In a world where adults often mistake authority for wisdom, it sometimes takes a child to set things right.

Civic Theatre of Allentown’s production of “Matilda the Musical,” based on Roald Dahl’s beloved story, makes that point with humor, imagination and a pint-sized heroine who proves that being small is no obstacle to making a mighty impact.

The production on the Nineteenth Street Theatre Main Stage is directed by William Sanders, assisted by Katelyn Morgan, with music direction by Nick Conti and choreography by Mackenzie Lewis.

The Oct. 9 opening night performance was seen for this review.

“Matilda the Musical” follows a brilliant young girl whose love of reading and extraordinary imagination offer an escape from a family that neither understands nor appreciates her.

At school, she encounters Miss Trunchbull, a tyrannical headmistress who rules through intimidation and punishment. Matilda refuses to accept that might automatically makes right.

With the encouragement of Miss Honey, a compassionate teacher who recognizes her gifts, Matilda begins to discover how intelligence, courage and a willingness to challenge injustice can make a difference. The contrast between the adults who underestimate Matilda and the teacher who sees her potential gives the story much of its heart.

At the center is Matilda Wormwood, played at this performance by Helena Putney. Small but mighty, Putney commands the stage with remarkable presence, an extraordinary gift for storytelling and a beautiful voice.

Whether delivering Matilda’s sharp observations or carrying the story forward, Putney brings conviction to the character that makes her impossible to overlook. She captures Matilda’s intelligence and determination while allowing the character’s vulnerability and imagination to shine through.

Jarrod Yuskauskas is a standout as Miss Trunchbull, delivering a hilarious, memorable performance. The character’s imposing authority and larger-than-life behavior make for a wonderful theatrical villain.

Yuskauskas embraces the role’s outrageousness, providing the kind of comic presence that keeps audiences engaged whenever Trunchbull takes the stage. The performance strikes an entertaining balance between menace and absurdity, making Trunchbull a character audiences can delight in disliking.

Maxwell McCurdy is particularly memorable as Mr. Wormwood, especially in the song “Telly.” His natural charisma and animated physical comedy generate plenty of laughs and giggles from the audience. McCurdy gives the character an infectious energy that makes the production shine even brighter.

Mackenzie Lewis, who choreographs the production, plays Mrs. Wormwood, contributing to the comic portrait of Matilda’s family.

The Wormwoods provide an exaggerated but amusing family portrait, proudly declaring themselves far more concerned with their own interests than with understanding their daughter.

Andrea Robles brings warmth to the role of Miss Honey, providing a welcome counterpoint to the cruelty and absurdity surrounding Matilda. Her gentleness offers a glimpse of the kindness and understanding Matilda has been missing, making their connection an important part of the story.

Mark Kobak’s set is remarkably versatile, transforming to accommodate a library, a family home and a school with impressive efficiency. These changes help move the story along without sacrificing the imaginative quality that makes the production so engaging.

The staging effectively utilizes shadow work, thanks to lighting designer Hunter A. Mountz and assistant lighting designer Edwin Lopez. Carefully-focused lighting reduces an actor to a striking silhouette, while shadow puppetry creates inventive visual moments, including the infamous scene in which a little girl is tossed by her pigtails.

These touches seamlessly add imagination and playfulness to the production.

The young cast is a joy to watch, with special kudos to Zori Sawyer as Lavender, Beckett Edwards as Bruce and Xavier Hetrick as Nigel. Their energy and commitment contribute enormously to the production’s charm.

The larger company of children, teenagers and adults creates a lively ensemble, tackling the songs with exuberant spirit and supporting the story at every turn. The musical numbers help carry the story’s emotion, giving the performers opportunities to showcase their voices, personalities and stage presence.

There is something particularly rewarding about watching children perform onstage. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and the experience extends well beyond the performance itself.

Behind the songs, choreography and confident stage presence are weeks and months of rehearsals, music binders, water bottles and shared memories that last long after the final curtain.

It is one of the special gifts of community theater and part of what makes watching young performers so rewarding.

With a clever score by Tim Minchin and its celebration of creativity, resilience and self-expression, “Matilda the Musical” offers more than a story about one extraordinary little girl.

It celebrates the courage to question authority, the power of imagination and the possibility of changing one’s circumstances.

At Civic Theatre, that spirit is very much alive.

“Matilda the Musical,” 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9, 12, 16, 22, 23; 3 p.m. Oct. 11, 18, 25; 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17, 24 Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. 610-433-8903, https://civictheatre.com/