May 26, 27, June 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 2024
Magical ★ Mischievous ★ Miraculous
About the Show
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda won 47 international awards.
The Production
For the fourth season, Craig Schieber, Jenny Dreesen, Guy Caridi, and Mark and Nancy Press headed one of our shows.
Matilda was a very complex show to direct because of the eccentricities which all Roald Dahl stories entail and the challenging music involved.
The cast was unusually large with 35 members. Among them were some regulars with Beaven Walters as Honey, Meagan Castillo as Matilda's mother, Tod Harrick as Matilda's father.
The title role was shared between Maisy Walters and Madeleine Rose.
Guy Caridi not only choreographied the many dance numbers, he insisted that he get to play Rudolpho, Matilda's mother's somewhat sleazy dance partner.
Two new people to the theater particulary stood out with Cat Chiappa as Agatha Trunchbull and Cynthia Dario-Good as Mrs. Phelps the town librarian.
The Sets
The sets for this show were particularly impressive. Leanne Markle did the design work and the more detailed painting. The set was designed around Matilda's obsession with books and storytelling. Large flats representing books were prominent. Even the stairs to the 'mound stage' were painted to resemble books laying on a table. The interior scenes of the heroines house pulled heavily from late 60s, early 70s sensibilities. Miss Trunchbull's office was filled with her many trophies.
George Pledger and Jim Johnson did the major set construction with the help of many others. They built all the large alphabet cubes which were used throughout the show not only as set pieces, but as part of Guy Caridi's choreography.
Production Staff
Director: Craig Schieber; Asst. Director: Jenny Dreessen; Choreographer: Guy Caridi; Music Director: Mark Press; Asst. Music Director: Nancy Press; Stage Manager: Danette Lam; Costumes: Amy Fancher; Props: Angela Templin; Set Designer/Artist: Leanne Markle; Set Construction: George Pledger & Jim Johnson
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