Sylvania Southview H.S. staged Roald Dahl’s Matilda – The Musical at the Sylvania Southview Theatre. The music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and script by Dennis Kelly. The show opened on Broadway in the spring of 2013 and closed on January 1, 2017. Matilda won five Tony Awards in 2013.
The Matilda team included artistic director and choreography by Brandi Shepard, vocal direction by Samantha Olrich and orchestra conductor Megan Fitzpatrick. The pit orchestra consisted of thirteen musicians, all students except for drums, keyboard 2 and guitar. The pit played the score heard on Broadway. Given the complexity, the students did well.
The story revolves around Matilda Wormwood, played brilliantly by junior Mylee Strock. Matilda is a precocious girl who possesses the remarkable gift of telekinesis. She also loves to read. Strock had to portray a girl much younger than herself, which she accomplished by creating a youthful sound when singing and talking. Though she looked physically older, her adaptations brought Matilda to life.
(Front) Mylee Strock as Matilda and Colin Thaler as Nigel & ensemble. Photo by Impulse Studio.
Matilda is likable, yet she is abused by her parents and classmates. To survive, she withdraws into a world of books and educates herself. Her only source of nurturing is provided by Miss Honey, played by junior Lilli Marroquin. In scenes where Marroquin and Strock are on stage together, they are a dynamic duo. The emotional bond between the two is palpable.
(L-R) Lilli Marroquin as Miss Honey & Mylee Strock as Matilda. Photo by Impulse Studio.
If there is one criticism of Matilda, it is the two most emotional songs are sung back – to – back. Strock sings the touching “Quiet”, a plea requesting something different from the world she lives in. That is followed immediately with Marroquin singing the heart-wrenching “My House”. For both, the emotion was etched in every word. It had members of the audience on their feet.
Shepard made an Interesting casting choice with senior Jake Shiffet as Ms. Agatha Trunchbull. Given everything the role required, casting a guy in it created a bit of comic relief. That relief was needed to provide some balance to the absolutely disgusting and abusive character that Truchbull represented. Everything and everyone were subjected to Trunchbull’s brutality.
Mylee Strock as Matilda and Jake Shiffet as Agatha Trunchbiull & ensemble. Photo by Impulse Studio.
Shiffet, singing “The Hammer” in Act I and “The Smell of Rebellion” in Act II are dance numbers that fill the stage in a colorful montage of movement. Dance captains Lauren D’Amico and Abby Erupe take the lead in a visually pleasing routine, including an ensemble wide chorus kick-line. Widely considered the 11 O-Clock number of the show, “The Smell of Rebellion” is where the students declare ENOUGH and drive Trunchbull away.
Junior Zach Hefner plays Matilda’s father Mr. Wormwood, junior Olive Turner is Mrs. Wormwood, who sings the raucous “Loud” which features salsa dancers. Turner plays the part well as she shows zero maternal instincts towards her daughter Matilda. Junior Prosper Russeau plays Matilda’s brother Michael. Junior Adrienne Mays plays Mrs. Phelps, the librarian and senior Truth McCadney plays the Escapologist.
(L-R) Olive Turner as Mrs. Wormwood & Zach Hefner as Mr. Wormwood. Photo by Impulse Studio.
Truth McCadney as The Escapologist & Mylee Strock as Matilda. Photo by Impulse Studio.
Matilda is a story that resonates with audiences because its underlying message remains relevant. Kids and adults, who are different, remain targets of ridicule and derision. In a world where intolerance seems prevalent, Matilda shows in dialogue and lyrics the impact of that treatment on others.
At its core, Matilda is a love story. It is a story about family. A story about longing. About wanting to belong. About a place that feels like home. The directors, crew, volunteers and kids on stage delivered the message effectively.
The question is, will anybody listen?
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