Graphic courtesy of Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company

Based on the 1988 novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda The Musical was commissioned from Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly by the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at the Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010. The show transferred to the West End in 2011. It won several awards that year including seven Olivier Awards, one for Best New Musical. It premiered at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway in 2013, where it ran for 1,555 performances, won five Tony Awards, and received critical acclaim and audience popularity. The musical was made into a film released in 2022.

The plot centers on a precocious five-year-old girl, Matilda, who has unbounded imagination, reads minds, loves reading, and overcomes many difficulties caused by her selfish family and a ridiculous and dogmatic headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, at school. She befriends and is befriended by her teacher Miss Honey who helps her to reclaim her life. The play explores intelligence, education, rebellion and injustice as Matilda navigates the evil people and comes out victorious. The show advocates empowerment over abuse of power and addresses the importance of empathy over bullying.

At Cardboard Playhouse, Matilda is heartwarming and cleverly produced. The fifty members of the cast include young children, teenagers, and adults. The young people are disciplined and focused. Choreographers Nate Clifford and Larry Aguilar have harnessed child-like energy into several stunning production numbers. Co-directors Berg and Montoya keep the pace swift and nimble. Doug Montoya has designed a colorful set that captures the style of Roald Dahl and is cleverly and easily moved by all the actors. There are no delays in this production.

Three young actresses play Matilda in various performances. Cleopatra (Cleo) Taylor performed when I attended, and I'm sure all represent the dynamic girl well. Matilda has a lot to and the young actress handled the acting and singing well.

The adult actors are clearly having a great time in this production. Courtney Gates, as Miss Honey, has a beautiful singing voice and is completely believable in the role. Drew Frost and Xandra Michele as Matilda's parents are abusive and nasty but still awfully funny in their inappropriate behavior. The costumes for Xandra Michele are way over the top and almost pull focus in her scenes.

But it is Jesse Graff as Miss Agatha Trunchbull who truly captures the British "panto" style and nearly steals the show. He's tall and muscular, has a great baritone voice, and uses all of these attributes in his nearly perfect cross-dressing role. He's a great comic villain.

Matilda is presented in its full version with all the songs and production numbers. The music is handled well, but recorded instrumental music is used rather than a live orchestra. The lighting is well done. Ann Marie Pennington has delivered outstanding costumes for everyone.

An exceptionally good time will be had by all at this truly family-friendly production. Catch a performance at the Rodey Theater. Bring the whole family!

Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company's Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical runs through September 21, 2025, at the Rodey Theatre, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are all-in $29.50 ($25.00 ticket + $4.50 fees). For tickets and information please visit www.cardboardplayhouse.org or call 505-510-1389.

Co-Directors - Kristin K. Berg and Doug Montoya, Music Director - Xavier Visage, Choreographers - Nate Clifford and Larry Aguilar, Set Designer - Doug Montoya, Costume Designer - Ann Marie Pennington, Lighting Designer - Nicholas Hogan, Hair and Make-up - Crystal Montoya, Sound Designer - Art Martinez.

The Cast: Alysse Anaya, Samuel Appenzeller, Bea Busby, Mandy Busby, Truman Busby, Brinley Clark, Chase Clark, Eleanor DeVries, Gillian DeVries, Rigby Douglas, Scarlet Ecclestone, Matthew Felnick, Julianne Frick, Sophie Frick, Drew Frost, Courtney Gates, Bonnie Gonzales, Brady Gonzales, Jesse Graff, Shepard Graff, Chris Henderson, Kira Henderson, Lilly Henderson, Theo Hill, Catherine (Kit) Hoogeboom, Aurore King, Levushka Kowalik, Marisa Lopez, Noah Lopez, Art Martinez, Andres Meneses Ortega, Olivia Menesses Ortage, Xandra Michell, Carisse Mitchell, Genesis Mitchell, Kelsey Montoya, Audrey Pelton, Ryan Pennington, Jo Pils, Iliana Quinian, Elie Schut, Michael Schut, Robert Schut, Ezrah Sewell, Aiden Sierra, Elanor Wenrich, Emma Wenrich, Lily Mae William-Hobbs, Kayla Wolf, Mabel Zehnder.