Many of us in the audience of the last dress rehearsal before Thursday’s opening performance of Matilda the Musical came away with the exhilaration of having witnessed the talents of many of all ages — coached, encouraged, and primed — to tell author Roald Dahl’s story about a child who sets her world right by overcoming the adversity of unloving, ignorant, and self-absorbed parents. And in doing so, she sets right, too, the cruel injustices that school principal, Miss Trunchbull, has heaped upon innocent children and her very own niece, Miss Honey.
Congratulations to producers Henry Mejia and Jessica Verastigui and directors Karol Batey and Rolando Vela and every LTGI member and volunteer who had a hand in bringing this story to life.
A big nod to Roberto López and the musicians whose live music enriched the telling of the story’s plot and its denouement.
Hats off to the seasoned actors — (Allie Howland as Miss Honey; Alex López as Miss Trunchbull; Ricky Castillon and Lisa Martinez as Matilda’s parents, the Wormwoods; Mara López as Mrs. Phelps; José Villa as Rudolpho, Mrs. Wormwood’s dance partner; and Gerardo (Ray) Cantú as the Bulgarian gangster — who all so ably immersed themselves in their characters and some who mentored the children of the cast, many of them first-time actors who not very long ago began to learn their lines, lyrics, and dance steps.
The enthusiastic, unselfconscious earnestness of their roles as children in a post-Miss Trunchbull world filled the theater with a tender, palpable joy.
It must be noted that 10-year-old Heidi Godinez seamlessly showcased her talents in drama, song, and dance in her portrayal of Matilda.
We look forward to a subsequent performance in which Kadence Cardenas plays the role of Matilda.
Tickets are available at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35860/production/1191070
Week One performances continue July 20 at 7:30 p.m. and July 21 at 3 p.m. at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. Week Two performance dates are Thursday, July 25 through Saturday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 28, at 3:00 p.m.
