MATILDA THE MUSICAL by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

Roald Dahl was a British novelist, short story writer, poet and screenwriter.  Today he is probably most well-known for his children’s books, and in particular, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda.  Both of these books were made into Broadway musicals and are still performed by theaters everywhere as is noted in recent weeks in Los Angeles.

            

This review is of a lively and beautiful production of Matilda the Musical that was presented at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.  It was adapted by Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, musical directions (and a full-size orchestra) under the direction of Jennifer Lin, choreography by Heather Castillo, and directed by Lewis Wilkenfeld, with the most talented children and wonderful cast who brought the entire musical to life.  The night I saw the production, a fantastic young actress performed the role of Matilda and the role was shared throughout the run by Olivia Marcum.

            

Matilda is the young daughter of uncaring and abusive parents (Janna Cardia as Mrs.  Wormwood and James Larson as Mr. Wormwood) whose father calls her “boy” because he wanted a boy instead of a girl.  He and his wife are too self-centered to realize what a gifted daughter they have. Matilda is an extremely bright young girl who loves reading books and learning, and is an exact opposite of her unscrupulous parents.  They dote more on their son Michael (Nick MvKenna) who has not “fallen far off of the family tree”.

            

Outside of home, Matilda attends school where she and her schoolmates are under the rule of Miss Trunchbull (Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper), a reprehensible, unfeeling schoolmarm, unfortunately not an escape for Matilda.  But she does find solace in her teacher, Miss Honey (Katie DeShan) who is aware of Matilda’s brilliant mind, her friendly classmates, and the wonderful librarian, Mrs. Phelps (Deanna Anthony), who has taken an interest in her because she, too, realizes Matilda’s capabilities, and spends lots of time with her listening and enjoying her storytelling.

            

The children prove to be absolutely professional in their work, their singing, their dancing and their performances as a whole.  The staging of the entire production is outstanding, wonderful scenic design by Stephen Gifford, lighting design by Jose Santiago, sound design by Jonathan Burke, and great costume designs by Noelle Raffy.  Needless to say, all things work out well as they always due in stories for children.  The show was SPECTACULAR.

            

The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza presents outstanding shows throughout their seasons, this one being no exception.  The lovely and comfortable theatre is located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, in Thousand Oaks.  To check out their coming productions, visit them online at thousandoakscivicartsplaza.net, or call (805) 449-2787.