Anyway: Wow. Matilda Jr. is an impressive show — incorporating LOTS of youngsters in a wide range of ages into a well choreographed, fast moving, energized production. Kudos to director/choregrapher Jocelyn France, assisted by Elena Forman.
All the leads a very good: Nadia Cuthrell as sweet sympathetic Miss Honey, Liam Van Der Heide as despicable Mr. Wormwood, Ella Koenigsknecht as selfish, mean Mrs. Wormwood, Taylor Stallings as the overfed Bruce, Molly Tait as Mrs. Phelps enthralled with Matilda’s stories, Ollie MacDonald as the vain, over-the-top dancer Rudolpho…. there really was not a weak link. And Olivia Hallan was a delight as our heroine, Matilda — just the right mix of woebegone and rebellious, and with a lovely voice.
The highlight of the show, however, was Simon Rebeck as Miss Trunchbull. I have enjoyed the full version of this show at both Lebowsky and Evolve, and I must say, Simon is right up there with the stellar Garrett Bradley and Bill Henson, despite his young age (I think 18 is the limit for All-of-us) he acted a convincing 40-plus in age, and had the physical discipline and overbearing, vicious glee to dominate the production in more ways than one.
See this show; you will like it even if you do not have children in it.
Matilda Jr. continues through August 7 at the East Lansing Hannah Center. Tickets at https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/allofus