Review: MATILDA THE MUSICAL is an Absolute Joy at the Fisher Theatre!

Matilda the Musical is an absolute joy to experience at the Fisher Theatre. The magic, the music, and the extremely talented cast - both children and adults alike - make it one of the most fun and unique shows that has come around to Detroit.

The critically acclaimed show is based on the 1989 beloved novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, which follows around the title character, Matilda, and her family. It is the story of this extraordinary girl who dreams of better life with her vivid imagination and sharp mind, yet while everyone else refuses to stand up to the bullies, she dares to take a stand. Through amazing music and storytelling, the two and half hour show flies by and the audience is captivated by Matilda and her story as they root for her succeed.

It is hard to say much about the actual show without giving too much away because Matilda the Musical is an incredible production. There are things on stage that are different than other musical theatre shows and cannot be experienced anywhere but here in this show. This reviewer has seen many theatre shows; both professional and community here in Detroit and New York City, and all I can say is my eyes, heart, and mind were amazed by this show. I try not to get personal with reviews, but with this one it is very hard not because I do not want to give away the secrets, I just want to urge you go see it. The beauty, the love, and the magic within this show is outstanding and should not be missed whether you are an avid theatre goer or occasional attendee.

Speaking of outstanding, that is what the cast of Matilda the Musical is and more. The children in this production are some of the most talented kids and captivate the audience when they start perform. The children in the show are just amazing in what they do from the singing to dancing to overall performance. It really is amazing to watch. The kids playing the children's ensemble are filled with talent and work so well together blending right into the show yet standing out to present how great they really are. The Matilda's rotate their performances and for the Detroit run, she will be played by Sarah McKinley Austin, Lily Brooks O'Briant, and Savannah Grace Elmer. For my performance, I had the chance to witness Elmer as Matilda, who was absolutely brilliant. She controlled the audience from the moment she took the stage. She had a beautiful pure voice that when she sang, especially her solo songs of "Naughty" and "Quiet," just show how talented she is. I believe that all the Matilda's are equally talented and no matter which one an audience gets, they would be in for an amazing show given the experience I had with my Matilda and the rest of the cast.

The adults are equally amazing. David Abeles is Miss Trunchbull, the headmistress and one of Matilda's bullies, and absolutely hilarious from the moment he is on stage. He can sing; he can command the stage; and he is the epitome of an evil woman to a small child. Abeles is just absolute perfection. Natalie Wisdom is beautiful on stage. She makes the audience fall in with her Miss Honey and her singing voice is gorgeous. Quinn Mattfeld is outstanding as Mr. Wormwood, as is his counterpart, Cassie Silva as Mrs. Wormwood. From the moment Mattfeld and Silva are on stage, hilarity ensues, not to mention they sing wonderfully in their individual funny songs of Mattfeld's "Telly" and Silva's "Loud." As a whole, the entire cast is just phenomenal bringing this magical show to life and it is so impressive to see how hard they all work entire time because it is a non-stop spectacle.

Matilda the Musical was one of the best experiences I have had at the theatre in a long time. It was a show filled with beautiful music, a magical set, and amazingly talented cast. I felt like time flew by and I hope to see the show again soon. I know this review did not have to many specific show details, but I hope if anyone given the chance, you will go see Matilda the Musical. I promise you, you will not be disappointed. It is a show about stories and filled with heart and I promise that it will touch yours.

Matilda the Musical is currently running until March 20th at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit. For more information or tickets, visit www.BroadwayInDetroit.com.

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