Unbelievable! I’ve waited many years to geek out over the next novel to turn Broadway musical. While looking for an update on the film version of Wicked, I stumbled across news of epic proportions that should otherwise hold me over: Matilda on Broadway! Take a peek at what New York has done for this very memorable little girl and her image:
Roald Dahl’s classic tale of an exceptionally-gifted girl with telekinetic abilities, Matilda, will premiere on the Shubert Theatre stage for the show’s official opening night April 11, 2013. While preview performances have been up and running, nothing beats joining the excitement-filled crowd walking into the lobby of a highly acclaimed show on opening night.
The novel-turned-film so near and dear to my heart was first introduced to the musical world during its West End premiere November 24, 2011, at the Cambridge Theatre. There, Matilda received critical acclaim, winning for Best Musical in the Theatre Awards UK, and taking home a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards.
Matilda is not the first children’s novel to come to life on a Broadway stage; The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum is one of the most notable among stories to venture from children’s book to stage (not before the 1939, film of course). All novels, not just children’s novels, usually make for wonderful book-turned-musical productions. There’s something about an all-too-familiar story on the live stage that perks my ears and tickles me pink.
I don’t have the luxury of living within taxi distance of the Shubert Theatre, but if I do make it out to New York this spring then tickets to Matilda will be a must. The imagination of that 5-year-old girl with very special abilities, both physical and meta-physical, will surely provide for whimsical possibilities on stage.
What I imagine: Mary Poppins meets Tim Burton’s film adaptation of Alice and Wonderland: A combination of British backdrops and British characters against a Wonderland-like setting. A delicious and tempting chocolate cake for my eyes.
If you’ve already had the treat of seeing Matilda on Broadway, please share your feedback! Those of you not-so-lucky like me, what do you think? Am I buying into the hype or do we have a Tony winner on our hands?
– Dylan M., TakeLessons staff member and blogger
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Suzy S.