult ensemble also includes Melanie Acampora, Julia Albino, Will Brennan, Kaitlyn Jehle, Paul Manzo, Cassidy Rose O’Brien, Marlo Pepe, and Katy Snair.
The Youth Ensemble was among the most polished and professional troupes I have ever seen. Benjamin Corso demonstrated his comedic acting skills as Bruce, a timid boy subject to cruel punishment by Miss Trunchbull. Surrounded by his classmates, Corso’s performance during “Bruce” was one of the show’s highlights. Olive Oakes gave an outstanding performance as Lavender, Matilda’s best friend. Oakes had a funny solo bit in the show that delighted the audience as she kept hinting at something she would do to get even with Miss Trunchbull. Still, she didn’t want to spoil the surprise, then burst with excitement as she blurted out, “I’m going to put the newt in the Trunchbull’s jug!” Erin Risolo as Alice, Adriana Mia Como as Hortensia, Olivia McGourty as Erica, Zach Kanakaris as Nigel, and Matthew Eby as Tommy all showed their star power right from the get-go with the engrossing opening number “Miracle.” With each successive group number, they seemed to up their game, culminating with the rousing showstopper “Revolting Children.”
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The Little KidsThis mesmerizing show features a gigantic cast of adults and children, and the mega-talented director Jeffrey Sanzel deserves a big round of applause for his expert staging. During big production numbers like “The Smell of Rebellion” and “Loud,” Sari Feldman’s high-energy choreography had the audience breaking out in spontaneous applause. Jason Allyn’s costume design, particularly the children’s prim and proper school uniforms and the fabulous glitter outfits worn by Mrs. Wormwood, added to the overall spectacular visual appeal of this show, as did Xiangfu Xiao’s dazzling lighting effects and Brian Staton’s eye-catching projection designs.
Featuring live music, fabulous costumes, outstanding directing, acting, singing, and choreography, Theatre Three’s “Matilda” is a must-see show! Running through October 20, 2024, to purchase tickets or for additional information, please visit www.Theatrethree.com or call the Box Office at 631-928-9100. Although family-friendly, a child must be at least five years old to attend this show.
Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.