Children in Revolt (Hayswood Theatre)
- stagedoorlouisville
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Directed by Kate Haulter
Review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
“When I grow up…” A phrase often stated by children with a dream or big goals. Children hold potential for a different tomorrow. In Roald Dahl’s classic Matilda, adults despise children to the point of abuse. Matilda The Musical is the story about a brainy book-loving little girl who stands up against the cruel adults in her life. Hayswood Theatre is currently producing the magical musical and the attempt is energetic, fun and proves that kids rule!
The title character is double cast with Abby Higgins and Phoebe Didelot sharing the part. Higgins played the role on opening night. Higgins’ vocal performance is sweet and playful as she plays pranks during “Naughty.” She is courageous and strong in conviction as Matilda leads her classmates in revolt against the nasty headmistress. Higgins charisma is unmistakable as she cries “that’s not right” in response to the injustices towards her peers caused by mean adults. This Matilda is authentic and relatable as she finds comfort in her stories that she shares with her chosen community of trustworthy adults.
A teacher and librarian support and encourage Matilda. Sarah Rufing’s Mrs. Phelps is a
compassionate advocate as the whimsical librarian. Rufing is a committed audience for Higgin’s “Story” numbers as she conjures a romance between an acrobat and an escapologist. Averi Corba’s Miss Honey brings lovely vocals to the teacher who believes in Matilda’s potential. Facing her own inner demons and insecurities, Corba renditions of “This Little Girl” and “My Home” are sung with emotional depth, reminding us all that hurt can be a big feeling no matter how old you are.
Matilda faces hardships at home and at school. Tacky, loud and uncaring, Mr. Wormwood and Mrs. Wormwood are selfish and rude. Chris Haulter and Kelly Allison bring larger than life performances enhanced by the flashy clothing and silly hair styles. As Mr. Wormwood, Haulter is a macho bully with more than a touch of insecurity. Kelly Allison’s portrayal of Mrs. Wormwood is motivated by pipedreams and far removed from reality as she longs to be a dancer. With Watson Latta’s appearance as the spaced-out brother with a penchant for single word input, these Wormwoods are villains who you can’t help but root against as they get their comeuppance by the end of the show.
At school, Matilda comes into her power as she and her classmates face the grueling Agatha Trunchbull. Jada Fulda Portman is a mean totalitarian diva with a horrendous uni-brow and mole perfectly placed. Shrieking and belting her heart out in “The Hammer” and “The Smell of Children,” Portman shines as Trunchbull spreads terror around her school with threats of the Chokey.
It would be harsh to not mention the large amount of children and the stellar energy they bring in this production. Henry Hagmann’s Bruce is humorous and relatable during his chocolate cake monologue and the following musical number where he remarkably scarfs down a whole cake. Adelyn Poindexter’s Lavender (a character double cast with Olive Bostock) is precocious and clever, proclaiming herself as Matilda’s best friend and planning trick of revenge involving newts. The little kid and big kid ensemble provide an optimistic performance of “When I grow Up” with a twinge of nostalgia as they dance with a parachute. But it is “Revolting Children” where these kids step up and dance their hearts out. The song is a celebration of defeating a horrible tyrant and the spirited performance radiates childhood elation.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical at Hayswood Theatre ran into some opening night technical issues with lighting and cues but that did not hinder the performance. Instead, this musical shows what is possible when kids stand up for what is right. And how kids can do great things!
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
Hayswood Theatre
July 9-19 2026
115 S Capitol Ave
Corydon, IN