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Writer's pictureJeanné McCartin

REVIEW: Matilda at The Rep


The Kids (Courtesy Photo)
WHAT: Matilda
WHERE: Seacoast Rep
BLURB: The Total, All-Age Package
HIGH POINT: Everything

There's nothing better than an easy peasy theater review, from a reviewer's stand point, and Matilda is such a thing. In a word: Go!

But, we shall elaborate.

Pack up the family and GO.

Okay, a bit more.

Matilda is based on Roald Dahl's eponymous book. The musical is a truly all-age show, albeit a bit edgy for the overly strict or sensitive. In this fantasy world the child gets to exact their justice on a few phenomenally horrid adults, underscore horrid.

But fear not, the lesson of love prevails, as does the value of friendship and kindness. There's that and a story that is utterly entertaining with real laughs for every age.

The story starts with Matilda, a genius among geniuses, being born into the Wormwood family, composed of two ignorant, brainless and crooked parents - with a sibling, dimmer still. If the parents pay any attention to Matilda it is to bully, belittle and otherwise verbally abuse their gifted child.


Sofie Nesanelis as Matilda (Courtesy Photo)
On a few occasions Matilda exacts her revenge, or sends a message by playing "naughty" pranks on her father.

Eventually they enroll Matilda (who has already taught herself to college level) in school.

Her father selects the institution based on its Headmistress Miss Trunchbull's shared contempt for students. Trunchbull despises children, and treats them even more horrifically than Matilda's parents.

The saving grace is Miss Honey, Matilda's teacher, a kind and caring person, who takes a special interest in the bright child.

Miss Honey tries to champion Matilda, but finds it difficult to stand firm against the other bullying adults, because of her own insecurities born of a difficult past.

Meanwhile, the Wormwoods world is crashing in. The crooked father has swindled the Russian mafia, and they're now gunning for him.

But - fear not. This show ends with a neat, happy ending, a bit of magic and some decent justice.

Alexandra Mullaney as Miss Honey (Courtesy Photo)
It's a fun romp throughout, with other beautifully quirky and curious characters and some witty tunes, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly.

As for the production itself - Perfection. To a person, each performer, child to adult, is superb in their role.

Sofie Nesanelis is utterly charming with just the right amount of sass as Matilda. Her voice puts the perfect character to each song, and her performance is copybook.

Alexandra Mullaney is Miss Honey - winsome and wonderful. And of course there's that outstanding voice we've come to expect; per usual, pure joy.

Jamie Bradley slays in the role of Trunchbull. He's so good it's disturbing - as it should be. It's another winning, comedic performance from one of the best.

And then there's the Wormwoods: Alyssa Dumas as mom and Joshua Lapierre as dad. These two own their well developed characters. They are an utter delight in their despicableness. But, oh those speical moments: Dumas in the hospital - frighteningly marvelous, and Lapierre crooning about Tellies - scary good.


Jamie Bradly as Trunchbull (Courtesy Photo)
Those orbiting around the main characters are equally brilliant, each a standout in their well conceived, distinct personas.

Jason Faria, as Rudolfo, Mrs. Wormwood's competition dance partner, does what Faria does, builds a character and then fully inhabits it. This character is a particular hoot; another indelible performance.

Aidan Campbell makes for an endearing Mrs. Phelps, the kind librarian; Ben Hart is moving as the escapologist, and Jacob Anspach as Micheal Wormwood delivers a spot-on and amusing portrayal of the dimwitted boy.

It doesn't stop there. All the younger children - Zadie Sands, Thea Hartley, Cassidy Kasten, Immi Manley, Holden King Farbstein, Evan Bohne, Ozma Kasten, Elise Juliet Calderon and Grace Love Kenyon - are delightful throughout. Each creates a particular persona and helps make the dance and song routines impressive. Those with speaking roles deliver crackerjack performances.

Of special note is Sands performance, which comes to the foreground with their incredibly impressive singing voice.

The quality performances continue with the Big Kids Ensemble - Grace Dalton, Jack Dalton, Max Cavanaugh, Natalie Dalton, Sean Armstrong Verre, and Samaya Sabera. Again, it's the whole package, portrayal, ensemble voice and dance routines.

The adult ensemble continues the trend, helping layer the production with interest and color.

The Cast (Courtesy Photo)
And so it goes with the rest of the show's talent, Directors Ben Hart, Brandon James, Alyssa Dumas and Jason Faria all take part in delivering an energetic, vibrant production that never lags.

The choreography by Dumas and Faria is exciting, and artful. Music direction by William Asher is marvelous, and the performances by the house's "Smokin' Section" orchestra is outstanding, full and first-rate.

Set and costume design by Hart and James, lighting by Kelly Gibson and sound by Andrew Cameron round out this truly talented collection of artists, helping to lift the show even higher.

So, back where we started: Matilda is a fun, all-family show that is done to perfection: every single performance, every single element. Go. Round up the family and just go. It's well worth spending those tucked away holiday funds on. This is the sort of shared experience that makes for holiday memories.

WHERE: Seacoast Repertory Theater, 123 Bow St., Portsmouth, NH
WHEN: through July 8
COST: $35 to $60
CONTACT: (603) 433-4472; seacoastrep.org


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