Note 7: Matilda the Musical

Adapted from the ever-popular children’s book by Roald Dahl, Matilda the Musical has been a spectacular since it first opened to packed audiences at the theatre in London. Including original songs from comedian, Tim Minchin, Matilda the Musical is the latest masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Based on the grisly tale by Roald Dahl, Matilda is the story of a nine year-old girl, neglected and misunderstood by her family, who discovers she has the magical power to change her destiny. Matilda the musical is one of the must-see shows for all ages, whether you were inspired reading the original book or watching the award-winning film. Packed with hilarious songs, outstanding performances and lots of laughs, never miss out on the spell-bounding story of Matilda, live at the theatre. Winner of five Best Musical awards and with five star reviews, Matilda is a must-see.

How did I find this newly produced (2010) musical, you might be curious? It just happened to pop on the suggest list of youtube, and Matilda the novel used to be my favorite book when I was around 10. After viewing the first music number, I can’t help to search as many clips as I can get from the internet. I think it is a show not just for children, but with some very clever humor makes the adults find something to laugh about.  I love what they do to the set and how they stage it. Fantastic stage set with school desks which popped up out of the floor, building block style letters hanging from the ceiling and manic dance routines. The Trunchbull is superb and the part where "she" swings the little girl around by her plaits only for her to be swung into the audiences is hilarious! I found myself crying with laughter. All the kids in the show are brilliant especially the lead Matilda. Her pitch is amazing, and she played Matilda quite rightly got an outstanding ovation. Not surprised it's won so many awards, it is indeed a funny, fun and heart-warming show.

      

 Here is my favorite song of the show, a lovely entertaining one- Nauty. The lyrics evoke resonance to me-“Like Romeo and Juliet,'Twas written in the stars before they even met. That love and fate (and a touch of stupidity).Would rob them of their hope of living happily. The endings are often a little bit gory. I wonder why they didn't just change their story. We're told we have to do what we're told, but surely. Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.” Matilda the musical just like what the novel had taught me when I was little, it reminds me that even if we are only one person we can do a lot. We mustn't let a little thing stop us. After all, we are the author of our own story, nobody but us are going to change the story.