By Brittany Tiplady
@yellowbird888
Gather your friends, families and lovers, for a fun and lively dose of music, dance, and 1990s nostalgia. Now until July 14, the Arts Club’s Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage is presenting “Matilda the Musical” in partnership with Winnipeg’s Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre.
“Matilda the Musical” is based on the original book by Roald Dahl, but according to assistant director and choreographer Anna Kuman, the production does include a few gems that give a generous nod to the 1996 feature film.
The musical’s heroine is Matilda Wormwood (eleven-year old actors Georgia Acken and Thailey Roberge share the role), a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers.
“Georgia and Thailey are both from Vancouver and they’re both amazing, bright, talented eleven year olds and I just got to work with them one-on-one for the past two weeks which has been amazing,” adds Kuman.
“They each found their own portrayals of Matilda within the world of our show and it’s been a pleasure to watch them grow into the role on their own and working together.”
Following the plot of Roald Dahl’s classic, Matilda suffers at the hands of her cruel parents but develops a special bond with her schoolteacher, Miss Honey (Alison MacDonald) only to be terrorized by the school’s draconian headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (John Ullyatt).
“It’s really a cross-generational piece and I think there is something for everyone. If you’re coming with kids then their obviously going to be inspired by the young talent we have onstage. But, it’s kind of nostalgic for my generation who grew up watching the movie. It’s a really warm show,” says Kuman. “It’s incredibly universal.
Prior to the Vancouver opening, “Matilda the Musical” took the stage at Winnipeg’s Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre. The cast for the Vancouver production is a mix of local actors, and thespians from Edmonton and Winnipeg.
As to not give away too many spoilers, Kuman remained mum about the surprises “Matilda the Musical” has in store for audiences.
“There is so much dance, so much singing. It’s really a tour de force,” she reveals.
“I really love the song ‘Revolting Children,’ it’s just such a fight song and the kids really get into it. They ignite the audience and by the end of it, everyone is ready to just leap to their feet.”
“Matilda the Musical” is playing at the Arts Club’s Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage now until July 14. Showtimes are Tuesday–Thursday at 7:30 PM, Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, Wednesday at 1:30 PM, and Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM.
Brittany Tiplady is a writer, editor, former ballet teacher, and the co-founder of Loose Lips Magazine. She loves the indoors, fast wifi, collecting maps, and a generous glass of red wine. She’s a self-proclaimed wizard of time management and a notorious loud talker with a penchant for all things Internet and pop culture.
