Stir Q&A: Director Stephanie Graham wields a cast of 26 and the power of books for Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical
Theatre Under the Stars production brings favourite songs like “Revolting Children” to life
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. Photo by Emily Cooper
Theatre Under the Stars presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical, on stage at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park from July 6 to August 26
WHILE KIDS TODAY might recognize Matilda from the 2022 Netflix flick, Canadian director-choreographer Stephanie Graham first fell in love with the character while reading British writer Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel.
Now, families can see the story that transcends generations live on stage at Theatre Under the Stars, amid the towering trees of Stanley Park.
Graham has spent over 25 years in the industry working on popular productions, from Anne of Green Gables for Ontario’s Thousand Islands Playhouse to Shrek and Mamma Mia! for Globe Theatre in Regina.
As a founding member of the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers advocacy group, some might say her drive and determination to stick up for what’s right are not unlike Matilda’s. Stir chatted with Graham before the premiere of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical to get the rundown on the show.
For people who aren’t familiar with the musical, how would you describe the storyline?
Matilda is a story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her future.
When did you first see it? Do you have any special memories of where, when, and what you loved (love) about it? What did you think of the Netflix version?
As a lifelong Roald Dahl fan, I read the book first. I think I have always been drawn to his stories because of the sense of rebellion within them. I saw the musical in New York with my husband and a really close friend in 2015. We were all completely in awe. The show is so smart, clever, full of heart and at the same time doesn’t shy away from the darkness in Matilda’s life. To be honest, I haven’t seen the Netflix version. When prepping for this production at TUTS, I didn’t want to be influenced by it, so decided not to watch it. I have read about some of the changes they made to transfer the musical to film, but perhaps I will watch it after we open!
How are you approaching this musical, and can you share an example or two of scenes that stand out as teasers?
Siggi Kaldestad in Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. Photo by Emily Cooper
Our Matilda will be set in a village in Buckinghamshire, England. As a writer, Dahl was very particular about the words he chose, so we wanted to honour his original intention and have our version take place in England. When I was doing research I found this great quote from Sara Krulwich in the New York Times about the value of “words and language, books and stories, and their incalculable worth as weapons of defense, attack and survival.” The theme of the power of books will be very evident through the set design by Brian Ball, and in the staging.
And I am not giving anything away. You have got to come and see it! But what I will tell you is that in our cast of 26, there are 11 young performers and they are going to blow your mind!
What can you tell us about the choreography and costumes?
Christine Reimer is our incredible costume designer and we drew inspiration from the illustrations of Quentin Blake who was Roald Dahl’s long time collaborator. The athletic choreography of Krystal Kiran has an unapologetic rebellious spirit to it. You aren’t going to want to miss “Revolting Children”... it is a showstopper.
What do you hope viewers will “take away” from the performance?
How important books, stories and libraries can be in our lives. Books, like theatre, can allow us to escape, educate and empower us. And I also hope the audiences will be reminded how fighting against injustice and for something greater than ourselves can shape the world. The show is also about the importance of found family and the idea that when you face your monsters, you often find greater bravery and resilience in yourself—a theme that will resonate with many of us.
Have we missed anything you’d like people to know?
What a joy it has been to be in Vancouver and work with the astounding talent here both on and off the stage. And I think seeing a show at TUTS is a perfect way to spend a summer evening in this city. Sitting in Stanley Park under the stars watching a musical: nothing better than that.
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