'Matilda the Musical' brings magic to Ahmanson Theatre

The favorite children's book "Matilda" was turned into a musical that started in London, made its way to Broadway and is now bringing its magic to Los Angeles.

The musical interpretation of the timeless, kid-empowering Roald Dahl book debuts this weekend at the Ahmanson Theatre. The story introduces us to an extraordinary, spunky girl with a vivid imagination, sharp mind and love of books.

"It really reminds you how wonderful it is to read, and how wonderful it is to stand up for yourself, be empowered, be naughty," said Lucy Dahl, the daughter of the book's author. "My dad used to say to us when we used to get in trouble at school, 'I'm not angry with you, because of what you did, that's normal. What I'm really disappointed in is that you actually got caught.'"

Three young actresses rotate in playing the lead role of Matilda. The show's composer and lyricist Tim Minchin is blown away by their talent.

"They're nine and they're on stage for over two hours and they do huge monologues and sing songs that have lyrics about relativity. They're just so much more professional than me," laughed Minchin.

Gabby Gutierrez, Mabel Tyler and Mia Sinclair Jenness love the reactions they get from people after they've seen the musical.

"A lot of people like the show, because of the magic tricks and how Matilda kind of stands up to Miss Trunchbull," Jenness said. "They think that they can stand up to bullies too."

"They're really, really excited, like their eyes literally are popping out of their heads," Gutierrez said.

"A lot of my friends have cried during the show and I think they like the magic of Matilda," Tyler said. "It's just so incredible."

"Matilda the Musical" plays at the Ahmanson Theatre through July 12.