Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...But the director, Mitch Sebastian, treats material he appears not to trust like it's some sort of Grand Guignol horror show — there are so many expressionistic shadows in this staging, you feel like you're watching Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" at times. There is a complete lack of awareness of the show's emotional vocabulary. And, time after time, Sebastian wrecks the crucial simplicity of many scenes with oodles of portentous directorial conceit, usually involving video, moving walls and shadowy figures in black, looking like they're runaways from an audition for "The Addams Family.""
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The Drury Lane Theatre's staging, directed with a keen eye for the monstrous (and the monstrously funny) by Mitch Sebastian, lives up to Dahl's 1988 book. And while Sebastian has a marvelous ensemble cast, this is a show that belongs as much to Sean Fortunato's fiendishly hilarious headmistress Miss Trunchbull as it does to young Matilda (Audrey Edwards opening night; Natalie Galla at some performances)."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...Never have "revolting children" been so endearing as the youngsters in "Matilda the Musical," a witty, arresting show about a book-loving young girl who uses imagination, intellect and language to combat bullying parents and a tyrannical headmistress."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...This Drury Lane production, directed and choreographed by Mitch Sebastian, feels true to the material, which is a cold comfort. The show, though, is packed with superb performances. Audrey Edwards, who shares the lead role with Natalie Galla, is quit winning as the plucky Matilda. She is surrounded by a host of similarly gifted young actors, each a star in her or his own right. And Sean Fortunato does a bravura turn in drag as the above-mentioned headmistress."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Recommended
"...Drury Lane's added a few changes to the main storyline of Matilda; however, they showcase Dahl's desire to get kids back to reading. Her remarkable powers over injustice and cruelty dished out by the dictatorial headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Sean Fortunato) daily attacks on the children at Crunchem Hall is a perfect reminder about the wrongs of bullying and how children working together can overcome it."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...I know that for some, my rating may seem a bit high for this musical version of Roald Dahl’s “Matilda”, but compared to the Broadway tour that whizzed into Chicago in 2016, the current production, now on the stage at Drury Lane Theatre, is a far better show. The script ( book by Dennis Kelly) and music ( Tim Minchin, music/lyrics) are still only so-so, with very little music that will stick in the mind, and the original story is not my “cup of tea”."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...Mitch Sebastian has guided his cast with sharp direction, combined with energetic, floor-pounding, angst-ridden choreography. Theresa Ham’s designed an array of appropriately academic British uniforms, as well as many other outlandishly colorful costumes, all of which say a lot about each character, like the Wormwoods and the Acrobat and Escape Artist (superbly played by Lexis Danca and Paul-Jordan Jansen). Dennis Kelley’s delightfully wrought libretto, combined with Tim Minchin’s unique melodies and peppery lyrics (particularly his catchy anthem to childhood dreams, “When I Grow Up”) succinctly capture the wit and satire of Roald Dahl’s dark novel. This deservedly-awarded musical is a great family show that brings to life one of the author’s best-loved stories and, certainly, his greatest feminist heroine."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...“Matilda” might be the most impressive production I’ve ever seen at Drury Lane because of its spot-on contributions from such a large group of child performers. The spectator can focus on the show’s cautionary tale about the challenges of growing up or just admire the intricate and imaginative production. Either way “Matilda” works beautifully."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...The entire ensemble of children is adorable and each is given several moments to shine out on their own. In particular, Joshua Zingerman, who portrays the chocolate cake-craving Bruce Bogtrotter, creates an incredible amount of character with his time in the spotlight. The finale, “Revolting Children,” highlights Zingerman as a soloist and is a fantastic number with current choreography (Mitch Sebastian – Director/Choreographer), complete with “flossing” and “shooting.”"
Chicago On Stage - Somewhat Recommended
"...Still, because of the stellar cast and the solid book and music, Matilda is enjoyable even though you might sit there wishing that Sebastian had just left the material alone."
PicksInSix - Recommended
"...Rules are meant to be broken—theatrical and otherwise—so while Roald Dahl’s “Matilda The Musical,” playing at the Drury Lane Theatre never strays far from the familiar twists and turns that have popularized the sardonic nature of the 2010 British import that landed on Broadway with a bang in 2013, there is more than enough youthful enthusiasm and outrageous humor infused in director/choreographer Mitch Sebastian’s production to make it fresh and visually appealing. And the Dennis Kelly book and Tim Minchin music and lyrics aptly described the opening night performance on Thursday of the talented sixth grader Audrey Edwards (who splits the title role with fifth grader Natalie Galla): Matilda is truly “an exception to the rule.”"
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...At its heart, Matilda is a story about hope and realizing one’s potential – no matter how old you are. Drury Lane’s production is full of life and energy, making it the perfect night out for the whole family."
