Midtown Production’s “Matilda” will keep you smiling cheek to cheek from start to finish. This is a revitalization of the magic of live theatre

During the turn of the century, theatre was an escape to a place of imagination and wonder.  Combining extravagant color-rich sets and costumes, stories pulled from the pages of our greatest literary talents and songs and storylines that provided a reprieve from the trials of life, theatre was a place where dreams came true.

Led by the direction of Ryan C. Ahlert, musical direction of Laura Ball, choreography design by Megan Pue and a cast of 14 adults and 22 children, Midtown Productions has brought that magic back with an unforgettable evening of music, triumph, imagination and a reminder of the power of children.

At its core, Matilda is a story of kindness, intelligence, friendship, warmth and love of childhood that is cast a cloud of evil and ignorance from the adult world eating its way to the core of untapped innocence.  As we all know, the unbreakable strength of young dreamers with vision and imagination always find a way to break through light from darkness and that is the power of this production.

This is a story of triumph told from the eyes of our most beloved and loveable force, our children. 

Lacy Burbage is an 11 year old powerhouse as Matilda.  Her poise and presence, beautiful voice and charming sensitivity and subtle confidence shine in every scene.  This young talent whose entrance into the acting community at age 7 clearly shows she is well on her way to an incredible career in live theatre and a shining star over Charleston.

The real-life husband and wife team of Andrea and Michael Catangay are amazing as Mrs. and Mr. Wormwood.  Almost as if they were pulled from a vaudevillian act, their timing, zany behavior and energetic presence made it difficult to view them as the ignorant villains.  By the end you felt empathetic compassion for these two lost souls.

During intermission, Michael Catangay makes a surprise entrance stage center to initiatively begin what seemed to be an improve, audience participation stage act.  Staying completely in character, he brought the audience and stage together in a hysterical interlude.

Scenery:  Using cleverly placed scenery and props, the audience was taken seamlessly from Matilda’s home, to the library, classroom, playground and finally her imaginary visualization of her beautiful storytelling.  The stage crew designed a set that let the story flow with harmony.

Sometimes the greatest language barrier is the one between child and adult and where the character of Miss Honey plays the most critical role.  Portrayed with charm by Elizabeth Ludlam, a Junior Musical Theatre Major and Spanish Minor student at the Catholic University of America, this character is the voice of reason in an otherwise upside-down world.  Her own personal journey finding herself lost between youth and adulthood.  In the passion of Matilda, she finds a moment of clarity and affirmation.  This relationship between Matilda and Miss Honey brings the focus of this story to the core of its central theme of love, enlightenment, and hope.

There is something special on stage during this 2 ½ hour production.  Something that is meaningful and purposeful. 

Midtown Productions has set the stage of bringing the acting community together for a purpose.  This adult and young adult cast who find unity is just the catalyst we all need.

Looking out at the sold out playhouse and hearing the laughter and cheers was all you needed to see to know you were witnessing a huge success.

Make time in the next two weeks to see this uplifting night of live entertainment.

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