"When I grow up, I want to see Sing for Americas Matilda" should be everyones motto this holiday season. This show will leave you laughing, cheering, and possibly even crying.
"Matilda" runs January 6 through 9 at Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe, PA.
To begin, there is a very impressive set, which Jewel Gilbert and Jorne Gilbert designed. Even the desks in the classroom scenes were fun, as each one was a different color.
Jenna Atkinson as Mrs. Wormwood is hilariously witty, and has a wide vocal range.
Gabriel Soto has a good belt as the Doctor and as the Escapologist. His scenes as the Escapologist are very touching in his interaction with the Acrobat, and he is humorously suave as Rudolpho, Mrs. Wormwoods dance partner. He can even do a perfect front split.
Skylar Koehler as Matilda does a great job at sounding like the original Matilda movie actress, Mara Wilson. She is adorable, and her spunk makes the audience fall in love with her from the beginning. Her frequent bursts of knowledge are delightful, and her voice is good. She projects well, especially for a nine-year old. Naomi Jade Lewis is funny and enthusiastic as Lavender, Matildas best friend.
Jorne Gilbert plays Mr. Wormwood, and does so in a wise-cracking manner; Moriah Wilt plays Mrs. Phelps as eager and sweetly attentive to Matilda; and Tasia Gilbert is sweet as Miss Honey. Her voice and acting are strong in "Pathetic" and touching in "This Little Girl" and "My House".
Frances Davis is perfectly evil and uncaring as Trunchbull. You could say that she makes the Wormwood parents look like angels- that is, if they werent so evil themselves. Her sense of humor is tops.
Taryn Gilbert and Teara Gilbert are sassy background dancers during the song "Loud". In addition, Taryn is sinister as the acrobats sister Brother Jewel Gilbert has a convincing Russian accent as Sergei.
Ethan Joseph Salazar, as Bruce, has a strong voice, particularly for a twelve-year old. He also does his cake-eating scene very well. Cameron Crouthamel is believably blasé as the teenage brother Michael.
The choreography, which the Gilbert sisters put together, is impressive. For example, the stunts that the Escapologist and the Acrobat, whom Teara portrays, are incredible, and do an especially amazing double cartwheel during "Acrobat III". In addition, the choreography is advanced for small children, but the children do it well. That being said, special kudos must be given to the littlest child in the cast, Mark Hicks, who not only is super cute, but also keeps up with everyone else in the cast without any trouble and is full of energy.
Tim Minchins music is stirring. Highlights include "Miracle", which has a funny bit where the children reenact their births by coming out of their parents, the births being represented by t-shirts; "School Song", which is effectively doomsday-like; and "When I Grow Up", which is touching and performed nicely by the company. Special kudos to those on the bars during that song- they did the dangerous stunts flawlessly. "All I Know I Learned from Telly" and "Im So Cool", songs which Mr. Wormwood sings, are both catchy. Meanwhile, "Revolting Children" could be considered the anthem of the show. In addition, writer Dennis Kelly does a great job of transferring the beloved childrens book into a musical. There is an especially heartwarming ending of love and redemption.
Please make every effort to see Taryn Gilberts nicely directed production of Matilda.
There is a final show at the Ice House in Bethlehem January 2, at 2:30 pm; and five shows at the Mauch Chunk Ballroom in Jim Thorpe, 41 W. Broadway, January 6, 7, and 8 at 7:30 pm, and January 8 and 9 at 2:30 pm.
Tickets are $10 for a surprise box, $12 for children under age 6, $15 for seniors and students, and $18 for adults.
If ordering online and/or via credit/debit card, there is a $1.00 service charge for surprise box and children tickets; a $1.70 service charge for senior/student tickets; and a $1.80 service charge for adult tickets.
You can buy tickets at www.singforAmerica.com or at the door. Just make sure you bring a box of tissues along.