‘MATILDA’ MAKES MAGIC AT WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE

Samara McDonald stars as Matilda, a child with an extraordinary imagination, in ‘Matilda the Musical,’ now showing at Waterfront Playhouse. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

The award-winning musical “Matilda” opens at the Waterfront Playhouse on Thursday, Jan. 13 and will play at 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays through Jan. 29.

Inspired by the twisted genius of author Roald Dahl, who wrote “James and the Giant Peach” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” the Tony Award-winning “Matilda the Musical” revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. “Matilda” has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill audiences of all ages around the world.

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents, but impresses her teacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other’s lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize, but also to appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. 

Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the students’ saving grace.

The show includes high-energy dance numbers, vibrant music, dazzling sets and costumes.

Under the direction of Tom Thayer, choreography by Penny Leto, Lauren Thompson and Joshua Lawson, technical direction  by Michael Boyer, lighting design by Kim Hanson, musical direction by Nancy 3 Hoffman, sound design by Ben Pegg, stage management by Trish Manley and costume design by Costume World, the large cast features: Samara MacDonald as Matilda, David Black as the evil Miss Trunchbull, Jessica Miano Kruel as Miss Honey, Lauren Thompson and Mathias Maloff as Matilda’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, Barbara Mundy as librarian Mrs. Phelps, Joshua Lawson as Rudolpho and HonahLeigh McConnell, Isabella Hunter, Ashlyn Picco,  Sutton Sayer, Juliana Strunk, Dianna Holliman, Zyaire Allen, Phineas Haskell, Julien Gehin, Arthur Crocker, Ervin Tumm, James Harcup, Angelina Diaz, Mia Cawvey,  Jillian Todd and Heather May Sloan as students, parents and ensemble.

Waterfront Playhouse COVID policies:

  • Masks are required at the Waterfront Playhouse and are available at the box-office window. Please note: performers are not required to wear masks during the performance.
  • Every guest must present written proof of a negative COVID-19 test no older than 72 hours. Proof of a negative test within 72 hours will be waived for any guest who voluntarily presents written proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.
  • For questions, call the box office at 305-294-5015.