Delainey Silvestro

Musicals that are adapted from previous works, including books and film, can be hit or miss. But sometimes, there is something magical about exploring a new way of telling a familiar story that elevates elements you missed while also bringing to life on stage favorite moments. This is the case with MATILDA THE MUSICAL – a show based on the beloved Roald Dahl novel and adapted for the stage by Dennis Kelly (Book) and Tim Minchin (Music and Lyrics). And in its latest production of MATILDA THE MUSICAL (a second mounting, after producing a sold out run of the show back in 2019), Theatre South Playhouse delivers an energetic, exciting, thoroughly entertaining and captivating evening (or afternoon) of theatre that is sure to please audiences of all ages.

Behind the spectacle, sets, large casts and costumes of many classic musicals are the relatable, human stories, the conflict, the hope and the pure joy of life. Often, however, as audience members we don’t see those things as clearly when distracted by falling chandeliers or giant dance numbers. But there is something emotionally raw and fulfilling when given the chance to see a story you know so well stripped down to its essence – exposing the beauty that has always been there. This was my experience seeing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Theatre South Playhouse – a beautiful story performed by a talented cast in a simple but immensely effective staging.

Dr. Phillips Center celebrates Pi Day by revealing the two little girls chosen for their big break in the critically acclaimed Broadway musical WAITRESS at Dr. Phillips Center.  Delainey Silvestro, age 5, and Ella Helton, also age 5, will make their professional debut on the Walt Disney Theater stage next week. The girls visited the arts center for a tour of the theater and dressing rooms. Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, recent star of the Broadway production of WAITRESS, was in town to perform his Solo Acoustic tour at Dr. Phillips Center and took a moment from his sound check to meet the pint-sized pixies.  Mraz played Dr. Pomatter in a limited engagement in the musical at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre through February 11, 2018.