Matilda Takes The High Road at The Fisher
DETROIT–Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, playing at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre through March 20, is a brilliant example of a beloved children’s story brought to life on the stage. The show has won dozens of awards, including four Tony ® Awards and seven Olivier ® Awards, deservedly so. Matilda the Musical is young and bright, making it just right for children of all ages; it is also witty and thought-provoking, making it just as appealing for adults.
Matilda Wormwood (played by Savannah Grace Elmer at this performance) is a remarkably bright and confident girl, with a natural desire to learn and a strong moral compass. This is in stark contrast to her family. Mrs. Wormwood (Cassie Silva) is a self-centered competitive ballroom dancer, who admits right up front she has no time or desire to bother with her child. Everything about her is “loud,” including her outfits, her hair and her callous disregard for Matilda. Mr. Wormwood (Quinn Mattfield) is a conniving salesman who is so detached from Matilda that he refers to her as a boy. While other children are doted upon by their parents (“Miracle”), Matilda’s parents constantly degrade her, calling her names, mocking her intelligence and ridiculing her obsession with books.
Despite this oppressive family dynamic, Matilda appears well-adjusted, although she occasionally enjoys a good prank (“Naughty”). She is not afraid to point out her parents’ bad behavior. She teaches herself to read, devouring books by Charles Dickens and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. She is such a talented storyteller that the local librarian is often enraptured by her tales.
Matilda begins school and encounters another bully, schoolmistress Miss Trunchbull (David Abeles), who treats the children in a harsh, militaristic manner, while recalling her glory days as world class athlete. Miss Trunchbull’s school motto is “Children are Maggots,” and she calls the students “revolting” (although she may come to regret that). The bright spot for Matilda is the teacher, Miss Honey (Natalie Wisdom), who immediately recognizes Matilda’s cleverness and attempts to help her (“This Little Girl”). Miss Honey herself displays little self confidence though, especially in the presence of Miss Trunchbull (“The Hammer”).
The more we learn about Matilda, the more her pure heart shines. She reveals her own heart’s desire by crafting a story about “fantasy” parents, a tragically heroic couple who long for a child (I’m Here”). She stands up to Miss Trunchbull in defending other students, inspiring Miss Honey to do the same (“Bruce”). We discover how much she has in common with Miss Honey (“My House”). Matilda discovers she has other amazing abilities, allowing her to right some wrongs of the past (“Revolting Children”). In doing so, she finds she is able to overcome the wrongs of her own past.
Visually, Matilda the Musical is a multimedia feast. The set design (Rob Howell) evokes feelings of harsh discomfort, paralleling Matilda’s home environment. The library where Matilda spends many happy hours appears less cold, but even the school appears prisonlike when she arrives. All this makes Miss Honey stand out in contrast—appearing in a soft floral dress and pink sweater. She truly looks like the oasis in Matilda’s inhospitable world. Other costumes (Rob Howell) highlight characters’ personalities: Mrs. Wormwood wears garish dance outfits and dramatically phony hair; Mr. Wormwood’s plaid leisure suit screams “sleazy salesman;” Miss Trunchbull’s uniform is militarily severe.
Lighting design (Hugh Vanstone) is used creatively in many scenes: to highlight the clever lyrics in “School Song;” to mimic disco balls and camera flashes; to convey moments of “evil.” The audience is also treated to shadow puppets, confetti and “magic chalk.”
Musically, Matilda is exciting. Vocal performances are solid. Standouts are Ian Michael Stuart in multiple roles (the Doctor, the Escape Artist and Sergei), and young Ryan Christopher Dever as Bruce. Though the lyrics sung by the adorable young cast members are sometimes hard to understand, choreography is where they really shine, showing off impressive dancing skill. Choreography (Peter Darling) is outstanding throughout, cleverly incorporating hospital beds, ballroom dancing (“Loud”), gymnastics (“The Smell of Rebellion”), swings (“When I Grow Up”) and scooters (“When I Grow Up-Reprise”).
The main characters are well cast. Elmer is endearing as the wise and mature young Matilda. Mattfield and Silva as Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood play up both the alarmingly cruel and ridiculously narcissistic aspects of their characters. And Abeles as Miss Trunchbull offers brutal severity balanced with well-timed comic relief.
(Note to parents: there are a couple uses of mild four-letter language in the show, but young children may not even notice.)
The brave spirit and pure heart of young Matilda, the wonderful themes of kindness and justice combined with visual and musical excitement make Matilda the Musical a marvelous choice for family entertainment.
The production is directed by Matthew Warchus, with a book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. Musical supervision is by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone and sound by Simon Baker. It is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Dodgers, and is part of the Broadway in Detroit Series.