Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin
October 4 – November 5, 2023
Directed by Brian Weaver
Music Directed by Eric Nordin
Choreography by Kemba Shannon
To change the world, it takes a little genius
Are you ready for the tale of a pint-sized genius who's about to show the world what true brainpower can accomplish?
Matilda the Musical, inspired by the classic Roald Dahl story, is brought to life in a spectacular display of music, dance, and pure imagination.
Our heroine is a precocious young girl who's stuck with a family that doesn't appreciate her intellect or her love of books. But Matilda is no ordinary child – she's got a magical mind, and with the help of her kind-hearted teacher Miss Honey, she navigates the challenges of school, family, and a truly terrifying principal – Miss Trunchbull.
If you're looking for a show that'll make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the underdogs, Matilda is the perfect choice. It's a critically acclaimed musical, full of heart, humor, and some seriously catchy tunes.
Matilda the Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company. With a book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, this show is the winner of over 100 international awards, including 24 for Best Musical.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets now and join Matilda on her epic journey to rewrite the rules and change the world. You won't regret it!
PRESS
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
- New York Times: 'TRULY REVOLUTIONARY. The most satisfying and subversive musical ever to come out of Britain.’
- Variety: 'AN EXPLOSION OF JOY. So riotously enjoyable its future could be limitless.'
- The Hollywood Reporter: 'DAZZLINGLY INVENTIVE WITH CONSIDERABLE MAGIC. I can't wait to see it again.'
- Bloomberg: 'YOU WON'T WANT TO LEAVE. A deliriously amusing, malevolent, heartwarming, head-spinning world.'
Creative Team
Director: Brian Weaver
Choreographer: Kemba Shannon
Music Director: Eric Nordin
Stage Manager, Vocal Coach & Covid Compliance Officer: Cassie Greer*
Assistant Stage Manager & Director of Production: Thyra Hartshorn*
Associate Choreographer and Child Wrangler: Voni Kengla^
Scenic & Lighting Designer: Dan Meeker~
Costume Designer: Wanda Walden
Assistant Costume Designer: Dayna Lucas
Hair Designer: Tessa May
Cultural Competency Consultant: Keela Johnson
Head Carpenter & Props: Tim Finlayson
Carpenter & Props: Ryann St Julien
Scenic Artist: Bei Yi Teo^
Head Electrician: Allison Blaine
Assistant Head Electrician: Abby Jacquin
Sound & Video Engineer: Saibi Khalsa
Design Apprentice: Dylan Nebeker+
Cast
Miss Honey: Merideth Kaye Clark*
Mr. Wormwood/Escapologist: Michael Feldman*
Mrs. Wormwood/Acrobat: Dana Green*
Mrs. Phelps/Big Kid: Claire Rigsby
Doctor/Cook/Sergei/Big Kid: Alec Lugo & Benjamin Tissell*
Michael Wormwood/Rudolpho/Party Entertainer/Big Kid: Austin Comfort*
Nurse/Big Kid: Netty McKenzie^
Ensemble, U/S Trunchbull, Miss Honey, Mrs. Wormwood: Voni Kengla^
Matilda Wormwood: Lily Francis
Matilda Wormwood :Georgia Krugel
Matilda Wormwood: Nia Scott
Bruce: Mia Roman
Bruce: Henry Tullis
Lavender/Ensemble: Chenoa Johnson
Lavender/Ensemble: Arden Thorsell
Amanda/Ensemble: Claire de la Cruz
Amanda/Ensemble: Madeline Cromer
Nigel/Ensemble: James Lovely
Nigel/Ensemble: Ever Thorsell
Eric/Ensemble: Estella Lindhorst
Eric/Ensemble:Tucker Karsten
Alice/Ensemble: Morgane Hepburn
Alice/Ensemble: Margot Weaver
Hortensia/Ensemble: Zahara Beamer
Hortensia/Ensemble: Mila Kashiwabara
Lily/Ensemble: Elliette Weaver
Lily/Ensemble: Olivia Cho-McDonald
Big Kid/Ensemble: Zae’lyn Chadwick
Big Kid/Ensemble: Imani Hill
Mr. Wormwood/ Escapologist/ Michael/ Rudolpho/ Party Entertainer/ Big Kid: Alec Lugo
U/S Mrs. Phelps & Ensemble: Kathryn Hasson+
U/S Nurse: Monika Milani+
Youth U/S for Bruce/ Eric/ Lavender/ Amanda: Alex Osserman
Youth U/S for Hortensia: Finley Wright
Appears as courtesy of Actor's Equity
Portland Playhouse Apprentice Company Member
Former Portland Playhouse Apprentice Company Member
Statement from Portland Playhouse
As we embark on the journey of presenting Matilda the Musical, based on a novel by Roald Dahl, we wish to acknowledge his complex legacy.
Roald Dahl has written stories that have been loved by generations. He was also a writer who made anti-Semetic statements, and engaged in racism, misogyny & transphobia.
In presenting Matilda the Musical, we do not endorse Roald Dahl's views, or ignore the harm he’s caused. Rather, we see an opportunity to engage in a broader conversation about the complicated intersections of art and societal values. We believe in the transformative power of theatre to open minds, stir dialogue, and promote understanding.
We are excited to tell this story about a community who encourage and help each other to face their fears and oppressive forces head on (and thrive despite them!) As we bring Matilda’s story to life on our stage, we hope it serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against prejudice, advocating for fairness, and always striving to learn and grow. May we all feel inspired to share our own stories through imagination, risk taking, dialogue, and radical JOY.
Thank you to our Show Sponsors
Interested in Getting Involved?
We are always looking for volunteers as well as apprentices, crew members and corporate partnerships.