Lyrique Music Productions to present ‘Matilda the Musical’
MADISON – A young girls vows, in comedic fashion, to control her own life in Lyrique Music Productions’ presentation of “Matilda the Musical.”
LMP’s show is the North Alabama debut of the musical.
“We are thrilled to bring ‘Matilda the Musical’ to northern Alabama,” LMP Board President Kenneth Lones said. “The story is particularly timely with current events, and we know audiences will appreciate the relevancy, emotion and humor in this incredible show.”
Winner of 50 international awards including four Tonys, “Matilda the Musical” focuses on an extraordinary girl armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on Roald Dahl’s novel, Matilda continues to thrill audiences of all ages on Broadway and around the world, Lones said.
“Award-winning director and Broadway theater veteran Luz Tolentino-Ladrillono helms the production,” spokesperson Amanda Homelvig said. The staff includes choreographer Haylee Blackmon, music director Gianna Gimenez and samba choreographer Gabriela Gonzalez.
Tony Award-winning playwright Dennis Kelly wrote the book, while Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin composed music and lyrics.
“The show is somewhat unique in that the musical has a child as the lead — Matilda, played by Erin Duus — and several other children from ages 7 to 13) as main characters,” cast parent Robin Dauma said.
The cast and crew have 100-plus local artists. “Matilda will have audiences rolling with laughter and crying with empathy as they watch a courageous little girl struggle to gain control of her destiny against seemingly insurmountable odds,” Homelvig said.
Madison residents in the cast are Jacinda Swinehart-Johnson, Ella Dettman, Harley Dauma, Raeden Ladrillono, Caden Lones, Evan Willis, Dominic Patton, Andie D’Amico, Lena Racelis, Robert Racelis, Jayden Boles, Mia Gray, Alex Pharo, Alyssa O’Donnell, Charlotte O’Donnell, Matthew Donohue, Liza Hughey and Kharmyn Duncombe.
LMP has been rehearsing at The Dance Company, Spirit Made Steel, Progressive Dance Academy, Grace United Methodist Church and West Main Studios.
The public can enjoy preview performances at Bridge Street Town Centre on Oct. 4-5, along with the Madison City Street Festival on Oct. 5.
Show times are Oct. 18 and 23-25, 7 p.m.; Oct. 19 and 26, 2 and 7 p.m.; and Oct. 20 and 27, 2:30 p.m. Performances will be held at Lee High School Theatre – Main Stage, 2500 Meridian St. N. in Huntsville.
Founded in 2010 and based in Madison, Lyrique Music Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that strives to offer local artists of all ages the opportunity to participate in productions that are unique, modern and often award-winning.
For more information, visit lyriquemusicproductions.org or Facebook/Lyrique Music Productions.
