By Kimberly Harper
You never forget the books you loved most as a child. And if you’re an adult theater lover, you never forget your first Broadway musical. Combine the two and you’ve got a show that’s just right to get a whole new crop of kids loving musical theater.
The story is based off children’s author Roald Dahl’s fantastical novel about a kindergartener who is nothing short of a genius. She speaks multiple languages, reads books that weigh more than she does, and her parents can’t understand why she doesn’t want to watch television like her older brother. They despise her. She goes to school looking to broaden her horizons, but is instead introduced to the evil headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who has a penchant for abusing her students in ridiculous ways. Only her teacher, Miss Honey, sees her potential, and tries to make things better for her young student. Throughout the play, we see Matilda struggle to overcome her circumstances – with a little troublemaking thrown in. She is a kid, after all.
It’s one of Dahl’s novels that translates wonderfully on stage, and this tour does it justice. The backdrops are mostly comprised of multiple letter blocks, which are used as various set pieces, a classroom that looks like it’s straight out of the novel’s illustrations, and a headmistress’ office that could make even an adult apprehensive about visiting. It’s a trip down memory lane for those of us who grew up with Dahl’s over the top worlds, and it’s visually stimulating enough to keep a new crop of kids interested, too.
Speaking of kids, the play is full of them, and they’re full of talent. All of them can dance, sometimes impressively complex numbers given the age of the performers. Soren Thayne Miler stands out especially as Bruce, the little boy who dares to steal a slice of cake and pretty much sets off a student revolt. Gabby Beredo plays Lavender, a little girl who appoints herself Matilda’s best friend and who has a hand in their headmaster’s undoing. It’s a small role but one that requires good comic timing, and Beredo nails every line. And of course, Jenna Weir, one of three actresses who plays Matilda on alternating nights and the girl who stole the show on press night, is perfection. Smaller than the rest of her class, with a quiet voice and a big presence, Weir is a sympathetic character from the first moment.
But the adults aren’t to be forgotten here. Notable performances come from Dan Chameroy, who plays the damaged Miss Trunchbull and Jennifer Bowles, who plays the sweet kindergarten teacher Miss Honey. Chameroy has a tough role – Trunchbull is evil, yes, but also has her own demons to contend with. Her ire often comes across as completely preposterous – which is exactly as Dahl wrote her. Miss Honey may not be as complex a character, but the role is vocally demanding. Bowles is up to it – hers is one of the best voices in the production.
Overall, “Matilda” is definitely a show geared towards a younger audience. There’s a lot of slapstick and hyperbole in the character’s movements (especially Matilda’s parents), because, of course, we’re seeing this story through Matilda’s eyes. Those who weren’t big fans of the novel may find the play not to their tastes, but anyone who grew up with a soft spot for Dahl will enjoy seeing Matilda’s world come to life. And any child old enough to read the book is going to love it, hand down. This may be the next generation’s “Annie” or “Cats,” and if you’ve been looking to get a child in your life interested in theater, a trip to Providence is definitely in store.
“Matilda” runs through May 21 at the Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence, R.I. Tickets may be obtained at the box office, online at www.ppacri.org or by calling 401-421-2787.