Review: MATILDA THE MUSICAL at the Kennedy Center Opera House

MATILDA THE MUSICAL at the Kennedy Center advertises itself as a children's show. But parents, be forewarned, it may not be appropriate for all little tikes. But I have to admit, it was great to see so many young people in the theater.

It also will help to read children the story and review the lyrics since it is almost impossible to understand what the actors are singing. I asked many theatergoers if they had trouble hearing the words and it was almost universal that they did not.

But even so, children may thoroughly enjoy watching the talented children in the cast sing, act, ride swings and during the bows (along with the entire cast) ride scooters.

If you do all of the above, the family will enjoy this unusual entertainment. I have had no experience with the accomplished author Roald Dahl and so was unprepared with how adults are seen as villains as in the musical ANNIE.

Here Matilda is a five year old girl who is made fun of by her parents because she likes to read. The role is shared by three: Mabel Tyler (who performed when I attended), Tori Feinstein, and Gabrielle Gutierrez. Tyler shined in the leading role and could have a huge future ahead of her on Broadway. What a talent.

The evil parents are played by Cassie Silva and Quinn Mattfeld who are over the top villains. When Matilda attends school for the first time, she is confronted with the nasty principal, Miss Trunchbull (who abhors children) played by Bryce Nyness. Do children understand this is a cross-dressed character or does it matter? How does one explain this? A good question.

While the Act I I found a little slow, Act II really picked up and the cast had the audience in the palm of their hands.

The best song in the show (Tim Minchin did both the lyrics and music) opens the second act when the children sing the marvelous "When I Grow Up" while on huge swings.

The only two adults who show love for young people are the librarian, Mrs. Phelps (Ora Jones) who loves to listen to Matilda tell stories and suggests books to her and Matilda's teacher, Miss Honey, played by the talented Jennifer Blood who has a smile that reaches the rear balcony at the huge Kennedy Center Opera House. Wait till you see her dimples. And she has a voice to match. Honey is so sweet (sorry) that she pays special attention to the precocious Matilda and does her best to have Matilda's parents recognize the talent demonstrated by the five-year old, however, without much success.

I just love the set (Tony Award winner Rob Howell (set and costumes) which will remind everyone of a huge scrabble board. The clever lighting is by Tony Award winner Hugh Vansone. Sound Design is by Simon Baker. The inventive choreography is by Peter Darling.

The entire ensemble is just plain full of energy and it shows on stage.

The show is recommended for ages 6 and up but please prepare them beforehand about what they will be seeing since there are some scary moments.

MATILDA runs until January 10, 2016. For tickets call 202-467-4600 or visit www.kennedy-center.org.

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com

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