Matildas: Piper Lebeau and Piera Tamer (this show)
Novato Theatre Company’s “Matilda the Musical” by Roald Dahl shines as magnificent production of a brilliant, book-loving twelve-year-old girl fighting for love and recognition, and what is right.
Matilda finds solace in books and story-telling, and possesses a sharp wit far surpassing her years. Yet at home, she is verbally abused by her dimwit, car-selling father, Mr. Wormwood, portrayed with exaggerated hilarity by Pat Bar. She can find no solace in her deadpan, checked -out brother, Michael, laid-back Samatha Rabb. Mrs. Wormwood, dazzling Melodie Payne, is a whirlwind of energy as she portrays her glittery, flamboyant mother who strives for wealth and glamour. Payne, as Mrs. Wormwood, is a talented show-stopper—all while humiliating her daughter: In the song Loud, she (lectures) in a beautiful voice:
Mrs. Wormwood (Melody Payne), Mr Wormwood (Pat Barr)
“People don’t like smarty pants–That go round claiming–That they know stuff–We don’t know
Now, here’s a tip
What you know matters less–Then the volume with which–You don’t know is expressed
Content has never been less important—so you’ve got to be …loud.”
But Matilda has already set the stage for rebellion shouting “That’s Not Right!”
From the moment Piera Tamer sings, her voice is pure as it is powerful. She exudes confidence beyond her years, whether spinning a tale with quiet intensity or belting out “Naughty”: “But nobody else is gonna put it right for me–Nobody but me is gonna change my story– Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.”
Then there’s Miss Trunchbull, the towering terror of Crunchem Hall, played with spectacular villainous grinch-like mastery by hilarious Jane Harrington. Her performance mesmerizes whether barking out orders to corral and scare students, or executing absurd athletic movements.
Mrs Wormwood (Melody Payne), Miss Trunchbull (Jane harrington)
Matilda summons her courage, and even her newfound powers of telekinesis to stand up for herself and her classmates. She’s become a leader. Along the way, she forms a heartwarming bond with the kind and gentle Miss Honey, Anna Vorperian, who recognizes Matilda’s extraordinary potential. Vorpian, the antithesis of Miss Trunchbull, sooths with her sweet melodious voice, and … there’s a twist!
Mrs. Wormwood (Melody Payne), Miss Honey (Anna Vorperian)
At the helm of this vibrant, high-energy production is director and choreographer Marilyn Izdebski, whose vision and precision are evident throughout the show. It takes remarkable talent to direct and choreograph a cast of 30 children, as well as coordinate the production of the musical. Izdebski accomplishes this with pizzazz. The syncopation of all the children to each song and dance reflects the depth of her direction.
The ensemble sings in perfect harmony, moving as one. Izdebski’s displays extraordinary leadership in her ability to bring out the best in the young performers.
Although “Matilda The Musical” is a joyous, heart-filled story with song and spirit, it reflects the value of rebellion in a world where bullying and intimidation breed. Young stars celebrate courage in the face of subjugation and abuse. This production is a must-see for audiences of all ages.
“Matilda The Musical” Book by Dennis Kelly, Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin, Directed and Choreographed by Marilyn Izdebski, Musical Direction: Judy Wiesen, Stage Manager: Jere Torkelsen, Scenic Designer: Michael Walraven, Set Construction: Perry Nelson, Lighting Designer: Frank Sarubbi, Costume Designer: Adrianna Gutierrez, Sound Design by: Sound Logic, Inc., Musicians: Judy Wiesen, Michael Wray, Jon Bretan, Dean Cook. Presented by NTC – Novato Theater Company, Novato: May 16 to June 8, 2025.For more info: https://www.novatotheatercompany.org
Cast (Adults): Miss Trunchbull – Jane Harrington, Miss Honey – Anna Vorperian, Mr. Wormwood – Pat Barr, Mrs. Wormwood – Melody Payne, Mrs. Phelps – Samantha Maas-Baldwin, Doctor – Shelley Skelton, Escapologist – Kevin Allen, Acrobat – Dana Cherry, Sergei – Shelley Skelton, Rudolpho – Andrew Herold, Mechanic – Jared Gaulding, Henchmen – Kevin Allen, Jared Gaulding, Carly Leahy, Children’s Entertainer – Carly Leahy, Parents: Kevin Allen, Dana Cherry, Andrew Herold, Samantha Maas-Baldwin
Cast (Kids): Leads for Matilda: Piper LeBeau* & Piera Tamer*, Michael – Annabelle Green & Samantha Raab, Lavender – Kylie Cohen* & Kiera Kissling*, Bruce – Ella Brill* & Lyra Wiesen*, Amanda – Poppy Cohn* & Elliott Harrison*, Nigel – James Coniglio* & Nyah Wahle*, Tommy – Olivia Alioto & Bea Cordes, Erica – Coco Brown* & Harper Sims*, Alice – Olivia Hummer* & Serena Ridout*, Hortensia – Aria Ferar & Rose Skelton, Scary Kid – Brynn Williams, Snark Kid – Noelle Allen. * Also Little Kids
Cast (Big Kids): Olivia Alioto, Noelle Allen, Bea Cordes, Aria Ferar, Jared Gaulding, Annabelle Green, Samantha Raab, Rose Skelton, Brynn Williams
Photos: Jere Torkelsen