This April I was invited to attend the Salt Lake County Adaptive Recreation’s production of Matilda Jr. As this is a unique production for young adults with intellectual disabilities I didn’t think I could do a traditional review (it’s also only about 35 minutes so wouldn’t qualify anyway.) So I decided to wait until their next production is looking for talent and hopefully help promote the good they are doing

Like I said, this production features performers with intellectual disabilities and features selection of the songs and dialogue from a Broadway musical like Matilda. What I thought was most impressive about what they are doing here is each actor has an assistant behind them telling them the lines and helping them know what to do for their part. This obviously is more demanding for some students than others but I was amazed at how seamless it all was with the teachers behind the students making sure the performer has all of the spotlight. It wasn’t awkward or halting in any way. They could not have pulled it off any better, which was very heartwarming to see young people participating in something they might not otherwise be able to do.

The most impressive performance came from Lisha playing Trunchbull. She got into character the most and even had a convincing British accent. It is easy to tell she is the star pupil of the group but everyone appeared to have an empowering experience on stage.

The production was directed by Kylee Crane with Miranda Moon producing. Crane says in her directors notes “these performers are so hard working and I am very lucky to be called their director.” I felt lucky to be in the audience enjoying the whole experience. The show takes place in one of the classrooms at the Copperville Rec Center and the sets, lighting and props are kept to a minimum to help the students focus on the songs.

Coming up next for the center is their production of High School Musical Jr and anyone with intellectual disabilities 15+ can sign up to participate. Rehearsals are from 5-7pm and begin June 8th (performances August 13-14th so it is a serious commitment to participate.) There is also a $65 fee for participation. More information can be found here.

Matilda features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly based on the Roald Dahl classic novel. It first appeared on Broadway in 2013 and the West End in 2011.

If you enjoy my writing and would like me to review your production I’d love to. I also have a patreon which is a great way to support my shorter logs for shows I don’t get to review. I have some really fun perks. Please take a look here.