Photo courtesy of Ann Willets
By Mary Ann Bourbeau | mbourbeau@tworivertimes.com
DEAL PARK – Luis Salgado didn’t hesitate when he was asked to direct and choreograph Central Jersey’s first professional production of “Matilda the Musical,” which begins at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center March 6.
“I adore Andrew (DePrisco, artistic director) and Jess (Levy, founding CEO) and the stage and the people I’ve worked with there,” said Salgado, who was previously involved in the theater’s productions of “In the Heights,” “Ragtime” and “Aida.”
Salgado is leading a cast of 36; 19 are kids he can challenge, nurture and guide through this slightly different version of Roald Dahl’s classic story, which won seven Olivier Awards and four Tony Awards.
“In our version, Matilda is an immigrant to the United States – New Jersey in particular,” said Salgado. “I came to the states under the same circumstances. As I get deeper into the material, I have a desire to further comprehend the story. I have so much passion for it because I realize Matilda is also an immigrant inside her own family.”
The daughter of abusive parents, Matilda Wormwood finds refuge in library books and in creating her own stories. In school, she faces a tyrannical headmistress but finds companionship in a shy teacher, Miss Honey. When Matilda discovers her own special powers, she and Miss Honey each learn to take control of their own destiny.
“I’m having fun,” said Salgado. “The kids get to be rascals – naughty and revolting,” he said. “I take my hat off to the children in this show and the parents who support them.”
Matilda stars New Jersey native Elle Graper in the title role, Broadway’s Brian Charles Rooney (“The Threepenny Opera”) as headmistress Agatha Trunchbull, Elizabeth Ritacco of Brick as Miss Honey, Stephen Petrovich (“Love Never Dies”) as Mr. Wormwood and Sarah Mae Banning (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) as Mrs. Wormwood.
“I’m loud and proud to be playing Matilda’s horrible mother,” said Banning, referencing some of the lyrics in her big stage number.
Rooney, who was raised in North Jersey, is looking forward to his Jersey Shore debut portraying the evil headmistress.
“My career has been full of characters for which I’ve had to transform physically,” he said. “I have a lot of skill with makeup. The biggest thing is the physicality and tone of her voice, and managing the extremes of her personality, from calm to out of control. She’s a little Miss Hannigan and a little Jersey Housewife gone bad.”
Rooney is having fun exploring those extremes and trying to find a softer side of Miss Trunchbull while never letting the audience forget how horrible she is.
“I have an unusual voice, almost four octaves, so I try to employ those things,” he said. “It can throw you off when I’m 6-and-a-half-feet tall in heels and you get this sound coming out of this monster that’s like an operetta.”
DePrisco is excited to host “Matilda” at the Axelrod in March, which is 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,” he said. “We hope families will revisit this classic story through our musical production.”
Several special events have been tied in with the musical. Thursday, March 12 is Ladies Night, with a special price of $50 that includes wine and chocolate cake at intermission. Monmouth County resident GiaNina Paolantonio, who played Matilda on Broadway, will host a jazz dance class that includes a ticket to the show that evening. Tickets are $75. Mommy & Me Night is Thursday, March 19, where attendees can make M&M Moose Munch at intermission. Tickets are $80 a pair.
In a special fundraising event, the Friends of Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center is offering 200 tickets for two shows on Saturday, March 21. Tickets for the 2 p.m. performance are $60 and include chocolate milk and cupcakes at intermission. Tickets for the 8 p.m. performance are $75 and include a wine and dessert reception. Proceeds will benefit the organization.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to fundraise with this fun-filled, unique theatrical experience,” said Peter Boser, chair of the Friends of Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center. “ ‘Matilda’ speaks to adults as well as children and its themes resonate with our mission to provide support to children suffering from abuse. Like the main character Miss Honey, every child needs an advocate.”
Rooney is pleased to be involved in this production that focuses on the wellness of society’s youngest members.
“Children are our future,” he said. “How we teach them and the example we show them matters so much.”
“Matilda the Musical” runs from March 6-22. Tickets are $38 to $67 and are available at axelrodartscenter.com.
Arts and entertainment reporter Mary Ann Bourbeau can be reached at mbourbeau@tworivertimes.com.
The article originally appeared in the March 5-11, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
