Weekends were made for family fun and there are still plenty of chances to catch Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda The Musical’ in the Russell Hill Rogers Auditorium at The Public Theater of San Antonio. It opened July 12 to much acclaim and runs through Sunday August 11. ‘Matilda The Musical’ is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733-7258.

‘Matilda The Musical’ begins with a large group of spoiled children at a birthday party singing “Miracle” and delighted about how special they are, as their parents shower them with praise and attention.  At the same time, a clueless and nine-months pregnant Mrs. Wormwood (Briane Green) is at the hospital and even though she insists she must travel to Paris for a dancing competition, she gives birth to a baby girl. Mr. Wormwood (Robby Vance) is disappointed that it is a girl and that is how Matilda’s (Taylor Paige Henderson) mistreatment at the hands of her family begins. Five years later, an unhappy Matilda lives with her family and to cope with the constant verbal abuse, she gets even by playing pranks on them.“Naughty” Her situation does not change once she goes to school due to the cruel and child-hating headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Shane Glenn Vickers) but she finds an ally in her teacher Miss Honey (Madison Genovese). At first it seems like Matilda will never have her happy ending but when her family has to leave town, Mr. Wormwood agrees to let her stay with Miss Honey and finally acknowledges her as a girl.

This version of the story of Matilda is darker than what most people, who are fans of the movie, are used to. The cast of children do an admirable job alongside the adults and Taylor Paige Henderson, as Matilda, is especially talented in the role. Note: Audrey Anne Davis plays Matilda on alternating days. An honorable mention goes to Shane Glenn Vickers for his portrayal of the heartless and mean Miss Trunchbull. Show highlights are when the company performs “When I Grow Up” as the children ponder about their adult lives and “Revolting Children” as the defiant children swear to continue to fight for their rights. One of the funniest musical numbers is “Loud” when Miss Honey visits the Wormwoods to get them to put Matilda in an advanced class and Mrs. Wormwood and Rudolpho (Luis Garcia Jr.) insist on rehearsing their dance number instead. Overall, ‘Matilda The Musical’ is the charming story of an underestimated little girl who uses her imagination and sharp mind to take a stand and change her own destiny. It appeals to audiences of all ages and is filled with humor, laughter and heart. A definite must-see production for the entire family.