CLEVELAND -- TIME magazine’s #1 show of the year, Matilda the Musical, has made its way to Cleveland and is now on stage at Playhouse Square.
The show, based on the Roald Dahl novel, centers on an extraordinary girl that never gives up and takes a stand for what she believes in.
The big star of the show is played by three small actresses.
Sarah McKinley Austin, Savannah Grace Elmer and Lily Brooks O’Briant share the title role of Matilda on the tour, alternating performances. It’s a big role for such young girls, but they’ve embraced for the most part.
“I don’t really like planes that much,” Elmer confesses. “I mean, I’ve gotten used to them but you just have to sit there.”
“It’s too stressful,” Brooks adds. “You have to get through security and check in. It’s just too stressful.”
Austin agrees and they all chime in on the aggravation that luggage can cause. It’s part of their life now though. As they name city by city where they’ve been in the past year, they all have decided that Cleveland tops the list. At least right now, because they’re sitting downwind of the sweet aroma of Mitchell’s Ice Cream.
It’s a demanding life filled with school work during the day, rehearsals, shows and lots of traveling. It’s worth it for the trio, though, because the chance to play Matilda on the national tour doesn’t just come around every day.
They all admit to a mix of jumping and crying when they got the part, and an overwhelming sense of joy when stepping out on stage. When it’s their turn in the rotation, the girls ranging from 9-11 years old, step out on stage as the girl who sings and dances while dreaming of a better life. It’s acting, of course, because they know their life is already better than most.
The three adorable girls will be showcasing their stuff at the State Theatre through May 22nd. For ticket information, click here.