Review: MATILDA THE MUSICAL at the Eccles is Cleverly Imaginative

The national tour of MATILDA THE MUSICAL, currently playing at the new Eccles Theater, is a clever, artistic show that arouses curiosity and laughter from young and old audiences alike.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL (book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin) is based on the favorite children's novel by Roald Dahl. Matilda is a small girl who escapes the emotional abuse of her family through books and learning. She discovers an ally in her new teacher, Miss Honey, but a formidable foe in headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

Jaime MacLean as Matilda (also played by Gabby Gutierrez and Jenna Weir at other performances) is sweet and sharp in all the right places and all the right times. She comes across as very young but wise beyond her years, which is spot on for this role.

Jennifer Bowles as Miss Honey is someone the audience wants to root for, and the reticence of her character blossoms into a formidable presence, showcasing acting and singing that makes a strong impact.

Dan Chameroy as Miss Trunchbull is a deliciously despicable antagonist that you can't help but love to hate. He provides never-ending fodder for this love-hate relationship through the vocal and physical mannerisms of his performance.

Matt Harrington as Mr. Wormwood and Darcy Stewart as Mrs. Wormwood are adept at the push and pull of over-the-top excess and restraint that make their outlandishness so successful.

Additional standouts include Keisha T. Fraser as Mrs. Phelps and Justin Packard as the Doctor/Escape Artist.

Also not to be forgotten are the ensemble (and especially the cast of young children), who do justice to the complex score as they cavort and twist their way through the demanding, exhilarating choreography by Peter Darling.

Director Matthew Warchus has created fascinating stage pictures, aided by Rob Howell's imaginative scenic and costume design. The use of children's alphabet blocks throughout the set and staging creates an abstract, cohesive lens through which to view this twisted world. The magical lighting design by Hugh Vanstone adds both whimsy and beauty, forging some of the most memorable moments of the show.

Unfortunately, portions of the dialogue and lyrics were lost to some audience members at the reviewed performance due to the low volume of the sound, which made understanding the actors sometimes difficult.

However, don't let this stop you from enjoying a fabulous production of a musical that has something to please every member of the family.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL plays the Eccles Theater for a limited engagement through Sunday, February 26, 2017. For tickets, call ArtTix at 801-355-ARTS (2787) or visit www.artsaltlake.org.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus