After multiple lockdowns and virtual performances, we are extremely excited to see the return of a live Senior Years Production. Based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel by the same name, ‘Matilda the Musical’ is a magical show that will appeal to the entire MGGS community. The show takes you into the life of Matilda Wormwood, a precocious five-year-old girl who has a vivid imagination, a love of reading, and some extraordinary powers.
She struggles to live with her television-loving family, the Wormwoods. Fortunately, her nurturing teacher Miss Honey who, unlike her family, sees Matilda’s special talents and takes her in. It’s a hopeful story that sees Matilda stand up for what she truly believes in and bravely overcomes the cruelty of her parents and her frightening headmistress Miss Trunchbull. Along the way, she teaches us all that “sometimes you’ve got to be a little bit naughty”!
THE CAST
Our talented and hardworking cast comprises of 30 MGGS students from Years 9 to –12, with the support of some students from Melbourne Grammar. After a couple of years of online rehearsal and productions, these students have returned to the stage with gusto.
They have participated in singing, dancing and acting workshops and supported each other with a wonderful sense of enthusiasm and fun. Whilst they make it look easy, they have committed to many full-day rehearsals to bring the magic of this show to light.
THE SET
Like some of the themes of this wonderful production, the set is certainly larger than life. Our very talented facilities team has reconstructed a set brought all the way from Gippsland. This magical world of the Wormwoods’ house and Crunchham Hall is bursting out of Ross Hall. Our wonderful backstage crew keeps track of the huge range of props and set movements to support the seamless transformations of worlds.
More than 25 students will be assisting with various backstage roles, including crew, microphone technicians, lighting, sound operators, makeup and hair, and ushers. The backstage crew are just as important as the main cast and helps make the show run smoothly.
THE MUSIC
‘Matilda’ features a complex musical score by Tim Minchin, which draws on rich musical traditions from the world of music theatre, opera, vaudeville, rock and pop. Songs cover a gamut of emotions, from the nostalgia of ‘When I Grow Up’ to the battle cry of ‘Revolting Children’, and Minchin is renowned for his clever lyrics and musical wit. It is hard to imagine a better creative spirit to bring Dahl’s characters to life.
Tickets are on sale now and will sell quickly, so to avoid disappointment, reserve your spot now.
