Matilda—Lakewood Theatre Company—Lake Oswego, OR

               “Gods and Monsters”

    This musical, based on the book by the classic children’s story writer, Roald Dahl, is adapted for the stage by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and directed by Paul Angelo, Choreographed by Jorie Jones and musical direction by Andrew Bray.  It is playing at their space, 368 S. State St., in Lake Oswego, through August 18^th.  For more information, go to their site at www.lakewood-center.org or call 503-635-3901.

    The world of Childhood is a pretty black & white place.  Some of what we glean then is inherent from our parents, and some adapted from our environmental influences.  But, early on, it is populated by the “white hats,” the heroes, or gods, and the “black hats,” the villains, or monsters.  The “gray” areas of behavior are added as we mature.

    The theme of the story, in part, champions reading and education, as ways of growing and learning.  One key monologue and song, “All I Know,” by Mr. Wormwood (Danielle Valentine), Matilda’s dad, pooh-pooh’s reading in favor of the telly.  Translated, bring that sentiment into our modern world and we can see the same conflicts, in this time, with the cyber-sphere engulfing and smothering our imaginations and our sense of self.  But it’s not too late to be as these “Revolting Children” (ala, “Les Miz”), and turn the tides on the monsters of the Internet (as these children do, circa, over 50 years ago)!

    The story, not simply told (needs a bit of editing), but beautifully produced onstage, is about a 5-year-old, precocious little girl, Matilda (Cora Craver)—note, this role is also played by Jorja Reed on alternate performances—who is just enters first grade.  She can already read, write and reason quite nicely for herself.  Her parents, Mr. Wormwood (Valentine), an oily car salesman, whose chief clients are the Russian mafia, and his dingy wife (Stephanie Heuston-Willing), a failed dancer, as well as their numbskull son, Michael (Jackson Wells) are less than enthusiastic about the accomplishments of this strange child.

    But she basically gets along well with her fellow schoolmates, mainly with Lavender (Josie Overstreet) and Bruce (Brock Woolworth).  She also has a couple of champions in the adult world, such as her teacher, Miss Honey (Brooke Moltrum), and the librarian, Mrs. Phelps (Trishelle Love)—the “gods.”  But the Queen of the “monsters” is the headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Andy Lindberg), who would make Frankenstein’s creation look like a puppy dog, in comparison.

    These elements all battle for the souls of Matilda and her mates but…well, you’ll just have to see it, won’t you, to find out how it all turns out.  The stand-out number for me was “Revolting Children,” a dance and musical ensemble by the children, that is amazing.  This is, by far, one the best chorus production group of young people that I’ve ever seen!  Kudos to all of them...and their choreographer, Jones.

    Outstanding performances go to Lindberg as the martinet head of the institution.  He was absolutely amazing, and more than a little scary, as this creature from the underbelly of society.  Equally good was Valentine, as the father.  She was a Vaudeville-act, par expellant.  Both actors brilliant in their gender-bending roles.  And Craver, as Matilda…oh my gawd!  What a talent, voice and stage presence this young lady has!  She will blow you away…and has a long road ahead of her if she chooses the Arts as her career.

    Angelo has assembled an amazing cast and has kept the pace moving along for an uplifting show.  Jones and Bray add their talents to bring this production full circle for a highly recommended experience.  And, as mention, the youthful chorus nearly steals the show, as all those young people are truly a tribute to their Art.

    I highly recommend this show.  If you do choose to see it, please tell them Dennis sent you.

--DJS