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Matilda the Musical
Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
Ahmanson Theatre
Through July 12
RECOMMENDED:
There is something truly endearing about a musical that allows us to appreciate the intelligence and rambunctious spirit of children, as well as celebrate their innocent sense of justice and fair play. So it is, with the entertaining and inspiring four-Tony Award-winning Mathilda the Musical, at the Ahmanson (book by Dennis Kelly, Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin).
Based on a children’s novel by Roald Dahl, it is the uplifting, and wonderfully subversive tale about a very smart little girl who finds a way of making things right in a world ruled by nasty grown-ups. Mia Sinclair Jenness (one of three actresses playing the role), is the thoroughly precocious dynamo Matilda Wormwood, whose heart is in books and storytelling, and enjoys Dickens and Dostoevsky as much a Dr. Seuss.
But her self-absorbed, bullying parents (Cassie Silva, Quinn Matfield) despise learning and prefer she spend her time watching the “telly,” like her brain-dead brother (Danny Tieger), who manages a grunt now and then. If that isn’t enough, Matilda soon finds herself at the mercy of the icy headmistress of a school, Ms. Trunchbull (played with gloriously wicked panache by Bryce Ryness), where the motto is bambinatum est maggitum (children are maggots).
Despite her unenviable predicament, Matilda does find a way out through the love and understanding of a gentle teacher, Miss Honey (Jennifer Blood), who appreciates and nurtures the child’s extraordinary gifts, and the help of her classmates.
In the heartwarming songs, Minchin has penned some truly expressive lyrics, and has also, not surprisingly, spiced the songs with satire and humor. Performances are top-drawer (the kiddies are superb), and the whole show unfolds with amazing precision on Rob Howell’s color-filled set design of alphabet blocks and book stacks.
Ahmanson Theater, 135 N. Grand Ave. dwntwn.; Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun. 1 & 6:30 p.m.; through uly 12. (213) 972-4400, https://www.centertheatregroup.org
