Matilda

Laura Giknis & Ian Merrill Peakes

The Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa., is presenting Matilda The Musical through January 6^th, 2019 on its mainstage.  Winner of 7 Olivier Awards in London and 11 Tony nominations on Broadway, Matilda The Musical at the Walnut is taking  Philadelphia audiences by storm. Jemma Bleu Greenbaum portrayed Matilda in the opening night production. Her remarkable stage presence belies her years. Ellie Biron will portray Matilda on weekend and holiday nights. There are many moving parts to this tale of a child whose parents cannot appreciate the treasure they have in their midst, preferring to believe that a love of books is stupid. There is an ensemble of children who are in Matilda’s class, additional children who are Matilda’s age or younger, and an ensemble of older school children. Thanks to excellent choreography, these children enter and exit the stage seamlessly, gathering in groups small and large to sing and dance throughout the production. It is a joy to watch. Lyn Philistine and Christopher Sutton as Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood are over-the top dullard parents that you love to hate.  While she is portrayed as a dance enthusiast, it is Christopher Sutton who demonstrates incredible moves of his own. Laura Giknis (Miss Honey) is the personification of the perfect kindergarten teacher with a magical, lilting voice. Ian Merrill Peakes' performance as the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull has everyone in stitches. Not only are the lines inherently humorous, he vamps with the pit orchestra and demonstrates amazing feats of athleticism on the stage floor. There are many reasons to see Matilda The Musical, and none not to. For more information and tickets, call 215-574-3550, 800-892-2787, or visit online at WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.