Go see this one, or I’ll send you to the chokey. **said in my most convincing Miss Truchbull voice. š
Running now through February 13 at The Taft Theatre, The Childrenās Theatre of Cincinnatiās Matilda The Musical JR. is a must-see!
Matilda The Musical JR. is creatively produced by the talented team at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. The stage will catch your eye immediately with hints at what’s to come in the show incorporated throughout the set design. The dance numbers are professionally polished and could easily be Broadway bound. Many moments will have you laughing, like the newt in her knickers. (If you know, you know š.) Miss Trunchbull is cast and costumed to perfection including her signature unibrow and weight belt. Best of all, Matilda’s performance is stunning. That little girl has a BIG lesson to teach all of us. Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.
It’s no secret that we are big fans of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Productions. Have you read my blog 6 Reasons to Take Your Family to See a Show from The Childrenās Theatre of Cincinnati? This performance did not disappoint.
The Childrenās Theatre of CincinnatiāsĀ Matilda The Musical JR. is a BIG hit for ages 4+.
While performances by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati welcome children of all ages, this one is recommended for ages 4+. There were 3 year olds sitting behind me who were a bit squirmy at times but seemed highly engaged, so it really just depends on what you think your kids can handle.
This performance is yet another big win in our book because all 3 kids loved it (5, 8 & 10)! Among our favorite parts were:
- I loved the shadow play during Matilda’s storytelling. It was brilliantly executed and illustrated her LARGER THAN LIFE imagination in a creative and entertaining way!
- My 5 year old had her eyes glued to the stage the whole time but particularly loved the choreographed kids dance scenes. I caught her grooving in her seat.
- My 8 year old loved the scene where the boy was forced to eat the entire chocolate cake – excellent ‘theatre magic’ there.
- My 10 year old had a hard time choosing her favorite part, but was in awe at the young girl who played Matilda.
Haven’t read the book or seen the movie? There’s still so much to love about The Childrenās Theatre of Cincinnatiās Matilda The Musical JR.
We are HUGE fans of the movie with Danny DeVito. If you need a little backstory, Matilda, is a loveably curious and brave little girl with a fantastic imagination. Her parents don’t see her potential and treat her like she’s a bother. Matilda is incredibly smart and absolutely loves to read, yet her mother clearly believes ‘looks are more important than books’.
At school, we meet her sweet teacher, Miss Honey and the rotten old head of school, Miss Trunchbull. She is meaner than a snake and more concerned about her hammer throwing Olympic achievements than the student’s academic achievements. Matilda ultimately displays incredible bravery and shows us ‘you don’t have to take it on the chin’ when she becomes the adult in the room and stands up to Miss Trunchbull’s bullying ways.
Tips for seeing a Childrenās Theatre of Cincinnati show at The Taft Theatre
- Affordable parking is available at the Fountain Square garage and it gives you a great opportunity to get a treat after the show. No food is allowed in the theatre at this time.
- Get there early! Give yourself time to show your vaccine card or negative Covid test at the entrance (required for ages 12+).
- Grab a booster seat as you enter the theatre to help the littles see the stage better.
- Don’t miss the pop quiz trivia questions in the show program as you wait for the performance to begin!
- After the show, keep the conversation going by listening to this Podcast from The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.
The Childrenās Theatre of Cincinnatiās ROALD DAHLāS MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR. runs now through February 13 at the Taft Theatre. Tickets start at $10 and are still available at www.thechildrenstheatre.com.
Be sure to check out the Flex Pass Packages and the 22-23 Season Subscriptions so you don’t miss all the AWESOME performances coming up on the TCT MainStage! The Wiz JR., Disneyās Descendants: The Musical, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR., Princess & Frog and Disneyās Moana JR.
