Matilda The Musical

The first Roald Dahl story I ever read was "The BFG," an eerie tale about a big friendly giant who blows bottled dreams into sleeping children's bedrooms. It was as heartwarming as it was curiously creepy. I was instantly hooked so I went on to read everything from his extensive library and even convinced my 6th grade teacher to put on an elementary production of "James and the Giant Peach" (I was the worm).

Always pushing the border of children's literature, Dahl wrote numerous stories that became childhood classics, major motion pictures and stage adaptations. "Matilda" is one of those, and like a lot of Dahl's work, tells the tale of an unfortunate child who has to overcome horrible circumstances.

The Centre Theatre Group fires off the first national tour of "Matilda the Musical," which is playing at The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles until July 12. Providing the perfect stage for the twisted fairytale, the production is full of all the magical, heartfelt cheer the original story deserves, with the right touch of ghastliness that can be found dwelling in all of Dahl's masterpieces.

"Matilda the Musical" has won more than 50 international awards, and this particular production has a cast and crew who are no strangers to accolades. Directed by Matthew Warchus, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly, the Tony Award-winning trio create a captivating production full of fun for patrons of all ages.

The story revolves around Matilda Wormwood, a genius little girl with a lively imagination and very messy hair. Cursed with horrible parents and a sadistic headmistress, she finds the love she so desperately seeks in her teacher Miss Honey, who is battling with demons of her own.

The little star playing the lead role is Mia Sinclair Jenness, who shares the part with two others, alternating between shows. She was simply a delight to watch and she handled the performance like a true veteran of the stage. What she lacked in size she made up for with passion, which radiated off the stage throughout her brilliant execution.

A standout performance was also delivered by Bryce Ryness as evil, horrible, no good headmaster Miss Trunchbull. He gives us a fantastically hilarious portrayal of the brawny tyrant that you almost forget to dislike her. Ryness struts confidently around on stage with a performance that demands respect, channeling his character perfectly. We even get to see Trunchbull's Olympic skills in hammer-throwing when a child is flung around by her pigtails on stage.

Matilda's parents are played by Quinn Mattfeld and Cassie Silva, and they both deliver tremendous portrayals of horrible, selfish people. They also manage to make their deplorable characters likable with great musical numbers, and excellent deliverance of asinine parenting skills. Silva's performance of "Loud" and Mattfeld's "Telly" were two of the most memorable moments of the show.

Matilda's little classmates are played by a group of very accomplished children. They were all so mature, professional and talented beyond their years I was left in awe of each and every one of their performances. Look for the ensemble after intermission when they perform "When I grow Up," my favorite part of the show by far.

"Matilda the Musical" is great fun, there's no question why Time Magazine labeled it the #1 Show of the Year in 2013. It tells a great story created by an imaginative and ingenious author and it's performed by a phenomenal cast who are supported by the best leaders in theatre. Put it on your list of must-see shows this month. Now go write that 50 times on the chalkboard.

"Matilda the Musical" runs through July 12 at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave. in Los Angeles. For information or tickets, call 213-972-4400 or visit www.centertheatregroup.org