by scott leonard
When it comes to stories that leave a lasting impression, Matilda the Musical stands out as a vibrant tale of resilience, wit, and the power of imagination. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation has found a home this summer at San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT), under the direction of acclaimed actor and director Geno Carr.
Known for his performances on Broadway and across the country—including a celebrated run in Come From Away—Carr brings a fresh perspective and deep emotional insight to this magical production.
“I think this show is brilliant,” Carr shares. “It’s a wonderful story that celebrates the extraordinary power of imagination, courage, and resilience. It’s never the wrong time to tell a story of bravery, empathy and hope, but it feels especially important in the world we live in today. Not to mention it’s a whole lot of fun!”
The timing of the production couldn’t be more fitting. With its themes of empowerment, rebellion against injustice, and the triumph of kindness, Matilda resonates deeply with audiences of all ages. For Carr, this blend of meaningful storytelling and playful theatricality is part of what makes the musical so special.
The heart of Matilda lies in its ensemble of young performers, many of whom carry some of the show’s most demanding roles. While working with children can sometimes be seen as a challenge, Carr views it as a gift.
“I love working with actors of all ages, but there’s definitely something special about directing younger performers,” he says. “They bring such unfiltered truth and joy to their work—it can be very refreshing to have that energy in the room.”
Carr is quick to praise the young cast at SDMT, noting their impressive level of professionalism and experience. “All of these young actors have credits at many prestigious theaters including The Old Globe. They are in no way ‘green’ or new to this world—they’re pros. My job is simply to help them focus on telling the story in each scene and to be sure they have the tools to live truthfully in the moment.”
Carr’s own journey with Matilda began in an unexpected way. While performing in Come From Away in Toronto, he had the opportunity to see a production of Matilda there—his first real exposure to the story, having neither read the original novel nor seen the 1996 film adaptation.
“I loved the balance of darkness and light the production struck,” he recalls. “It was scary, hilarious, wacky, and wonderful. Now, revisiting the story for our production, our goal was to maintain the heart and joy of Matilda while also finding that balance of the dark comedy Dahl infused the story with. A fun challenge!”
As any seasoned director knows, mounting a full-scale musical is no small feat. Carr credits his ability to stay grounded during such intense projects to the support of his family and friends, as well as some much-needed time outdoors.
“Directing requires a lot of preparation, hard work, and multi-tasking,” he says.
“I’m very lucky that my friends and family are so supportive and that they understand the amount of time and effort leading a project like this takes. I also take lots of long bike rides for both my mental and physical health. It balances the time in the rehearsal room and theatre without natural light and fresh air.”
Of course, we couldn’t resist asking which character Carr would love to play if he ever found himself on stage in Matilda.
“Ooh,” he laughs, “Mr. Wormwood and Miss Trunchbull are both delightful roles I wouldn’t mind exploring. They both have incredibly fun things to say and sing, but also have those moments of darkness and nastiness that can be so fun to dabble in.”
With Carr at the helm and a talented cast ready to take the stage, SDMT’s production of Matilda The Musical promises a dynamic, heartfelt experience that honors Dahl’s original vision while bringing new energy and insight to the story.
Rediscovering Matilda or experiencing it for the first time, audiences will find a show that invites them to embrace the magic within themselves—and maybe even be a little bit naughty along the way.
Performances of Matilda The Musical run through Sunday, August 10 at San Diego Musical Theatre; for tickets, visit sdmt.org or call the box office at 858.560.5740.