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.
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.
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.
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.
