Matilda on Broadway
SHARED By: Hilarie Zimbicki, Social Media Coordinator and Gymnastics Instructor at Gymtime Rhythm and Glues
Ever since the announcement was made that Matilda the musical was coming to Broadway after its success in London, I have been anxiously waiting the premier. What little girl didn’t grow up reading Roald Dahl’s famous book about the witty and talented little girl? What child of the 90’s didn’t watch the even more popular film over and over again? I for one couldn’t get enough of Matilda while growing up.
If you somehow missed this Matilda craze let me give you a quick synopsis. The novel, film and musical are based on an extraordinary little girl who dreams of a better life. Matilda loves to read, and at five years old is a fluent reader of many advanced chapter books. She lives with a horrible, un-loving family and is bullied at school by the scary principal, Miss Trunchbull. Matilda’s only weapons are her mind and creativity. She proves that knowledge truly is power as she stands up for herself and her schoolmates throughout the story.
Matilda befriends the librarian who loves listening to Matilda’s creative stories and impresses her teacher, Miss Honey, who sees Matilda as precocious and brilliant. Matilda believes that when something is wrong, she must make it right, which often gets her into a bit of trouble.
“Nobody else is gonna put it right for me. Nobody but me is gonna change my story. Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.”
The musical presents this timeless story without leaving out our favorite details. The story is the same, but so much is added to enhance the tale. The music is phenomenal! The talent of the young cast blew me away. These kids can really belt it! My favorite numbers were “Naughty” and “Revolting Children.”
The choreography was equally as amazing. The dances were just as impressive as Billy Elliot…and that’s saying a lot. I loved watching the students dance on, around and on top of their desks without skipping a beat. The set was magical and incredibly beautiful. The acting was also superb. Miss Trunchbull definitely stole the show. “She” was beyond hilarious as she sang, leaped, pranced and stomped around stage scaring every child she met.
You can get a glimpse of the show by watching this clip from Broadway World.
In the end Matilda’s love of reading and determination to right the wrongs saves her schoolmates and she is able to be in a family full of love and happiness. This Broadway show is sure to teach your children the importance of standing up for themselves and what is right, and remind them that reading and using their imagination is not only powerful, but also fun.
To purchase tickets for Matilda, click here. Don’t fret about getting expensive tickets either. Every seat in the theater has a great view! To make a week out of it, you might consider reading the book, watching the movie and seeing the musical! One can never have too much Matilda!