Worst regional production I have ever seen

cool

The great thing about Regional theatres in the Chicago area is that the ones that there are a lot of risks that are taken with content and direction. As stated sometimes it pays off and sometimes it doesn't. That theatre has produced both great shows and clunkers but has a hefty subscriber base that can do so. Steppenwolf has the same thing, as does Lookingglass, Goodman and Paramount in Aurora (as well as countless store front and non-equity companies). These theatres consistently take risks and many have made a name for themselves nationally in doing so. Because something didn't work, does not mean you should write off the company completely. The most rewarding experiences I have had at the theatre have all been in Chicago (and I go to NYC often) and various theatres and have included plays that were bizarre and may have not worked for some. MOVE ON.

Also of note, Matilda is not directed by a Chicago director or any sort of resident director at that theatre.

It also has to do with rights, a lot of the time there are clauses when you do a licensed a production that the production design can NOT use certain elements of the 'first class' productions. Some things can not be changed like location and script, but they are picky about copying designs from the original.

I've seen the trailer for the Hale Center production (in Utah?) and the floating balloon effect looks absolutely enchanting!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if productions borrow or recreate elements from a "first class" production are they not supposed to note somewhere that is was based on the original staging or choreography of, John Smith- obviously just an example. 

Yeah, I've seen some solid shows there (Hello Dolly, Next to Normal, Spelling Bee) as well as leaving during intermission for Curtains.  But then, all theatre companies and theatre in Chicago in general is wildly inconsistent.  Matilda is one I'm only likely to see again in London as this regional production sounds exactly like what I feared I would witness.  I got burned by a regional production of Urinetown MANY years ago (not the Mercury Theatre production) that was, frankly, embarrassing beyond belief.  I don't even find Drury Lane's new season to be interesting enough to qualify the trip to the burbs.