Playbill of The Week: Matilda

11/53

I remember watching Matilda when I was a little kid and wanting nothing more than to re-enact the Cheerio scene. The movie was filled with wonderful little scenes. It's no wonder they turned this beloved classic into a musical. With a whimsical score by Tim Minchin, a brilliant set design by Rob Howell and fantastic performances from both adults and kids this show was destined to last it's almost 5 years on Broadway.

This show brought back to life the children led ensemble shows. When I first saw the show I left with my jaw on the floor. I'm not much of a kid person, but these guys did so much work on that stage that I was blown away. Even though there was a fair share of adults mixed in with the kids, you could hardly tell the difference between them. It feels magical watching these little ones dance around the stage, making it not look like work, but like they're playing in a playground. And I always gotta give credit when kids have to do accents, cause I know some adults who can barely even do them.

One of my favourite performances from the show is the Lesli Margherita as Mrs. Wormwood. Loud doesn't even begin to describe her performance. She's energetic, hilarious and terrible. She doesn't make you like the awful Mrs. Wormwood, but she gives you a performance that makes you know exactly why you hate her. Her standout number 'Loud' is obnoxious and superficial, but oh my god is it amazing. I'm so glad we got to see Lesli in this role, and that we have continued to see her magnificently large and beautiful work. It's as big as her hair and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Having Miss Trunchbull played by a man is definitely one of the smartest decisions they could have made. It makes her an odd, weird character, more so than she already is. It gives her a scary, manly quality that wouldn't have been achieved by a woman in a fat suit. It adds to the comedy as well, we as an audience know that it isn't a woman, and that makes Trunchbull seem a little less scary and a little more ridiculous. Bertie Carvel, who originated the role in London was made for this show. He can do big outrageous actions or small moves of the head and get everything he needs to across. And the agility in The Hammer is amazing. I got a belly ache from laughing.

One of the best moments in my opinion comes from Tony Award winner Gabriel Ebert as Mr. Wormwood during his number 'Telly'. You laugh along at his absurdity, green hair, long and lanky presence. Along with his dimwitted son barely able to keep in time it's a great little comedic number that just let's you enjoy and forget how terrible of people they actually are. Another is the hit song 'When I Grow Up' it's beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. It shows the innocence on little kids, not really knowing what adulthood is. I think for the adults in the audience it is a bit of a sad song. They are grown up but did they lose those whimsical childlike thoughts. It's a heart-tugging song, that isn't helped by the swings, which I think make the song even that more tearful. It gives hope and light to the world, even for a few minutes.

The role of Matilda is split between 3-4 girls playing the role different days of the week. And they all do a spectacular job. Unlike the Billy's in Billy Elliot before them, these ladies were not eligible for a Tony nomination, maybe the grownups were scared they'd win. Each of these girls makes you feel for Matilda, they bring strength, courage, brains and a fabulous energy to the performance. They have stand out number in 'Quiet' where they get to display their acting chops and their vocals. It makes you really connect with Matilda. Instead of just feeling bad for her, you can really put yourself in her shoes and understand what she's thinking. It brings a maturity to this little girl which resonates with everyone in the audience. She's a special kid, and it takes special kids to play her every night. Yet somehow they've managed to keep finding these little gems. It really makes me want to be 10 years old again.

There's so much beauty and fun in this show. It takes more inspiration from the book of Matilda than the movie. It thrills it's audience, makes you cry, makes you laugh and makes you feel like a kid again. Tim Minchin made some real earworms of songs that make you want to belt out. It gave kids power and control, and paved the way for shows like School of Rock. It shows that kids can hold a show and be extremely talented. It's shows like Matilda that make me wish I was a kid again. Who wouldn't want to jump around the stage singing 'Revolting Children' aka the kids version of Spring Awakenings 'Totally F****d.' The ensemble of this show makes it, the adults going back to their childhood mixing together with the little kids and just having fun. It's a great show for everyone, and it's a show that should be seen by everyone. Pure magic.