Whether you’re a fan of the original Roald Dahl book, one of the two movies based on the tale or you’re currently unfamiliar with the story, YES Theatre invites audiences to take in their holiday offering of “Matilda: The Musical.”
The show is currently slated to run Nov. 24 to Dec. 17 at Sudbury Theatre Centre, although the run may be extended through until the end of December. More than 5,000 tickets have been sold so far.
“Matilda” is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl.
With a book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, “Matilda” is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
Winner of 99 international awards, including 24 for best musical, Matilda has been delighting audiences for over a decade.
In 1996, the Roald Dahl book was adapted into a movie starring Mara Wilson. “Matilda: The Musical” was released as a Netflix movie last year.
“It's a story about resilience and magic, and I think this this time of year is all about magic and and being with your family,” said Ruthie Nkut, YES Theatre’s associate artistic director, who also plays Miss Honey in the production.
She adds that “it’s a story for the kids, about the kids. We have 17 local kids dancing and singing, so it's pretty epic.”
Nkut said some of the kids in the production came from YES Theatre’s Young Company program, but most were recruited through an open call.
The two “Matildas” in the cast, who will alternate shows, are Elise Barry, 11, and Neve Houle, 10. This is the first major acting role for both girls, and they both have family members coming from out of town to watch them on stage.
“I think it's a really magical story about a young girl who stands up for others, and she's really strong and powerful,” said Neve. “It’s also a very sad story, but also very happy, too.”
As mentioned above, Nkut takes on the role of Miss Honey, while Miss Trunchbull is played by Jean-Paul Parker and Mrs. Wormwood by April Perrin.
Jake Deeth, a mainstay of YES Theatre productions, plays Mr. Wormwood, Matilda’s book-hating, dishonest, used car salesman father.
In the 1996 film, Mr. Wormwood was played by Danny DeVito, although Deeth said the musical’s version is much more dastardly.
“Usually the villains are the most fun to play, and I can attest to that,” he said. “Oh my God, it’s so much fun.”
Deeth said Dahl creates characters that kids can connect with, as they all dream about being someone extraordinary and beating the odds. “Those books, every single one of them, can be made into a full musical. That's the story that everyone wants to hear, is the story of a kid winning over a very mean adult, which is mostly all Roald Dahl books.”
You can purchase tickets to YES Theatre’s “Matilda: The Musical” online here.
Heidi Ulrichsen is Sudbury.com’s assistant editor. She also covers education and the arts scene.
