Theater Review: Talented Ensemble Elevates ‘Matilda: The Musical’ At The Academy

“Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty to do the right thing.” 

Admit it: Every child (and adult) can agree with that statement. Matilda Wormwood instantly wants to always do the right thing but sometimes she gets the urge to be a little bit naughty. And who would blame her! Her con artist parents dislike her and her school’s headmistress hates her (and all children). The precocious child is also super intelligent, loves to read and has telekinetic powers. All parts of a recipe for a little bit of naughty. The only person holding her back is a special teacher, Miss Honey, who is as sweet as her name. 

 Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book has been adapted into a film and this musical, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and the book by Dennis Kelly. That creative team would be thrilled with this production of “Matilda: The Musical” at the Academy Playhouse. The cast of at least 25 young performers has outdone itself, with nearly everyone showing potential to be a triple threat. What a delight it is to watch these young people sing and dance their hearts out. 

The adults are excellent, too. Triniece Clegg is spectacular as Miss Honey, and her solos are breathtaking. Katie Beatty and Mike McCartney are having a blast playing the nasty, outrageous Wormwoods, Matilda’s parents. They are hilarious, and McCartney had a Jack Black air to his performance. Fred Carpenter’s portrayal of headmistress Agatha Trunchbull is an 11 out of 10 for hilarity and outrageousness. Charlie Jordan gives standout performances in many of his roles, but especially Rudolpho. You can’t take your eyes off him whenever he appears, even when he’s in the background. Jeff Almeida as Sergi made us smile, too, and Rachel Hischak as Mrs. Phelps, the librarian, whose over-the-top dramatics with Matilda were a hoot. Jordan’s Escapologist and his acrobat partner (Caroline Gerety) were exquisite in the story-telling sequence. 

 But it’s the young ensemble who shines in this production. From the opening number, you know you’re in for something special. Their energy, joy and vocals will make you grin, smile and cheer. Sylvie Weimer is excellent as Matilda. The experienced young actor instinctively knows how to perform well with others and also when the spotlight is on her alone. 

 Who knew Cape Cod had so many talented young people? Each one of these actors had a moment to stand out, and when they all danced and sang together there was no stopping them. The “Revolting Children” song and dance number was a show-stopper. They are Cora Goers, Fiona Mooney, Layla LaBonte, Mila Wadsworth, Elijah Darakjy, Noah Darakjy, Toby Goers, Logan Danielson, Fiona Betts, Cecelia Miner, Kailey Sears, Sam Kelley, Camille Evans, Gemma MacBride, Zendon Donoho, Chiara Castro, Naomi Betts, Savannah Baran, Abigail Avery and Finley Smith. The other adults in the show — Catherine Baran, Molly Davol and Louise Betts — contributed their talents also.  

 Director Dale Johnson had a lot to wrangle with a cast of this size (and talent) but succeeds on the Academy Playhouse's intimate arena-style stage. Johnson’s wild and charismatic choreography, along with contributions from dance captains Chiara Castro and Cecelia Miner, was fun to watch. The band sounded like an orchestra under music director Chris Morris (keyboard) with Matt Brown (bass) and Kyle Edwards (drums). Many times the band punctuated a scene with dramatic flair. Nicholas Dorr’s simple and colorful set is perfect, with consulting director Jennifer Kangas’s lighting design implemented by Ann Carpenter. Technical director Mark Roderick’s special effects were cool. Stage manager Zoey MacBride and assistant to the director Mike McCartney contributed also. Krista Wimberly, with a little help from the cast, outdid herself with the costumes. They were spectacular, especially in the big dance scene and on Mrs. Wormwood. 

 The show is a solid two and a half hours with an intermission where you have time to descend the stairs to grab a glass of wine and contribute to the actor’s box. A great show!