A huge cast brings youthful energy and drive to the dark and humorous Matilda The Musical Jr. In a battle of wills, dastardly principal Miss Trunchbull locks horns with bright bookworm Matilda Wormwood and her encouraging teacher, Miss Honey. The story, based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel, features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, with orchestrations and additional music by Chris Nightingale, and a book by Dennis Kelly.
Born into the wrong family, five-year-old Matilda, who loves the printed word, is discouraged from reading by her irresponsible, morally reprehensible father and mother. Mr Wormwood, who persists in addressing Matilda as a boy, is obsessed with becoming wealthy by offloading 155 old cars as new to a bunch of supposedly easily duped Russians.
Mrs Wormwood enjoys dancing with a toy boy companion named Rudolpho. The Wormwoods also have a “stupid” son, Michael, who is both dull and lazy. It takes the patient, kind and respectful Miss Honey to recognise Matilda’s special gift on the latter’s first day of school. Eager librarian Mrs Phelps is captivated by Matilda’s ability to weave compelling stories, hanging on her every word.
Miss Trunchbull rides roughshod over the school and its students, making them shake in their boots at the very sight of her. Her methodology involves breaking them at every opportunity, something the highly principled Matilda simply can’t and won’t countenance. Before this is over, matters will come to a head and Miss Trunchbull and Matilda’s parents will get what is coming to them.
Stage School Australia’s production of Matilda The Musical Jr. is played for laughs and embracing chorus numbers, which resonate strongly with an appreciative audience. In a grand performance of showmanship, the towering, scowling presence of Perry Moon as Miss Trunchbull is an ever-present force of power and resentment.
Charlie Whelan impresses with her vocal clarity and confidence as the righteous and determined Matilda. She alternates that role with Bella McConachy. Amelie Hollis is charming as the sweet voiced, good-natured Miss Honey, who grows in stature as the musical progresses. Darcy Smith revels in his narcissistic derision as the shonky car salesman and abject failure of a father.
Charlyi Abbott-Higgins is larger than life as his equally self-absorbed wife, who is ready to call out Matilda’s bookish ways at every turn. Another to leave an immediate and indelible favourable impression is the assured Rosie Waycott, as Matilda’s friend Lavender. It is a role she alternates with Gigi Morabito. Backed by not one, but two strong ensembles, made up of dozens of performers, Matilda The Musical Jr. goes down a treat.
The company orchestrations are particularly potent. Victoria Morris has done a fine job with the choreography, fluidity of movement being engaging throughout. Colourful costuming by costume designer Betty Auhl elevates the spectacle. Musical director Campbell Lowrey effortlessly highlights Tim Minchin’s brilliant repertoire. Still, it must be said that on occasions the strength of the music overpowered the spoken word. I felt the sound mix could have and should have been better balanced.
Nevertheless, overall, with masterful direction from Josh Mulcahy, Matilda The Musical Jr. is a delicious, duplicitous delight.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Sydney) – musical review
- My Fair Lady (Regent) – theatre review
- 21 Chump Street (Chapel Off Chapel) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
