"Matilda: The Musical". Image via uk.matildathemusical.com.
I loved Roald Dahl as a kid. In James and the Giant Peach or The Witches, his wit and cruelty always seemed a more accurate reflection of childhood than some bright-eyed fantasy.
So I’ve been watching reports from London about the critically-acclaimed musical version of Matilda, Dahl’s story of a rebellious magical girl, with barely contained excitement. Had they softened the sharp edges or did it remain a spiky, unruly creature? When it arrives on Broadway next spring, will it be scrubbed of its essential “British-ness”? Unless I give in and spring for a trip across the pond (anyone care to sponsor me? anyone…), it will be a long wait until March to find out.
However, during the recent Olympic coverage, NBC’s Today Show paid a visit to the show and did a nice intro to the world of Matilda. From what I can tell, it’s got a Spring Awakening for the tween set vibe–which is not altogether off the mark. Let’s watch the video…
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Need more than a packaged taste, here are the four Olivier-winners jointly singing their favorite number “Naughty” and the ensemble doing their best Pink Floyd schoolroom demolition on “Revolting Children”.
So…are you getting excited or is this just Annie with an accent?