Walnut Street Theatre continues its landmark 210th season with Roald Dahl’s MATILDA THE MUSICAL. Directed by Linda Goodrich, with choreography by Michelle Gaudette, MATILDA THE MUSICAL opens on November 14th and runs through January 6th on the Walnut’s Mainstage.

I had the opportunity to see a preview on Friday with my children. Based on the Roald Dahl novel, MATILDA THE MUSICAL is the story of the courageous little girl with an unbounded imagination who proves that despite the odds, you can do anything you put your mind to—and change your destiny.

Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to New York City to watch amazing theater. In 2013, MATILDA THE MUSICAL opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards®. The musical has since gone on national and international tours and has opened productions in the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Toronto, and Korea.

The 1988 children’s novel of Matilda recently celebrated its 30th birthday. Written by genius British writer Roald Dahl (James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), it received critical acclaim and in 2016 became Dahl’s top-selling book.

The young Matilda stole the show! The title role of Matilda will be shared by Ellie Biron of Philadelphia, PA and Jemma Bleu Greenbaum of Elkins Park, PA. Biron returns to the Walnut after her performance as Molly in last season’s production of Annie. Greenbaum makes her Walnut debut with this production.

Other notable characters are headmistress Miss Trunchbull and kindergarten teacher Miss Honey. Ian Merrill Peakes will play the hulking Miss Trunchbull. This show marks Peakes’ 10th at the Walnut (Harvey, Ideal Husband, Baskervilles, Of Mice and Men) and 127th professional production. Laura Giknis returns to the Walnut as the kind-hearted kindergarten teacher, Miss Honey, having recently performed as Sophie in last season’s Mamma Mia.

It was entertaining to watch the youngest members of the cast, who are all local to the Philadelphia area and students of The Theatre School at Walnut Street Theatre. Playing Matilda’s classmates and fellow “revolting children” are Alanna Stein (Annie) of Voorhees, NJ; Myra’Cal West (Annie) of Burlington, NJ; Miranda Zeno (Annie) of Mickleton, NJ; Naomi Serrano (Annie) of Marlton, NJ; Sean O’Neill (Christmas Carol) of Wallingford, PA; and Melania Zalipsky (Annie) of Huntingdon Valley, PA. Making their Walnut debuts in the children’s ensemble will be Eva Burkholder of Pottstown, PA; Nicky Intrieri of Haddon Heights, NJ; Veronica James of Voorhees, NJ; JoJo Schlecht of Wilmington, DE; Akiva Schostak of Cherry Hill, NJ; Maren Schriver of Meadowbrook, PA; Eddie Sims of West Chester, PA; Matthew Goodrich of Hammonton, NJ; Jonas Hinsdale of Princeton Junction, NJ; Caleb Rosenfeld of Wynnewood, PA; Sloan Avery Salvatore of Wenonah, NJ; Charlotte W. Taylor of Wallingford, PA; and Peter Gomez and Kate Bove of Cherry Hill, NJ.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL runs through January 6. This production is sponsored by Stradley Ronon. Media Partners are 6ABC and Metro Philadelphia. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.

Image: Photo courtesy of the Walnut Street Theatre.