A lively ensemble of more than a dozen talented children flood the stage throughout Civic Theatre’s funny and entertaining “Matilda The Musical.”
The production based on Roald Dahl’s children’s book “Matilda” runs through Oct. 25 at the 19th Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown.
The show opens with a spirited performance of “Miracle” as a group of bratty children at a lavish birthday party sing how much they are put on a pedestal by their doting parents. This is contrasted with the birth of Matilda Wormwood, who is viewed as an annoyance by her self-indulgent parents.
Helena Putney has a strong stage presence as Matilda. Putney is on stage for much of the show and delivers long streams of dialogue with confidence. She conveys both Matilda’s aching desire to be loved and her grim determination. The role of Matilda is shared with Neriah Cofield, who plays the role on alternate days.
All the children also are on stage for a lot of the show, and do very well with singing, dancing and speaking in a British accent, although the accent make it a little hard to understand all the dialogue at times. Putney is especially touching in the song “Quiet” in which she tries to escape her circunstances.
One of the show’s most delightful numbers is “When I Grow Up” when the children imagine what it’s like to no longer be under the control of abusive adults. Putney’s Matilda provides a nice counterpoint with verses of “Naughty.”
Standouts among the children include Beckett Edwards’ cake-eating Bruce, Zori Sawyer’s self-assured Lavender and Xavier Hetrick’s nervous Nigel.
Jarrod Yuskauskasas is truly terrifying as the school’s cruel headmistress Miss Trunchbull. Decked out in a more than ample bosom and a severe bun, Yuskauskasas is humorously over the top as the former hammer throw Olympian who discards everything, including unlucky children, with a spinning throw.
Matilda’s kind Miss Honey is played with a sweet gentleness by Andrea Robles. Robles has a nice voice on songs like the conflicted “Pathetic” and restorative “My House.”
As Matilda’s ballroom-dancing obsessed mother, Mackenzie Lewis releases her inner floozy with relish. She shines in “Loud” dancing with her partner Rudolpho, an impossibly slinky Thomas McElhinny.
A fantastically funny Maxwell McCurdy is Matilda’s shady used car salesman father. He is hilarious in his ode to mindless entertainment “Telly.”
Props to Kim Danish for McCurdy’s towering pompadour.
Alex Pizolato also adds a funny note as Matilda’s practically comatose older brother Michael.
Pat Birnbaum is warm and caring as Mrs. Phelps, the librarian to whom Matilda escapes and tells fantastical stories.
Avante Kendall and Maelisa Quinn are effective as the characters in Matilda’s story.
Mackenzie Lewis’ choreography is fun and high energy and Mark Kobak’s attractive set efficiently encompasses many different locals.
Director William Sanders effectively keeps a stage full of kids in line and keeps the pace brisk.
Music direction is by Nick Conti and a seven piece orchestra skillfully backs the singers.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16, 22 and 23; 3 p.m. Oct. 11, 18 and 25; and 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 and 24.
Tickets are $35 for adults; $30 for students, seniors and military and $13 for ages 13 and under.
For information, call 610-433-8903, or go to civictheatre.com/.