Matilda the Musical (2020)

Roald Dahl’s Timeless and Fantastical Story

February 8 – 16, 2020, Gateway Theatre

48 young performers, ages 9 to 14, discover why the musical re-telling of Roald Dahl’s revolting children has become a worldwide sensation.

From the wonderfully twisted and brilliant mind of author Roald Dahl comes Matilda the Musical, the hit stage adaptation of his classic 1981 novel featuring a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. The SFArtsED Players, a troupe of performers ranging in age from 9 to 14, eagerly dive into the richness of Dahl’s world, from the terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchbull and the garish Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood to the tender beauty of Matilda’s fantasy world featuring The Aerialist and The Escapologist. This is the musical that gives new meaning to the phrase, “These children are revolting!”

SFArtsED Artistic Director Emily Keeler says the choice to do this popular musical was easy. “How can you not love a show that celebrates children empowerment and reading?” Keeler says. “Matilda does that with an infectiously danceable score and genuinely funny script. The show is written in a way that gives wide berth to imaginative staging and design and is full of vividly drawn characters, both the villains and the allies. It has afforded our young actors a perfect opportunity to play broad comedy and given the ensemble multiple musical numbers to tackle. We are especially eager to share this unusual show with the children of San Francisco this February.”

Matilda the Musical marks the Players’ 19^th season and features direction by veteran Bay Area theater artist Danny Duncan, who has been at the artistic helm of most Players productions. Barry Koron is musical director, and choreography is by Duncan, Laura Elaine Ellis, Erin Gentry and Jamie Yuen Shore. Costumes are by Tiersa Nureyev and set design is by Stacey Ransom. Orchestrations and additional music are by Chris Nightingale.

Matilda the Musical runs for six performances only, beginning Saturday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020 at the Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson St., San Francisco. Tickets ($15 for students and seniors; $25 general admission) are available through City Box Office at 415.392.4400 or online at www.cityboxoffice.com.

Saturday, February 8 @ 7pm
Sunday, February 9 @ 1pm & 5pm
Friday, February 14 @ 7pm (Valentine’s Day with Matilda!)
Saturday, February 15 @ 1pm
Sunday, February 16 @ 1pm – Benefit Reception & Closing Party

The Benefit Performance on Sunday, Feb. 16 features snacks at 1:00 p.m., the show at 1:30 p.m. and a champagne toast and treats at intermission. Tickets for the benefit are $40 for general admission and $20 for student and senior admission. Proceeds support the in-school, after-school and summer programs of the San Francisco Arts Education Project.