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7 reasons you must see ‘Matilda The Musical’
Truth be told, it felt like unnecessary punishment entering Meralco Theater on a Saturday for the matinee run of "Matilda": There were too many kids, they were all loud, and the anxiety emanating from parents and guardians was too palpable.
But as soon as the play started, it felt like a reward for a long week.
This is the first time the award-winning musical is being staged in the Philippines since it was translated to theater (from book) in 2006. But it doesn’t seem like it because Atlantis Production is doing such swell job. From the set, to the costumes, to the actors, they've got it all down pat. Below, we go specific.
1. Jamie Wilson as Miss Trunchbull. Picking a male actor — a talented male thespian, may we emphasize — to play a role of a terror teacher is a stroke of genius.
Atlantis actually just follows the 'Matilda' tradition in other productions across the world — the original Royal Shakespeare Company has David Shannon playing the terror miss teacher. But Wilson is absolutely brilliant as the head mistress.
Wilson’s build lends Miss Trunchbull the necessary terror for the role of a large bully, his male features emphasizing the hateful head mistress’ vindictiveness.
On the flip side however, his manly build is also responsible for so much laughs in the play; wait for the gym scene where Ms Trunchbull is dressed accordingly. Besides, Wilson is excellent in delivering those punchy British lines.
2. The burp soliloquy. Act 1 of "Matilda" ends with the terrifying scene of Ms Trunchbull making Bruce eat an entire chocolate cake. In the middle of the horror however, is a sequence that proves to be a comic relief.
It’s when Bruce burps and the whole scene, utilizing the same game-changing slow-mo effect popularized by the movie "The Matrix", takes a pause with Bruce doing a hilarious monologue...about his burp.
The awesome thing about this? As much as it sounds like it, it’s the farthest thing from icky humor; the script is so well-written, and in the case of Atlantis Production, so well-executed, you’d laugh in delight.
3. Cris Villonco as Miss Honey. Cris is perfect as Miss Honey, the sweet and demure teacher, who is the opposite of Miss Trunchbull in every respect. As perfectly she plays the meek and “pathetic” parts of her character, Cris also hits the large, powerful notes necessary in her songs that audiences can and will get lost in them. So talented!
4. The character Rudolpho. It’s such a small part, a cameo even but he is so hilarious. He is the writers’ demonstration of their knack for that comedic timing. Besides, he gives Matilda another element, which parents and adult companions of its audiences will appreciate.
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5. The play’s empowering stance. Do you remember the last time you fought for your right with just a little naughtiness? Matilda always gets punished, but she’s never defeatist. She disputes her father with a little naughty trick; she helps her classmate by standing up to Ms. Trunchbull with a little white lie.
That snippets of the song “Naughty” — specifically the lines "but that's not right" — are repeated throughout the play should encourage broken and tired adults in the audience to plow through their life with a little twinkle of mischief in their eye.
6. The realist ending. Unlike children’s fairytales where happily ever afters are the expected endings, "Matilda" ends in a not-so-perfect way — which is great. It’s nowhere near sad, don't get us wrong. Instead, everybody gets a nice sense of resolution, which is how life is no?
7. The play’s ease and flow. Because it is for kids, "Matilda" eases its way into the beginning of both its acts in such a fun manner, pulling the children’s attention without them knowing it and gripping them into attention until suddenly, the play has already started.
It is a technique meant for children, we know, but adults in the audience also benefit from the lax and unhurried flow of the moment. It almost feels like you’re out having fun, instead of being the responsible adult taking care of the kids. — LA, GMA News
Matilda the Musical will run from November 10 to December 10 at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas, Pasig. Fridays will have one showing at 8pm, while Saturdays and Sundays will have a matinee at 2pm in addition to the 8pm show. Tickets start at P1,500. Ticketworld.
