Audiences of Lamp Post’s “Matilda: The Musical” are instantly swept into the tale of a young genius with telekinetic powers who wishes to be loved.
Maren Palmer shines as Matilda Wormwood, a child born to self-absorbed and neglectful parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, played by Jolian Brickey and Amanda Dreier.
After proving her brilliance in the school run by the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull (Marla Sitton), Matilda finds the care and affection she longs for from her teacher, Miss Honey (Tianne Nielson). Miss Honey also overcomes heartbreak and escapes her evil aunt’s control with Matilda’s help.
Other standout roles include Matilda’s classmates Lavender (Julia Morris), Amanda (Emberlynn Molina), Nigel (Alexis Shry) and Bruce (Ellia Brickey).
The show features witty dialogue, touching scenes and a wide range of moments that highlight the cast’s talents. A plot twist involving the Escapologist (Jonathan Sandner) and the Acrobat (Amita Crowley) prompted audible gasps from the audience.
The vocal performances of Palmer, Nielson and many other cast members, along with the story of the Escapologist and Acrobat, are among the production’s most memorable elements.
Brickey and Dreier’s comedic performances as the Wormwoods also stand out. Brickey’s short comedic bit at the end of the 15‑minute intermission had the audience laughing and energized for the second half of the play.
The show was accompanied by an orchestra led by Lamp Post co-founder Corinne Sandner. The ensemble featured musicians on keyboard, flutes, clarinets, alto sax, bassoon, trumpets, trombones, guitar, bass and percussion.
Lamp Post co-founder Nicholaus Sandner directed the play, while his daughter Lily Sandner served as stage manager and choreographer. Auditions for the nearly 90-person cast began in November. Rehearsals have taken place steadily since then, often up to four times per week, with late nights leading up to opening weekend.
“Matilda: The Musical” has held six shows so far, with three sold-out performances remaining. The final shows will be staged Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Lamp Post’s website notes that the wait list for canceled tickets is also full.
The show program also announced Lamp Post’s second annual Kid’s Summer Theatre Camp. The two-week camp will feature two one-act musicals performed at its conclusion. The camp runs July 6 through July 18, with end-of-camp shows scheduled for Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
