Matilda, the quirky, exuberant new musical, which just opened on Broadway after an award-winning season in London, is a treat for the family. The play is based on the story by Roald Dahl, (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and similar to the 1996 movie, Matilda directed by Danny DeVito.
The Characters
Matilda is a preternaturally bright girl born to a family whose moral compass is completely out of whack – or let’s say just plain whacky. Matilda lacks decent parenting, but is nurtured by a librarian enthralled with her storytelling, and a devoted teacher, both of whom encourage her unusual gifts.
The demanding role of Matilda rotates among four young actors. At the performance I saw, Oona Laurence was convincing as the gifted, headstrong girl. Her talented fellow students all had plenty of spunk. Lauren Ward plays their teacher Miss Honey. She also performed the role in London. Another Brit, Lesli Margherita, plays Matilda’s mother, Mrs. Wornwood. Gabriel Ebert plays her long legged and nimble father. His post-intermission “speech” is a hoot.
But the real star of Matilda may be Bertie Carvel, who originated the role of Miss Trunchbull, and won an Olivier Award for his performance in the London production. Today it’s not a much of a novelty to see a man playing a woman, which is fine because the audience can focus on his exceptional acting skills. His seething, twitching headmistress is appropriately threatening. Miss Trunchbull is a tyrant with seemingly unlimited power over the children. That is, until, Matilda comes along.
Location, Location
The show takes place in England, so the characters speak with a light British dialect even though only a handful of the actors are English. In the play all the book references – Matilda is prodigious reader – are British as well.
The director and choreographer, Matthew Warchus and Peter Darling, respectively, originated the work in London (first produced at the Royal Shakespeare Company). Rob Howell designed sets and costumes for both sides of the Atlantic. Having seen the West End production last year, I didn’t observe any major difference in the staging or design elements. But the larger stage at New York’s Shubert Theatre allows a more expansive use of space, which should play well with American audiences. The seating in the orchestra has also been reconfigured to allow aisles and rows for the actors to run though the audience. The bright, contemporary score is by Tim Minchin. My favorite song was “When I Grow Up,” a well-staged number for the students in Matilda’s class. Upon a closer listening the second time, I found the lyrics quite clever.
Clever may also be the best word to describe the show’s concept. There’s rarely a pause in the action and you’ll find yourself wearing a smile through the entire show. This is an ideal family show as it can appeal to children and adults.
Appropriate for ages 8 and up. With a running time of 2 hours and 35 minutes, it may not hold the attention of the youngest family members.
George A. Wachtel is president of Audience Research & Analysis, A New York City-based market research firm specializing in arts and entertainment.
Matilda The Musical
Shubert Theatre • 234 West 44th St., NY
For tickets: telecharge.com or 212-239-6200
