A LITTLE GIRL FINDS SOLACE IN BOOKS
Children comprise the core of Roald Dahl’s widely read MATILDA now entertaining families at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. And the youthful ensemble “smashingly” schools the audience in this exuberant, good vs. evil story. The opening number “Miracle” seals the deal from the gitgo as it introduces the company of actors, sets up the story, lays the groundwork for the winning musical score and highlights the children 
in movement and attitude, too. Director Michael Matthews, Musical Director Jennifer Lin and Choreographer Kate Dunn stunningly execute the first taste of this TONY-rich musical, wildly popular in London and on Broadway as well.
However, not until the audience encounters the feisty Audrey Cymone (“Matilda Wormwood”) do all of us recognize and absorb the defining “heart” of the show. As the tale (shaped by Dennis Kelly) proceeds, both the young lady’s quest for learning and adventure and her resiliency when faced with challenges increasingly prove to be inspirational. The singing and acting requirements of the role alone recommend this youngster’s significant talent throughout the journey.
In this production, though, she is not the only one at the top of her game. The supporting cast deserve special mention, too. In particular, Constance Jewell Lopez (“Mrs. Phelps“)
charms the pants off the smitten onlookers sitting out front in the theatre as the librarian who goes all in on the allure of storytelling. And those same audience members are not likely to forget the swivel-hipped bravado of Danil Chernyy (“Rudolpho”), the slimy dance teacher of Matilda’s loopy mother. Fine work noticed as well from the likes of Rees James (“Doctor”), Erik Hall (“Michael Wormwood”), Brandon Keith Rogers (“Escapologist”), Veronica Gutierrez (“Acrobat”, also the Dance Captain), Juan Guillen (“Party Entertainer/Sergei”) and even young Aaron Tapia (“Bruce”) who makes quite the impression within the children’s ensemble. In fact, all of the kids are “brilliant” as the Brits typically are wont to say and it’s only fair to add the adult ensemble performers to this list as well.
Cheers for the lead players for their achievement in this cautionary story. Cartoonish (and dastardly) Erica Hanrahan (“Mrs. Wormwood”) and Josh Adamson (“Mr. Wormwood”) provide the sickening overdose of bad parenting skills to supreme effect.
Also, Nicole Santiago (“Miss Honey”) buzzes in and out of the story as a kind of “Miss Goody Two-Shoes”, determined to nurture Matilda with her own sweet nectar so that the thwarted girl can be all that she can bee. Truthfully, this is a honey of a performance (sorry, not sorry for the wordplay; after all, schooling informs the storytelling!).
Lastly, the menacing, bearded (btw hilarious) Michael A. Shepperd (“Miss Trunchbull”) corners the essence of evil in “his” portrayal of the feared, insidious schoolmistress gone berserk. (N.B. Friends, you’ll have to be patient for the end of the story to see whether or not “she” receives comeuppance).
Returning to the illustrious creative team of this production, a few thoughts are in order. Jennifer Lin ably conducts the 11 pc orchestra in showcasing Tim Minchin’s heralded score (with some contributions from Orchestrator Chris Nightingale). She also elicits a
superior singing effort from the professional players on stage. In addition, Kate Dunn’s choreography registers fresh and surprising at each turn. Finally, as the arbiter of the above triumvirate, Michael Matthews again rules the day (you’re not likely to find any “stinkers” on his resume since he is consistently insightful with his projects and his companies are always well rehearsed).
On the technical side, kudos for the inventive setting of Stephen Gifford, the right-on-the-mark lighting of Steven Young, the smart costumes of Travis M. Grant and the luxurious sound design work of Josh Bessom. Applause for all and – likewise – those creatives not mentioned specifically. No doubt…all of the pieces of this puzzle fit snugly.
This McCoy Rigby Entertainment (i.e. MATILDA), receiving the full benefit of Producing Artistic 
Director BT McNicholl, hits paydirt at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Its relevance to current happenings in our world cannot be denied. What a great outing for families and those interested in terrific theatrical experiences!
Pc: Jason Niedle
