With a Charming Ensemble and Great Vocals
Some musicals are meant to be big, and Matilda the Musical definitely is. Based on Roald Dahl’s classic book, this production by San Diego Musical Theatre delivers charm, great vocals, and a dedicated cast.
Matilda (Iris Manter) is a five-year-old genius stuck with awful parents (Zane Camacho and Sophia LaRosh) and an even worse headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Jason William Webb). She finds comfort in books, storytelling, and her kind teacher, Ms. Honey (Krista Feallock). With a bit of imagination and a lot of bravery, Matilda finds a way to change her story.
I’m a longtime fan of Matilda, having worked on a tour and seen it in London. While I don’t love comparing productions, I always look for heart, and SDMT’s version has plenty. Geno Carr directs a large, talented cast with energy and care. The set by Matthew Herman is simple but effective, and Jennifer Jones Glor’s props add playful touches (though the chocolate cake, which is iconic in the story, could’ve used a little stage magic).
Chong Mi Land’s costumes feature uniforms for children and teens, including checkered skirts, shorts, and sweaters. Matilda’s parents’ heavy print ensembles and Rodolpho’s (Xavier J. Bush) sensual dance instructor’s sequinned wardrobe, as well as some fringe dresses that were a pleasant surprise. Of course, Miss. Trunchbull’s outfits were made up of a uniform-type jacket and black skirts with combat boots.
Carr’s direction provided happy and solid portrayals, and the kids showed excitement and fun, thanks to Richard Dueñez Morrison’s musical direction, where all the notes were accurately hit. The harmonies were incredible. Passing wonderfully through Paul Peterson’s sound. The Wormwood’s Zane Camacho and Sophia LaRosh displayed potent vocals and were hilarious, as was Jason William Webb as Trunchbull and Krista Feallock as Ms. Honey. Wendy Waddell was a sweetheart and a hoot as Mrs. Phelps. Working with kids brings another histrionic side to her craft, and I think she should do it more often.
The kids were amazing as well. It is great to see the talent in all these little ones, starting with Iris Manter as Matilda, who was enchanting and pulled her weight. Kira Fetter as Lavender was lovely. Jacob Isaac Peterson, as the iconic chocolate cake-eating Bruce, did a splendid rendition of the signature song “Revolting Children.”
Van Angelo, Elena Bertacchi, Jordyn “JoJo” Brown, Ashley Chavarria, Kalia Concepcion, Abby DePuy, Jack Gemmell, Hank Gilchrist, Arden Johnson, Andres Lagang, Ashley Mackey, Marcellino Mendoza, Maari Morissette, Jayden Polliard, Tyler J. Sanderlin, Nick Siljander, Christopher Smyres, Dhani Solorio, and Sloane Viora: Truly a great ensemble, and the discipline shows.
Lighting by Michele Miles helped shape the story beautifully, and technical direction by Rogelio Rosales brought in some fun effects.. The one area I hoped for more of was choreography. Matilda is known for big, creative movement, and Melissa Glasgow’s choreography felt a little restrained. Maybe space or cast size played a role. Also, a few scenes were altered or cut (possibly due to licensing), but nothing significant was lost. All in all, the work, the effort, and the love are there, and it makes for a fun time at the theatre.
Ron Christopher Jones is the production manager, and Shirley Johnston is the stage manager.
Matilda is currently playing until August 10 (Edit- now extended until August 17).
Editor’s note: The title of the song “Revolting Children” was updated correctly in this review
