The Matilda the Musical Experience

Flashing lights. Bustling theatre. Huge stage. Do you know what that means? If you guessed a musical, you’re correct. Here in Manhattan, New York, we had an amazing opportunity to watch the Broadway Production; Matilda the Musical which is about a little girl armed with a sharp mind and vivid imagination who dares to make a stand and change her destiny.

Once we started to line up, we were overwhelmed by the business of the theatre. Everyone was talking at once and it made it seem like one big conversation that was going back and forth from everyone outside the theatre. Inside the theatre, the stage was beautiful. There was wooden blocks with letters on them surrounding the stage. At first, the stage looked small, but we knew once the curtain was raised, it would be much bigger.  Finally, after what seemed like several hours of noise, the booming voice of the MC from backstage informed everyone that the show was about to begin. So, I sat back and enjoyed the performance.

I cannot explain in words how amazing Matilda the Musical was. They started off the great musical with a song called Miracle. They continued the awesome performance with hilarious acts and energetic songs including When I grow up, Miracle, Naughty and much more. If the audience loved it as much as we did, they certainly showed it at the end of the show when we applauded all of the actors and actresses.

Some fun facts about Matilda the Musical are:

• It has received four Tony Awards, which are; Best Book of a Musical, Best Featured Actor, Best Lighting Design and Best Scenic Design.
• There are a total of four girls who play the role of Matilda.
• The role of Agatha Trunchbull is played by a man.
• There are eighteen kids in the show.
• The role of Matilda is the largest role ever written for such a young (and small) person (she carries about 90% of the show).
• The New York Times said “Once in a blue moon, a show comes out blazing and restores your faith in Broadway. Matilda the Musical is that show.”

That night, exhausted and hungry, we walked back to our hotel. We changed out of our uncomfortable clothes and into our pajamas, and slid into bed. Remembering the lyrics from the Musical, I lulled myself to sleep. “When I grow up, I will be tall enough to reach the branches……”