Matilda Jr. the Musical
Bushnell Center for Performing Arts
Hartford
March 28, 2026
As a former teacher, I find nothing more frustrating than the way that adults talk about kids. Every day there’s some report about how they’re falling behind in school, they use screens too much, they’re disrespectful, lazy, etc. Whenever I see the caustic conversations around childhood online, my question is always: “Do any of you actually interact with kids?”
Because they’re actually smart, talented, wickedly funny, and quite capable when given an opportunity to show their stuff. Take, for example, the recent production of Matilda Jr. at the Bushnell, which featured an all-youth cast.
The production is part of the Bushnell’s new Performing Arts Scholars, the first-ever youth theater program that the Bushnell has put on. The program includes master classes and workshops that are designed to develop young people’s skills in performance, music, and stagecraft.
Before the play began, the audience was treated to a brief video presentation that captured part of the audition and practice process that the performers went through. These kids worked hard, learning their lines, the songs and the choreography for the hour-long production.
Their hard work paid off in a wonderful performance. I really can’t describe how impressive the children were. Every part, including the adult characters, was played by the kids.
The star of the show was Quinn B., who played the title character. If I had to guess, Quinn had the stage presence and professionalism of someone three times her age. I’m still baffled as to how she produced such a commanding voice from such a tiny frame, but she handled the emotions of Matilda and the demands of singing solo with equal aplomb.
She wasn’t the only one with star quality. Several of the kids demonstrated that they have great talent for performing, and to the production’s credit, it gave ample space for multiple young people to get their time in the limelight. Matilda’s parents, played with zany abandonment by Parker N. and Rayna L., were great as vapid, heartless crooks looking to get over on anyone they could. Julia S.’s turn as Miss Honey was great too, as she managed to embody the wisdom and empathy of a dedicated teacher. And of course, no Matilda production can succeed without a despicable, loathsome Ms. Trunchbull; Oliver R. made the school’s headmistress both hateable and hilarious.
The ensemble pieces were the highlight of the night, as they showed off the talents of all the kids as they sang and danced together. My favorite song was the first one, “Miracle.” The kids sang about how much their parents love them, setting the stage for Matilda to say the opposite.
It’s such a treat to see a theater full of children, both onstage and in the audience. Somehow theater and plays have developed the reputation for being “serious” adult entertainment. At the end of the day, theater is supposed to be fun for everyone involved. Hearing laughter echo throughout the performance and seeing the silliness of the cast felt like being rejuvenated. Talking about big, important works that encompass the human condition is cool, but there’s nothing like having a blast at a live show. That’s what Matilda Jr. provided. I’m saving the program from the show, because when some of these kids are famous, as they undoubtedly will be, I’ll be able to say I was there for when their journey began.
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Jamil is looking for some cool stuff this week. Any suggestions, leave a comment!
