Matilda is Coming to Pinelands!

The photo above is the poster for the musical, featuring the protagonist standing in silhouette with the title and showtimes displayed at the bottom of the poster.

Pinelands’ newest musical is Matilda, based on the book by Roald Dahl. Springing off of the popularity of the film adaptation of the musical released on Netflix earlier this year, the Pineland's Drama Department anticipates a “sold-out show”.

The musical tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a child prodigy whose family remains unappreciative and ignorant of her miraculous gifts. She is enrolled in the Trunchbull Academy, a strict and fun-less school led by the evil Agatha Trunchbull. The story evolves as Matilda discovers more about her lovable teacher, Miss Honey, as she and her fellow students stand up against the tyranny that is Miss Trunchbull, and as she finds her place in a world that has so actively fought against her.

I spoke to James Allen, who plays Mr. Wormwood, Matilda’s father. I asked him if he could explain his character.

“Well, my character is someone who is just an idiot, really. He is cocky and rude and completely unresponsive to his daughter’s opinions. For example, he’d call her ‘boy’ and shout at her and rip up her books and things like that. He’s a fun character to play.”

I then asked him how he feels about the show so far?

“I love it. It’s really coming together. These things sort of come together last minute, when the cast realizes how soon the show is and starts taking things seriously. ”

I also spoke to John Allen (no relation to James Allen), who plays Agatha Trunchbull about his transformation for the role.

“There’s the makeup, making me look older, uglier. They put this stuff on my teeth to yellow them. They give me—how should I say it?—prosthetic breasts. So it’s quite a transformation.”

Matilda is a fast-paced and exciting musical with excellent special effects and songs. Tickets and more information is available at Pinelands Thespians. Be sure to see it and support your peers!