Feel good with MATILDA, THE MUSICAL – now at La Mirada Theatre

MATILDA, THE MUSICAL, based in Roald Dahl’s famous story, is now performing at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts through Nov. 17, 2019, directed by Michael Matthews.

Matilda (played by Audrey Cymone) is a neglected young girl who loves books, has a vivid imagination, and perhaps a bit of magic. Her life is further complicated by the school principal – the mean Miss Trunchbull (played by Michael A. Shepperd). Along with her classmates, Matilda stands against the tyranny of adults and gets herself a happy ending.

At La Mirada, MATILDA, THE MUSICAL is funny and upbeat. The cast of 25 (children and adults) is talented, with Shepperd shining as a hilarious (and enormous) headmistress that gets served justice by the group of amazing kids, including Aaron Tapia as Bruce (who Miss Trunchbull makes eat an entire cake!). Tapia is great in his part, as is Cymone as Matilda, of course. She delivers her songs and her extensive dialogue like a pro. The brilliant group of young performers leave you figuring out what you were doing when you were 10 years old, and most of us were not dancing like The Rockettes!

Those who appreciate dancing will enjoy “Loud,” a number in which Erica Hanrahan (as Mrs. Wormwood) and Russian National Ballroom Champion Danil Cherneyy (as Rudolpho) deliver some fancy mambo steps. All music is performed wonderfully by a 12-piece orchestra, under Jennifer Lin’s musical direction.

Chances are you know the book well, and for sure you will love the musical. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm; Fridays at 8 pm; Saturdays at 2 pm and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. There will be an additional performance on Friday, Nov. 15 at 1 pm, and an ASL-interpreted performance on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2 pm. A talk-back with the cast and creative team will happen on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Tickets range from $20 – $89 and can be purchased at La Mirada Theatre’s website, or by calling the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310. Group discounts are available. $15 Student Tickets are available. The musical is for ages 5 and up. Children under 3 will not be admitted into the theater.

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue (where the 91 and 5 freeways meet). Parking is free.