In a nod to National Reading Month, the Axelrod Performing Arts Center opens “Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical” on Saturday, March 7, running for three weekends through March 22. Directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, this is the musical’s first professional production in Central Jersey and will star New Jersey native Elle Graperas Matilda and Broadway’s Brian Charles Rooney (“The Threepenny Opera”) as Agatha Trunchbull.
Based on the wildly popular children’s book by Roald Dahl (Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, James and The Giant Peach), “Matilda” won four Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway, and received 43 additional international awards including a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards, the U.K.’s most prestigious theater award.
“Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical” is a universal story that speaks to adults as well as children. On its surface it’s a magical story that captures the attention of young people, but its themes are very resonant for today’s world.
“As a director, I embrace the authors’ intention of celebrating the importance of literacy in our society—the power of reading and knowledge,” continues Salgado. “We live in a world that continues to move deeper and deeper into technology, a world that doesn’t value the power of imagination and discovering new worlds within our own minds. ‘Matilda’ is a fantastic story about community, self-empowerment, and what a young person can aspire to be when inspired by a book.”
Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco is excited to have Salgado return for Matilda, especially as it opens during National Reading Month: “This month is designated to motivate Americans of all ages to read every day, and Dahl’s books have become perennial favorites. We hope families will revisit this classic story through our musical production!”
Salgado believes that he’s mostly moved by the character of Matilda herself, “Her resilience and tenacity matches the tenacity of the humans whose stories I live to tell.” This is Salgado’s (Broadway’s “In the Heights” and “On Your Feet” and Cirque du Soleil’s “Paramour”) fourth production for the Axelrod.
Elizabeth Ritacco (Brick, NJ) takes the leading role of Miss Honey, Matilda’s sympathetic teacher. Playing Matilda’s never-loving parents Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood are seasoned New York actors Stephen Petrovich (Lloyd Webber’s “Love Never Dies”) and Sarah Mae Banning (Amazon’s “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”).
Mr. Rooney is making his Jersey Shore debut in the demanding role of the evil headmistress Agatha Trunchbull, having won the prestigious Kurt Weill Foundation’s Lys Symonette Award for Dramatic Excellence for his portrayal of Lucy Brown in The Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of “The Threepenny Opera.”
“Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical” previews on Friday, March 6, at 7:30. All preview seats are $32. The show opens on Saturday, March 7 and runs three weekends through March 22 with tickets ranging from $38-67. Tickets can be purchased at www.axelrodartscenter.com. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more. The theater, which is located at 100 Grant Avenue in Deal Park, N.J., is handicap accessible and provides free, ample parking onsite.
Other Special Events Happening During the Axelrod PAC Run of Matilda, The Musical:
*Jazz dance class with GiaNina (Broadway’s Matilda & Dance Moms) on Saturday, March 14 at 6:00 PM. The price is $75 per person and includes a ticket to see the show at 8:00 PM, a dance class for all ages and levels, a meet and greet with GiaNina and Tik Tok videos.
*Mommy & Me Night will be Thursday, March 19 @ 7:30 PM, special price of $80 for a pair of tickets. Make your own M&M Moose Munch at Intermission.
*In a special fundraising event, the Friends of Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center are offering 200 tickets to Roald Dahl’s “Matilda The Musical” for two shows on Saturday, March 21. Tickets for the 2PM performance are $60 and include chocolate milk and cupcakes at intermission, while tickets for the 8PM performance are $75 and include a wine and dessert reception at intermission. Proceeds will benefit the organization.
Two very lucky Macaroni Kid Lincroft-Holmdel-Tinton Falls subscribers will each win a pair of tickets to see Matilda at the Axelrod PAC this March! Simply click here to enter for your chance to win. All entries must be received by February 28th at 12:00 p.m. to be eligible for the drawing. One entry per person, per day. Good luck!
