Anyone who has followed my coverage over the years knows I have some mixed feelings about the musical Matilda. In particular the framing device with Matilda telling the story of an escapologist I don’t think works at all; however, what I do think works really works so I never mind seeing it in spite of its flaws. In fact, I recently had the chance to see a wonderful production of Matilda put on at Timpanogos Arts and it’s one I highly recommend for the whole family.

The first exceptional aspect of this production of Matilda you will notice as soon as you enter the Valentine Theater is the professional set design. It looks as good as anything you’d see in any national touring company with a frame of letters surrounding the stage that lit up during different musical numbers. The sets throughout the show are handsomely mounted but also can easily evolve into the school, chokey, and the Wormwood house or any other scene with ease. In addition, off to both sides of the stage are sets that became Matilda’s room, Miss Honey’s house and the Trunchbull’s office, which is a smart use of space. I also don’t think I have ever seen the final chalkboard writing better executed in a Matilda production than the way they do it here. It is seamless. The scenic design is by Kristyan Williams with lighting by Caleb Wallengren, and I hope all of the local companies have both of them on their radars because they are very gifted.

Speaking of the cast, the night I attended was the Blue cast and they are all to be applauded for their chemistry together and great performances. Marie Ashton brings a lot of pluck and a good British accent to the role of Matilda (and gets the Bulgarian right at the end!) with Weston Klemetson delivering strong vocals and acting as Bruce (one of the more underrated roles of the musical in my opinion.) All the adults are also great especially Emma Austin as one of the best Miss Honey actresses I’ve seen. “My House” is such a critical moment of this musical because it shows that sometimes the quiet protest is equally valid if that’s what we are capable of and Austin sings that song powerfully.

If people know this show they know the song “Telly” is actually sung by Mr Wormwood during intermission. This allows the actor to ad-lib a bit and have fun with the audience. The night I attended John Newall picked me for “Telly” to play with and it was very funny all he had to say about my favorite book Pride and Prejudice LOL. He told me after that some people thought I was a plant because it played so well, which is very funny. I definitely wasn’t but it was a highlight of the night. Dani Klappoth is also a real hoot as Mrs Wormwood, and she’s a pretty good ballroom dancer for the song “Loud” (choreography by Alisa Farnsworth.)

My favorite song of the musical is “The Smell of Rebellion,” which is sung by Trunchbull played by Bryson Alley. He plays the role of Trunchbull like a seasoned veteran who has a lot of experience with this character. He’s not really camping it up, which I’ve seen other performers do. He’s a villain in the best kind of way, which is what makes this song in particular so effective.

I honestly don’t know what else one could ask for in a community theater production of Matilda. Sure I wish I could make changes to the actual show but as far as this production it is outstanding and families will have a great time seeing it together (youth and seniors have discounted prices.) It is playing through July 18th and tickets can be purchased 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.

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