Reviews: Matilda presented by Chantilly HS
Written by Amanda San Pedro of South County High School
“Sometimes you've got to be a little bit naughty” -and Chantilly High School's production of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical took that mantra to heart! An amusing mix of magic, mischief, and revenge took center stage from the first note to the final bow, transforming the stage into a vibrant playground of imagination and rebellion.
Based on the book by Roald Dahl, the show follows Matilda Wormwood, a gifted young girl with a love for books, a sharp mind, and an even sharper sense of courage, as she faces her less-than-loving family and the fearsome headmistress Miss Trunchbull, ultimately discovering her inner power to stand up to injustice. Taking place in an English village and bringing the heart of Roald Dahl's story to life, the production delivered a powerful message amongst the themes of justice and resilience.
Camille Dausch embodied Matilda Wormwood's intelligence and bravery with remarkable poise. Whether in her mischievous side in “Naughty” or her heartfelt solos in “Quiet”, Dausch captured the essence of her character, maintaining a high child-like voice and a delicate British accent with incredible annunciation throughout her entire performance. Supporting Dausch's Matilda was Anya Saffari's Miss Honey, who brought a gentle warmth as Matilda's teacher, embodying the character's kindness and hidden strength. Their dynamic provided a sense of hope and support in a world of turmoil.
Zander Hall took on the role of Miss Trunchbull with a combination of an exuberant menace and comedic relief. Hall commanded the stage, perfectly capturing her terrifying presence while incorporating an entertaining physicality, notably in her performance in “The Smell of Rebellion”. Meanwhile, David Garcia as Mr. Wormwood delivered his lines with bold confidence and sharp comedic timing, complementing his delightful clueless arrogance and over-the-top persona.
The ensemble's performance was a vibrant tapestry of energy and cohesion, particularly evident when capturing the personalities and emotions of young school kids. The choreography, directed by Mary Clare Pelczynski and Sam Wolff, heavily elevated the show with bold, imaginative sequences that ranged from the riotous “Revolting Children” to the whimsical and dreamlike numbers of “When I Grow Up”. Each number was choreographed with precision, ensuring everyone was synchronized and in their designated place, enhancing the narrative with the cast's powerful physicality acting as a visual extension of the emotions and desires of the characters.
The use of lighting added layers of complexity and mood to the production, seamlessly supporting the unfolding tension. The dynamic interplay of colorful, patterned lighting served to heighten the emotional stakes and shifting moods of the story. The set, designed by Peyton Dunham and Lily Fry, was a creative blend of realism and fantasy, transitioning from the oppressive atmosphere of the Wormwood home to the imaginative world of Matilda's mind with its universal design.
The thoughtful use of props by Zoe Blinn and Abigail Cribby was key to adding humor and whimsy to the production. The ragdoll used to portray Amanda Thripp during the “Hammer Throw” effectively emphasized the absurdity of Miss Trunchbull's cruelty with satire. Likewise, the oversized cake eaten by Bruce was cleverly designed that allowed individual pieces to be eaten, adding to the sense of struggle and creating a memorable element.
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical at Chantilly High School was a burst of creativity, filled with sharp performances, whimsical set design, and playful props. The cast brought Roald Dahl's world to life with energy and heart, from the rebellious complexion to the absurd dark comedy, painting a picture of rebellion and triumph.
Written by Cecelia Meza of Herndon High School
Miss Agatha Trunchbull's snotty little students may have been “revolting,” but Chantilly High School's production of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical certainly wasn't! Talented student vocalists and an immersive audience experience made a show that was much more than a “Pathetic” way to spend a Saturday evening!
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, based on Dahl's 1988 children's novel of the same name, tells the story of the precocious Matilda and her struggles with adult bullies both at school and at home. Winning seven Tony awards in 2013, Matilda has become a favorite on both high school and professional stages. Chantilly High School certainly did this treasured piece justice, and one can only hope to see these actors and techies in equally ambitious productions.
Camille Dausch as the title character, Matilda Wormwood, was a sight to behold, with her childlike voice, wonder, and cheer working to make an almost-adult completely believable as a ten-year-old. Dausch wowed in songs like “Naughty” and “Revolting Children,” showing vocal prowess that was never deterred by an incredibly consistent British accent and maintaining a childlike tone throughout. Not only did Dausch perform spectacularly in more upbeat numbers, she maintained the same exceptionality in the more emotional moments such as “Acrobat Story IV (I'm Here)” with the escapologist (Griffin Sebunia).
Additionally, Dausch played off the more comedic supporting characters, such as Matilda's rivals Mr. Wormwood (David Garcia) and Miss Agatha Trunchbull (Zander Hall), most admirably, conveying the character's mischief and wit when it came to undermining abusive adults. The notorious Trunchbull, played by Zander Hall, was memorable, with physical comedy in scenes such as “The Smell of Rebellion” getting the entire audience laughing, even as the children onstage cowered in fear at the sight of the towering woman. Hall was able to breathe new life into a well known character, playing up Trunchbull's sniffing and scoffing with hilarious ad-libs and reactions.
Another antagonist in Matilda's life, Mr. Wormwood (David Garcia), played up the physical comedy to create a character that was horribly mean but who you couldn't help but laugh at. Mr. Wormwood's reluctance to call Matilda his daughter rather than call her his son was conveyed incredibly well by Garcia, making it all the more heartwarming when Wormwood finally spoke the words “my daughter” at the end of the show.
While large musical numbers and quieter, more emotional moments are big audience-drawers for a show like Matilda the Musical, it was the tech elements that really elevated Chantilly's production. The choreography, led by students Mary Clare Pelczynski and Sam Wolff, worked to show the contrast in the students' mindsets in numbers when Trunchbull was present and when they were a bit more free to be themselves. In songs like “When I Grow Up,” the students were shown playing nostalgic recess games and dancing, whereas in “The Smell of Rebellion,” they were posed almost like soldiers, cowering from Trunchbull's gaze when it was trained on them. The work of the lighting team (Macie Brooks and Sam Cole) also helped to highlight the students' mindsets and feelings, using a childlike baby blue when they were happy but a sickeningly snotty-green for the scenes that Trunchbull was present. This truly helped the audience get into the story, and made the show all the more enjoyable.
Although Miss Trunchbull reigned with an iron fist, Chantilly High School's production of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical brought fresh energy to the auditorium.