Theater Review: 'Matilda The Musical'

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

The children of Greater Waterbury Children’s Theatre got to be “A Little Bit Naughty” this weekend in their inaugural production of “Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical.” The show has a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics written by Tim Minchin, of course based on the book of the same name by Dahl.

Co-founder and Executive Director Ben Orlando, with the help of his sister Danielle Orlando directed the young performers, some of them for the very first time. So many students joined the company created by Theater Kids for Theater Kids that the show was double-cast. The Red Cast and the Blue Cast alternate performances and most of the named roles are shared. I was given the opportunity to attend two performances so that I could see the work of both casts.

The Red Cast is led wonderfully by Lillian Wood in the role of Matilda. On opening night, Elena Welcome slays the role of the mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, stomping about the stage with wonderful ferocity.

I could not take my eyes off of Hanalei Cocchiola as she portrayed the meek Miss Honey, Matilda’s first teacher. Chance Simmon gets to play the fun role of Miss Phelps, the librarian who is in awe of Matilda’s stories. Another member of the Welcome family, William Welcome, has a great time playing the great role of Bruce.

I got to see Christopher Zold take on the riotous role of Matilda’s clueless father Mr. Wormwood on opening night and he was a riot. Zold shares the role with Kaiden Betances. Maileigh Byrnes is perfectly cast in the role of Mrs. Wormwood, and plays the character at all performances.

Turi Rish has the one word answers as Matilda’s brother Michael and also plays the “Loud” judge. Khloe Morris shines in the role of Matilda’s best friend at school, Lavender. Lillian Dotson-Kelly plays Amanda and Felipe Tavares plays the student Nigel. Rome Parciasepe covers the roles of Eric and a “Loud” dancer.

It was easy to spot Aliza Cocchiola in both casts in her role as Alice. Ainsley Drewry plays the student Hortensia and Charlotte Kacani plays Tommy. Joslyn Martinez covers the role of the cook and is a “Loud” dancer. Kudos to Hannah Cady, who uses her excellent singing voice to play the doctor in the first scene with both casts.

Inaaya Wilson gets to play the title role with the Blue Cast and sings well in what marks her first time on stage. Aaliyah Allen takes on the evil role of Trunchbull with the Blue Cast and does well. Jaylah Pacheco takes on the role of Miss Honey and is a great young singer.

Marissa Rodriguez plays the role of Miss Phelps well with this cast and Grace Denihan takes on the yummy role of Bruce with this cast. In her dark wig, I had trouble locating this talented young performer on the stage, but when she got in place for “Bruce,” I enjoyed every minute of her performance.

Domenic Bonaiuto plays brother Michael, London Mejia is a delight as Lavender and Charley Stankus plays Amanda. Ryder Fortin plays Nigel with the Blue Cast and Noah Moreno covers the roles of Eric and a “Loud” dancer. Saraiya Gonzalez plays Hortensia with the Blue Cast. Janielly Saldana plays Tommy and Marlina Bosques plays the cook.

Jackson Silvestre is wonderful in the role of the Escapologist with both casts and has one of the best costumes. Amiyah Coggins does well as the Child Entertainer and Henchman Two with both casts and Luna Saraci is the lovely acrobat with both casts. With both casts are Felicity Van Stone as the dancer Rudolpho, Romir Saraci as Henchman One, Aurora Bourgoin as a “Loud” judge and Bella G. Parciasepe as a “Loud” dancer.

Kudos to the “Big Kids” ensemble who play upperclassmen at Matilda’s school and the adorable nine members of “The Littles,” the little kids ensemble.

The adorable costumes were put together by the Orlando siblings, with props by Cinthia Pacheco. I loved the set design by Chris Van Duzer, Kevin Dumbroski, Tom Van Stone and Pat Tatnall. The technical aspects of both performances had many challenges that will hopefully improve for the closing weekend.

Bob Tansley, who is currently at the helm of Senior Citizen Peter Pan with Golden Years Theatre Company, acted as producer for the production. Deanell Fraser choreographed the spirited dance numbers and Jackie Harris-Stone serves as music director and conducts the ten-piece orchestra that sounded great. Kathryn Van Stone is credited as “Music Mom” and Melissa Buonato offered her assistance with fundraising. Thank you to the long list of parent volunteers that helped to get this show on the stage for these talented students.

Congratulations to the up and coming performers, and the adults that worked with them, on an impressive inaugural production. Remaining performances at Rotella Magnet School are Friday and Saturday at 7p.m. and the closing matinee on Sunday at 1p.m.