Theatre Under the Stars: Matilda

The thought of going to a musical where much of the singing is done by children terrifies me. The only show I would go to willingly would be Annie, based on the strength of the songs. Plus they have Miss Hannigan! 

So when I learned that the alternate show at Theatre Under the Stars this year was going to be Matilda, I was not overly thrilled. But hey, give them a chance right? And boy am I glad I did!

If I was hankering for a dose of Miss Hannigan, well I got it in spades with Matilda's headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, played by Jyla Robinson. Add in a pair of hilariously child-hating parents, played by Victor Hunter & Madeleine Suddaby, and you've got a winning recipe for a terrific family night out! 

Siggi Kaldestad does a fantastic job portraying the lead character, Matilda, and brings new inspiration to young actors everywhere. 

Much like the counterpart show this season, The Prom, there is also a Netflix movie version of this musical, and it too falls flat in comparison to seeing it live, especially outdoors under a shimmering summer sky. 

Matilda is on now at Theatre Under the Stars until August 26! Don't miss out! 

 

Theatre Under the Stars: The Prom

 I was very hesitant to go see The Prom at Theatre Under the Stars for two reasons. One, I had seen the movie The Prom on Netflix and thought it was terrible. I had friends tell me they've seen the Broadway production and that it was way better than the movie adaptation. Okay, fine. 

The second reason is that I remember Theatre Under the Stars from many years ago when I would go to a show and be disappointed, though I have heard that they have gotten a lot better since the days I used to attend. 

Opening night on Tuesday for The Prom was filled with excitement. It was a lovely summer evening. The perfect one really to go out and catch an outdoor musical theatre production. Ambiance, check. 

When the show began, I still had my reservations. The material itself wasn't strong, at least not for an opening number. But then the leads all came out, including Caitriona Murphy as divalicious Dee Dee Murphy. 

The story revolves around a group of New York actors continually failing and flailing on Broadway, who take it upon themselves to do a good deed in order to get audience approval. Their good deed turns out to be a teenage lesbian trying to take her girlfriend to the school prom in smalltown, Indiana. Anna Pontin charms as the teenage lesbian. 

By the end of the show, I was a complete recruit. I thoroughly enjoyed the musical The Prom, and this production from Theatre Under The Stars was of the highest calibre. It was funny and touching and everyone in the show was talented and gave it their all. Keep an eye out for a backflip that will leave you gawking in awe. 

Pride in Vancouver is coming up and this celebratory show about fighting for LGBTQ2+ rights is the perfect way to kick off the season. And you're outdoors in this lovely summer weather, watching a musical underneath the night sky! How perfect is that?! 

The Prom is on now at Theatre Under the Stars at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, alternating with the musical Matilda, now until August 25th! Don't miss out!