Jack BlackI was thrilled to learn that I’d be attending Matilda The Musical this past Sunday. My mother and sister had the chance to see the musical in New York a couple of weeks ago and couldn’t stop raving about how awesome it was – which in turn made me a wee bit jealous. You see, growing up Matilda (starring Mara Wilson) was one of my favorite movies and the mere thought of seeing it in musical form filled me nostalgic glee.

Bryce Ryness in the National Tour of “Matilda The Musical.” Based on the beloved novel by best-selling author Roald Dahl, “Matilda The Musical” has a book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and is directed by Matthew Warchus. “Matilda The Musical” will be presented May 29 – July 12, 2015, at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre. For tickets and information, please visit CenterTheatreGroup.org or call (213) 972-4400. Contact: CTGMedia@CenterTheatreGroup.org / (213) 972-7376 Photo by Joan Marcus

Courtesy of CTG Media

Now, if you know me you know that I’m a huge fan of musicals, but this by far was unlike than any one I’ve ever attended. The very first number completely blew me away. The children performers were absolutely flawless. From what I could tell, every note, 8-count and mark was hit. They commanded the audience’s attention and impressed us with their professionalism.

 

Matilda, played by Mia Sinclair Jenness, was the sweetest little actress I’ve ever seen and Miss Trunchbull, played by Bryce Ryness, was the comedic relief that the ensemble needed. Quinn Mattfeld and Cassie Silva, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, introduced the audience to new depths of the neglectful parents than we’ve witnessed in the film – something that was charmingly unexpected.

Mia Sinclair Jenness and the Company of “Matilda The Musical” National Tour. Based on the beloved novel by best-selling author Roald Dahl, “Matilda The Musical” has a book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and is directed by Matthew Warchus. “Matilda The Musical” will be presented May 29 – July 12, 2015, at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre. For tickets and information, please visit CenterTheatreGroup.org or call (213) 972-4400. Contact: CTGMedia@CenterTheatreGroup.org / (213) 972-7376 Photo by Joan Marcus

Courtesy of CTG Media

I genuinely enjoyed the musical. The creativity of the set designs paired with the musical orchestrations was the perfect topping to a great evening.

L-R: Danny Tieger, Cassie Silva and Quinn Mattfeld in the National Tour of “Matilda The Musical.” Based on the beloved novel by best-selling author Roald Dahl, “Matilda The Musical” has a book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and is directed by Matthew Warchus. “Matilda The Musical” will be presented May 29 – July 12, 2015, at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre. For tickets and information, please visit CenterTheatreGroup.org or call (213) 972-4400. Contact: CTGMedia@CenterTheatreGroup.org / (213) 972-7376 Photo by Joan Marcus

Courtesy of CTG Media

I could tell that everyone involved worked extremely hard to make this a night to remember for the audience. Seeing Jenness so overjoyed in the closing number literally brought tears to my eyes. I left feeling so proud of the cast and can’t wait to come back for more.

 

 

If you live in the Los Angeles area, Matilda The Musical will be hitting the stage from now until July 12th. Be sure to check them out while they’re in our backyard! You won’t be disappointed.

IMG_3421

Ashley Rey is a young, single mom residing in Los Angeles, by way of Detroit. She blogs about her life’s experiences on her personal site, bashinla.com, and is also a contributor for HipHopBattle.com where she writes on topics ranging from racism in America to Hip-Hop “Think” pieces. You can find her on instagram and twitter @bashinla, and keep up with she and her 23-month-old son by watching her weekly recap vlogs on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/bashinlavlog.