The show: “Matilda” at New Haven’s Shubert Theater
What makes it special?: It’s the runner-up gig to the start of the national tour that officially begins in a few weeks in Los Angeles.
First impressions: Any first performance of a not-quite-launch of a national tour will have some rough spots and while there were a few sections in the second act that needed more work and clarity, the overall production is still a wicked wonder and right in keeping to the subversive spirit of the Roald Dahl book on which it is based.
Book writer Dennis Kelly, composer Tim Minchin, director Matthew Warchus, choreographer Peter Darling and the rest of the production team have gone whole-hog, making a bold, clever and high-spirited adaptation that kids will embrace — at least the brighter ones (and of course, I’m speaking of your children, right?).
What’s it about?: Five-year-old Matilda Wormwood (Gabby Gutierrez in the performance I saw; two other girls alternate in the role) is a defiant little genius and a lover of all books (she just knocked off “Crime and Punishment” after “Cat in the Hat”). Who would have guessed because her parents (Cassie Silva and Quinn Mattfeld) are selfish idiots who see their daughter’s love to books as a family curse.
To make things worse, she is sent to a school overseen by a tyrannical Miss Trunchbull (Bryce Ryness) whose motto is “children are maggots.”) Thankfully, there’s a kind-hearted teacher named Miss Honey (Jennifer Blood) who recognizes Matilda’s special qualities and who tries to protect Matilda but has courage issues.
But the self-possessed Matilda does pretty well on her own, becoming a little naughty here and there, using her considerable wits and most importantly, finding refuge in her stories. Her ability to control her own narratives is her strength and the show’s great theme.
The musical’s creators all strike just the right tone, reflecting Dahl’s special sensibility that twists whimsy with darkness all while fulfilling the requirements of a big Broadway musical. The staging by Warchus and Darling is endlessly inventive, clever and surprising.
And the cast?: In almost every scene, Gutierrez nicely carries the show on her little shoulders with deadpan confidence, not succumbing for cutesy for a second. Silva and Mattfeld are joyously cartoonish as the crass parents. Ryness’s a hoot and horror as the school’s fascist, terrifying all with her intimidating calm before her great eruptions.
Equally impressive is the ensemble of mostly kid performers. There are some “older” students, too, but the majority of the big dance numbers are performed with extraordinary precision and verve by this group of sweetly subversive youngsters, each with their own revolting personality and presence.
A highlight?: When Trumbull flings a little girl by her pigtails skyward. (Trunchbull was the hammer-throwing champion of Britain and she still keeps in shape with the kid toss.) It also pretty much sets the unsentimental tone of the show early on.
Best song?: Score and lyrics are delectable, having grand fun at the Wormwoods’ lack of culture, and especially at parents who think their tykes are oh-so-special. But “When I Grow Up” transcends the rest with a universal wistfulness that looks back and forward at the same time. You’ll find yourself humming it for days — and maybe even wanting to go ride on a swing.
Reservations?: There seems to be some staging adjustments for the road from the Broadway production, if memory serves and not all for the better. Some of the second act plot exposition is muddy, the “Chokey” device is unclear and Trunchbull’s big comeuppance is not completely satisfying.
No doubt the production will sharpen over time, the cues and pacing will be picked up, diction will be monitored and the writing on the wall (a key plot point) will be much more legible.
Who will like it?: Librarians. Dahl fans. And kids who think they’re smarter than adults (that is, all of them).
Who won’t?: Bullies. Illiterates. Annie.
For the kids?: You bet, but try to get them to be acquainted with a recording of the show’s music first, and Dahl’s book, too. The lyrics and dialogue are too delicious to miss and sometimes words are lost in the sound system filled with high-pitches kid voices with semi-Brit accents.
Twitter review in 140 characters or less: Readers rule! And so does “Matilda” in this smart, sharp, by-the-book kidsical.
The basics: The show runs through Saturday, May 23 at the theater at 247 College St. in New Haven. The show’s running time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission. Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $135. Information at shubert.com and 203-562-5666.
