It’s the same Roald story
Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’ hits the stage in Newport
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
It’s an age-old story with a modern-day twist. “Matilda: the Musical,” opening this Friday, Nov. 17, is a story about an extraordinary little girl who overcomes multiple obstacles to instill hope and confidence in her classmates as well as the kind adults in her life. Along the way, she discovers she has magical powers and uses them in a delightfully wicked manner to teach her unloving, critical parents and cruel headmistress a few good lessons.
Adapted from Roald Dahl’s novel “Matilda,” the show combines powerful musical numbers by Tim Minchin with Dennis Kelly’s powerhouse script, written in a book format.
Director Jennifer Van Bruggen Hamilton is making her debut with Porthole Players after serving more than a decade with the Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy in Topeka, Kansas.
“I wanted to do a show with youth and adults,” she said. “I thought this is one that Lincoln County would want to see. I believe theater is therapeutic, especially for kids. It gets them off of their screens and working together toward a common goal. My greatest joy is watching the kids enjoy themselves.”
The story is told by a cast of 27 adults and children who will sing and dance their way into the hearts of appreciative audiences. Hamilton said that more than half of the cast are under the age of 18. She is also using youth crew backstage.
Aria Ferne Dennett, a fourth-grade student at Pacific Northwest Coastal Academy, plays the title role. In contrast to Matilda’s powers of psychokinesis, her love of reading, vivid imagination and spunky personality are her parents — Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood. The Wormwoods are self-absorbed, inattentive and critical of Matilda. Her father wishes she were a boy. Veteran actors Morgan Locklear and Gidget Manucci Ashley carry these roles beautifully, showing disdain for Matilda’s intelligence as well as her ability to thrive under trying circumstances.
“Mr. Wormwood is an imbecile,” Locklear said. “He is mean to his daughter and ridicules her for being educated. The Wormwoods drive Matilda to escape into stories with happier endings.”
The kind and positive influences in Matilda’s life are her teacher, Miss Honey, and librarian, Mrs. Phelps. Miss Honey is played by Anna Hart, who earns her way into Matilda’s heart with sincere sweetness and encouragement. Jennifer Cheney is cast as Mrs. Phelps, the librarian who shepherds the neglected girl and inspires her to shine.
The tyrannical headmistress of Matilda’s school is portrayed by Marc Montminy, who gives an exemplary performance as the punitive, child-hating bully, Miss Trunchbull.
“I was very lucky to get the perfect people for these roles,” Hamilton said. “The actors playing them are very talented and experienced.”
It is a marvel to see this large cast of Lincoln County children and adults sing, dance and carry such a multifaceted storyline.
Music Director Brad Capshaw leads an orchestra that creates the magical music. There are 13 songs in each act, a monumental task for the musicians and the actors. Of special note are the energized ensemble performances of “Miracle,” “The Chokey Chant” and “Revolting Children.”
The many behind-the-scenes credits include Sarah Gibbs as vocal coach, Anna Zimmerman as choreographer, Linda Capshaw as stage manager, Gary Herd as set designer, Rebecca Sorensen as costume designer, Cassandra Fix as props person and Huck Lewis and Jason Vorderbrueggen in lights and sound. The talented actors, crew and local volunteers donated hundreds of hours to create an entertaining show about strained family ties, the love of reading, and a bit of naughty magic.
“It will be a fun evening to escape into the world of Matilda,” Hamilton said. “The audience is the final piece of the puzzle. I think they will soak up the energy and joy from everyone onstage. It’s a beautiful, organic exchange every night as the show and audience are different.”
“The message is definitely about reading and how it can be a fast track to empathy and intelligence,” Locklear added. “And I predict the biggest takeaway will be about the clever and memorable songs. It’s a big, bold show that has many laughs and moments of poignant reflection. In other words, the perfect play.”
“Matilda: the Musical” runs from Nov. 17 through Dec. 3 with performances at 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and Sunday matinées at 2 pm. Tickets are $20. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-ARTS.