Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical - Theatre Three | 9.14.24

Photo Credit: Steve Ayle, Showbizshots

Theatre Three in Port Jefferson is currently producing the family classic “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical” from September 14th to October 20th. Based on the popular children’s book, ‘Matilda’ is about a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and a passion for reading and learning, with a kind spirit and a love for family. Dahl has also written stories you may know like “James and the Giant Peach” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. Dahl’s stories generally center around family and the difference between the family we are born with and the family that we choose; which I think mirrors real life experiences for many of us.

I went into ‘Matilda’ thinking that she was some bratty little child with some kind of supernatural powers - and I am delighted to say I could not have been more wrong! Yes, we see some of the supernatural later in the show, but this story is about so much more than that. ‘Matilda’ begins with the birth of Matilda Wormwood to a mother who is irritated that she is missing a dance contest thanks to being in labor, and to a father who immediately writes her off because she is a girl. 

We quickly jump ahead 5 years to see that her parents are verbally abusive towards her and Matilda uses her love of reading to escape some of the unpleasantness at home. One would think that seeing their 5 year old daughter choose reading over other activities to be a positive thing, but instead they ridicule her for it and call her odd - adding additional insults by comparing her to her brother, who doesn’t appear to be ‘firing with all cylinders’ as they say.

Photo Credit: Steve Ayle, Showbizshots

Steven Uihlein, Jax Segal, and Rachel Geiser

Matilda is affectionately played by Sadie Mathers, who positively shines in this production. You can’t take your eyes off her! She moves with intention & confidence rarely seen by a performer her age (or any age, for that matter) and doesn’t miss a beat. Some of her most memorable moments come from her telling the story of the Escapologist and The Acrobat, where I found myself thoroughly impressed with her effortless delivery of such lengthy monologues as well as numbers like “Naughty” and “Quiet.” I’m a brand new fan of Mathers and I can’t wait to see where she goes from here! Matilda’s parents are played by Rachel Geiser and Steven Uihlein, who are no strangers to the Theatre Three stage. The two played off of each other nicely and had standout moments that led to me laughing out loud on multiple occasions! Every time Geiser walked on stage, I was excited. Everything she does is hysterical - I’m looking for a Mrs. Wormwood spinoff! 

Justice for Lady Wormwood! She never made it to that dance contest - can we have her do a one-woman show instead?!

Uihlein is a fantastic character actor and that came through in this production. The Wormwood Family is rounded out by Matilda’s older brother Michael, played hysterically by Jax Segal. A character of few words for sure, but they weren’t needed. All Segal needed to do was deliver a blank stare and the audience roared - the chemistry between the Wormwoods is undeniable. Act II’s “All I Know” with Michael and Mr. Wormwood will have you laughing & smiling so much your cheeks will hurt!

At school, Matilda faces some challenges as well. The headmistress, Miss Trunchbull is anything but pleasant. She’s mean and has no patience or care for the children, often abusing them verbally and physically and placing them in ‘the chokey’ - which is apparently British slang for prison.

Who knew?! Learning never stops.

Photo Credit: Steve Ayle, Showbizshots

Sadie Mathers & Liam Marsigliano

Miss Trunchbull is played by Liam Marsigliano and he delivers a strong performance. The character has plenty of funny moments, but more often than not is lording over the students in the most menacing of ways and Marsigliano navigated through this dynamic masterfully. “The Smell of Rebellion” in Act II was a highlight for Marsigliano and the kids as well. The ensemble of children in this production are massively talented - from the comedic moments from Lavender (Olive Oakes) and Bruce (Benjamin Corso) to their dancing - these kids came to the theater to *work* and have an energy that could make anyone bounce off the walls! 

Veronica Fox also returns to the Theatre Three stage as Miss Honey, Matilda’s soft natured and empathetic teacher. Fox performs like an absolute pro; I’m convinced there is little she can’t do. Her comedic timing is always spot on and she has a voice that forces you to get up and cheer; which is on full display during her Act II number, “My House”. If I sound like I’m fangirling over her, I’d say you are hearing correctly. Love, love, love seeing Fox on stage and this production is no exception.

Photo Credit: Steve Ayle, Showbizshots

Sadie Mathers & Veronica Fox

Act II was full of surprises and “I’m Here” between Matilda and The Escapologist was one of them! Hughes’ voice rang through the theater like a bell with gorgeous tone. There are plenty of full company numbers that dazzle as well, from the musical’s opener “Miracle” to “Loud” - but none as bright as Act II’s “Revolting Children". These kids burst onto the stage with energy we don’t usually see at the end of a show and with stunning choreography to boot from the talented Sari Feldman. Feldman has choreographed countless productions at Theatre Three, so her success here is not a surprise - I’d even go so far as to say my expectations were exceeded. From a technical standpoint, I continue to be amazed at what is accomplished here. The lighting was especially impressive, thanks to design from Xiangfu Xiao. Anytime you walk away from a show talking about how good the lighting was, you simply must shout it out!

All in all, Theatre Three’s production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is another must see. Jeffrey Sanzel directed this production and his stamp can be seen throughout - from clean scene changes to the direction with intent for each character. For all of the fun moments in the show, Matilda handles some heavy moments as well and Sanzel moves the players & audience through those moments without jarring us. We find ourselves relating to each character, bringing warmth and charm that is as much to the credit of the performers as it is Sanzel’s direction. Resident Music Director Jeffrey Hoffman returned to his post too, delivering the level of quality we’ve come to expect from him. Hoffman always understands the assignment and gives us a top-notch product.

At its core, Matilda is a story about relationships and family. The relationship that she forges with her teacher Miss Honey, to moments with her family (there *are* some heart-warming moments with them too, albeit fleeting), to the hysterical moments among the kids - this is a show that the entire family will enjoy. I have always been one to support the concept of a chosen family and those ideas are represented here.

Photo Credit: Steve Ayle, Showbizshots

Matilda the Musical is running until October 20th and tickets can be purchased by calling the box office, via their website at www.theatrethree.com, or at the door based upon availability. Please note that all evening performances begin at 7pm instead of the usual 8pm.

Cast:

(In order of appearance)

Party Entertainer - Bryan Bowie

Doctor - Will Brennan

Mrs. Wormwood - Rachel Geiser

Mr. Wormwood - Steven Uihlein

Matilda - Sadie Mathers

Michael Wormwood - Jax Segal

Mrs. Phelps - Michelle LaBozzetta

Miss Honey - Veronica Fox

The Escapologist - Eric J. Hughes

The Acrobat - Josie McSwane*

Miss Trunchbull - Liam Marsigliano

Rudolpho - Will Logan

Cook - Julia Albino

Sergei - Bryan Bowie

Bruce - Benjamin Corso

Lavender - Olive Oakes

Nigel - Zach Kanakaris

Amanda - Kathleen Arabelle Han

Erica - Olivia McGourty

Alice - Erin Risolo

Hortensia - Adriana Mia Como

Tommy - Matthew Eby

Big Kids, Parents, Teachers, Dance Contestants, Henchmen, and Others - Melanie Acampora, Julia Albino, Bryan Bowie, Will Brennan, Eric J. Hughes, Kaitlyn Jehle, michelle LaBozzetta, Will Logan, Josie McSwane, Paul Manzo, Cassidy Rose O’Brien, Marlo Pepe+, Katy Snair

* - Dance Captain

+ - Rehearsal Assistant

Creative Team:

DIRECTOR - Jeffrey Sanzel

Music Director - JEffrey Hoffman

Choreographer - Sari Feldman

Stage Manager - Melissa Troxler

Scenic Designer - Randall Parsons

Sound Designer - Tim Haggerty

Lighting Designer - Xiangfu Xiao

Technical Director - Steve Barile, Jr.

Projection Designer - Brian Staton

Properties Design & Construction - Karin Bagan

Costume/Wig Designer - Ronald R. Green III

BanD:

Conductor/Keyboard - Jeffrey Hoffman

Reeds - Bill Kinslow

Trumpet - Lee Schaarschmidt

Trombone/Keyboard - Diane Hoffman

Guitar - John Dericco

Bass - Dave Grudzinski

Percussion - Don Larsen