The late Roald Dahl's Matilda worked as a book. It worked as a movie. But does it really work as a Broadway musical? Well, I'm glad to report that it does. Going into its third year on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre, Dahl's sweet tale of one small girl defying the odds at home and school still enchants both children and parents alike. No wonder this hit won five Tony Awards and was acclaimed both back here and in London's West End, where it originated. But this is not light stuff throughout. It's like Annie, this time with a dark and twisted mind that Tim Burton would enjoy.
Five-year old Matilda Wormwood (Alexandra Vlachos, at the performance I attended) is unlike some other kids. She knows a lot of the two times multiplication table, read books ranging from Moby Dick to Jane Eyre and speaks some Russian. But her parents, a ballroom dancer (Amy Spanger, channeling actress Tracy Ullman here) and a used cars salesman (Rick Holmes) don't pay enough attention to her. Even her dad refers to her as a boy since her birth. She then enrolls into Crunchem Hall, the equivalent to a prison for little kids, no doubt thanks to its headmistress, former Olympic champion Miss Trunchbull (Christopher Sieber). But she finds a kindred spirit in her teacher, Miss Honey (Allison Case). Soon, she inherits some telekinetic powers that she puts to good use for her teacher and classmates to get even with the Trunchbull.
The direction here by Matthew Warchus is simply solid. The Tony-winning book by Dennis Kelly is more faithful to the spirit of the book and Dahl's original vision than the 1996 Danny DeVito film. They even managed to retain the characters' British accents to keep Dahl's spirit evident. Tim Minchin's music sounds well good, but at times, his lyrics are a bit too intelligent and couldn't be heard more clearer enough on the Shubert's sound system. The show's standout song, "Revolting Children" is reminiscent of "Totally (Bleeped)" from Spring Awakening (which by the way is now back on Broadway).
The superb choreography by Peter Darling matches up to some from his past triumph, Billy Elliot: The Musical (another West End import). Plus, special kudos goes to Rob Howell for his great work on the set design, which include many scrabble pieces toward the curtain.
Vlachos (one of four girls alternating in the role) is adorable and lavishing as the title character. The Wormwoods may be careless and worthless parents, but Spanger and Holmes play them off very well. Sieber has a devil of a time in drag as Miss Trunchbull and Case is delightfully sweet as Miss Honey.
If you want a mix of darkness and fun in your options for holiday entertainment, add Matilda to your list. This one is wicked good.
Rating:***
Parent Advisory: Suitable for ages 8 and up. May be too dark for children ages 7 and under.
Tip#1: Before seeing the show, first read the book (1988, Puffin Press, in print, on Kindle and Nook) and see the film (1996, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, on DVD, Blu-Ray, Amazon Instant and Google Play)
Tip#2: After seeing the show, if you didn't hear some of the lyrics clear enough, borrow the show's Original Broadway Cast Recording (2013, Yellow Sound Label/Broadway Records) at the library or listen free to the Original London Cast Recording (2011, Royal Shakespeare Company) on Spotify.
Matilda: The Musical is playing at the Shubert Theatre on 225 West 44th Street and Broadway. For tickets, go to telecharge.com or call 212-239-6200.
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