Magic of 'Matilda the Musical' unleashed after almost 2 years

Oct. 21—The main character in Waterville Playshop's upcoming show Matilda the Musical is going to appear a bit older than is typically cast in the role of the clever and charismatic young girl with telekinetic powers.

Just pretend it's all part of the character's newfound magic. But in truth, it has more to do with the pandemic.

"To be fair, she was 10 when we cast her," Director Shauna Newbold said of the show lead Abby Karakas, who is now 12 years old. "She was much smaller when we cast her almost two years ago, but she's so incredible, and there's no way anyone else could have played her, and again, it's 2021 and she's believable, and it's great, and it's the magic of theater."

Matilda the Musical was originally scheduled for April, 2020, but like so many others, it was put on hold after the March shutdown that year. As restrictions on large gatherings lifted, Newbold said organizers put off rescheduling until they were sure they could go on without reducing the show's quality.

Putting a show on hold for that long came with difficulties. Some cast members had to bow out because of scheduling conflicts with other theater groups' productions, for example. Thus, the show's cast of roughly 50 was cut almost in half to 26, consisting of 15 children and 10 adults.

But just like the show's main character, Matilda the Musical cannot be contained any longer, and Newbold said she's excited to finally see the show's magic unleashed on a live audience.

The plot centers on Matilda Wormwood, a smart and resilient young girl whose parents ignore or emotionally abuse her at home. Her school life is no better, thanks to a cruel and tyrannical headmistress. But all that changes when Matilda discovers she has the power to move objects with her mind, and she then uses clever pranks (and a bit of magic) to make a stand against the bullying adults.

Those more familiar with the Matilda movie than Broadway stage version might recall Matilda frequently using her powers for impressive feats, such as making multiple objects float around a room at once. While stage magic might be impressive and powerful, it will be more toned down than the movie magic.

"In our production, it's not as big of a part of the story, so there's only a few times that we actually incorporate the magic into it," Newbold said. "She uses her magic a few times, but other times she just uses her brain and cleverness."

Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Maumee Indoor Theatre, 601 Conant St., Maumee. Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. They can be purchased at the door or at watervilleplayshop.org.

Upcoming shows:

—Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe: 8 p.m. Oct. 29-30, 2 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Village Players Theatre, 2740 Upton Ave., Toledo.

—The 39 Steps: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 and 31, and Nov. 5-6; 2:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Fassett Auditorium, 3025 Starr Ave., Oregon.

—Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Fallen Soufflé: Oct. 29-31 and Nov. 4-7 at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th St., Toledo.

—Rent 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St., Toledo.

—Anastasia: (times vary) Nov. 4-7 at the Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo.

—A Christmas Story: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26-27, Dec. 3-4, and Dec. 10-11; and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 28, Dec. 4-5, and Dec. 11-12 at the Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, Mich.

—An Officer and a Gentleman: (times vary) Dec. 2-5 at the Stranahan Theater.

—Midtown Men's Holiday Show: 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Valentine Theatre.

—A Christmas Carol: Dec. 2-5 and Dec. 9-12 at the Rep.

—It's a Wonderful Life: A Life Radio Play: 8 p.m. Dec. 10 and 18, 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Village Players Theatre.

—A Christmas Carol: A Life Radio Play: 8 p.m. Dec. 11 and 17, 2 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Village Players Theatre.

—Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some): Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19 at the Black Swamp Players' theater, 115 E. Oak St., Bowling Green.

—Come From Away: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4-6, 8 p.m. Jan. 7-8, and 2 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Stranahan Theater.

—The Choir of Man: 8 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Valentine Theatre.

—Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Valentine Theatre.

—The Legend of Georgia McBride: (times vary) Feb. 18-27 at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre.

—Waitress: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17, 8 p.m. Feb. 18-19, 2 p.m. Feb. 19, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Stranahan Theater.

Jeff Schmucker writes about theater for The Blade. Send news of theater and comedy events at least two weeks in advance to theater@theblade.com.