Stage Review - Matilda the Musical (Tacoma Little Theatre)

Stage Review - Matilda the Musical
Presented By: Tacoma Little Theatre - Tacoma, WA
Show Run: December 05 - December 28, 2025
Date Reviewed: Sunday, December 7, 2025 (Opening Weekend)
Run Time: 2 Hours, 30 Minutes (including a 15-minute intermission)
Reviewed By: Breanne Jensen

As I walked into the newly remodeled doors of Tacoma Little Theater, my first time in six years, I am ashamed to admit, I almost gasped at how beautiful and professional everything presented itself to be. From the lobby to the concessions, ticket booth, new audience/seating and finally, the hard-earned (and impressive) restrooms, thanks to their successful “Flush Campaign” fundraiser you may have seen on social media. I settled in with excitement on a rainy Sunday afternoon to take in Road Dahl’s, “Matilda: The Musical”. “Matilda” is based on the children’s book published in 1988, then made into a beloved Hollywood movie (1996) and lastly the hit Broadway musical (2013) going on to win five Tony Awards.

This story takes place in a small English town following Matilda Wormwood’s life, home, school, and family as she learns she is different from the rest and that different doesn’t always mean bad. Put down by her vein, selfish, neglectful and cruel family, Matilda realizes that the books she reads and the stories she learns from can help her survive and overcome her circumstances. At school, the injustice and treatment of herself and the students around her— especially by Miss Trunchbull (school’s headmistress) is quickly recognized and she decides to stand up against all wrongdoing to those around her. Along the way Matilda tells her story, tells someone else’s story, finds her voice; a best friend, the respect of her peers and a safe loving place to call home in her tender teacher, Miss Honey.

The characters in “Matilda” are bold, bright, zany and over the top just as one might recognize from Dahl’s other work(s), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” for example. Matilda is a kindhearted book worm with a tiny streak of “naughty” as she sings in one of her title songs. On this Sunday performance, Matilda was played by Hazel Barnett, whose Mother / Father, Lexi and Steve Barnett, are theater vets in this area themselves, (other dates (see below) are played by Nell Edlund (Matilda)). Barnett’s angelic and tender speaking voice had me wishing I could jump on stage and hug her whenever she was treated poorly. Hazel’s singing, dancing, acting and memorization, especially at such a young age, are all quite professional and impressive. Barnett’s delivery is that of an unassuming innocent demeanor with a streak of mischief, you are never quite sure when a vengeful idea may pop into her head again.  Barnett executes the role adorably. Matilda’ s parents Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood are played by real life husband and wife super couple, Ryan Coleman and Stephanie Leeper. Coleman brings a rough, empty headed, greasy salesman energy to the role that leaves you wanting to flick him every time he calls Matilda “boy”, “son” or my least favorite “stupid”.  With the rubber band like physicality of Jim Carey in “The Mask”, the gravelly voice, striped suit and green hair (thanks to Matilda’s revenge) reminiscent of Beetlejuice, make Wormwood a loveable villain. Leeper brings larger than life dance moves, blonde hair, facial expressions and laughs as Mrs. Wormwood and the natural love and banter between Coleman and Leeper is present on stage. Matilda’s brother, Michael Wormwood played by Caleb Osborne, fits the mold perfectly as the television and media brain washed teenager who has the vocabulary of Frankenstein’s monster in his early days, if he’s lucky. Osbourne’s blank stare and comedic timing are a match made in heaven, specifically with Coleman and company in the number “All I Know”. Matilda’s teacher Miss Honey, played by Brittany Griffins, is the breakout vocalist of the show! Griffins’ portrayal of Miss Honey is every ounce lovely from her adorable dresses, hair bows and sweet demeanor to her interaction with all the children on stage. Every time Griffins is on stage you can’t wait to hear her sing again. Jacob Axelson (Miss Trunchbull) who after nine years in Chicago has returned to the Pacific Northwest and its stages, gave the nasty snarling head mistress a new, exciting, hilarious take that almost makes you forget you aren’t supposed to like her, but with vocals like that, how could you not?!  Other stand out performances on stage are those of Jess Beeler (Bruce) whose acting, comedic delivery and vocal talent shine bright, Maya Kagochi (Lavender- double cast see dates below) who played the role in such a fun, sassy, way that made me wish she was my best friend just like Matilda’s!  Lastly, Violet Brotherston (Amanda) who not only looks, sounds and is the part of Amanda, but her hair does really look so cute in those ponytails!

The costumes led by DCM Costumes are bright, modern, cheery, and bring the clothes to life in colors that look like they could be from a crayon box. The proscenium is lined with alphabetical letters, much like the ones in the many books and stories that Matilda indulges in, with a surprise! A few of the tiles on the proscenium are monitors that display similar images to the projections happening on the back wall. The digital elements, special effects, rotating floors quickly and quietly make amazing set/ scene changes, and the caliber of talent indeed make this show truly enjoyable. The only issue Matilda seemed to face is sound board/ system failures involving some actor’s microphones, that resulted in extremely loud singing and at times quiet speaking, but what do I know? It could have easily been Matilda’s telekinetic powers interfering! If you aren’t sure what I am referring to, you will have to read the book to find out! The entire run of Matilda sold out prior to the opening night performance, which I hope in tandem with this review speaks for itself! Matilda is a classic tale, of a little girl who is a bit different but always fights for what is right and makes herself the author of her own story instead of writing herself as the character in need of saving. Tacoma Little Theater has a waitlist for cancellations for tickets to attend the show and if you can, I would grab a spot on that list!

Matilda’s story has always been about the quiet power that comes from refusing to shrink, and Tacoma Little Theatre’s production leans fully into that idea with heart, humor, and a remarkable sense of scale for this intimate space. What stands out most is how seamlessly this company blends seasoned performers with young emerging talent, each of them contributing to a production that feels as joyful as it is heartfelt. Technical hiccups aside, the spirit of the show shines through—rooted in a community that continues to invest in its artists, its spaces, and its future. It’s no surprise the run sold out before opening; this Matilda is exactly the kind of theatre that reminds us why we keep returning to these rooms, year after year, to watch stories like hers unfold.

Matilda the Musical runs on stage at Tacoma Little Theatre through December 28. For more information, including ticket availability and sales, visit https://www.tacomalittletheatre.com/.

Photo credit: Dennis K. Photography