British author Roald Dahl knew how to capture the imagination of his young readers.
He delighted them with funny names, clever antics and ways to make many of the characters in his stories seem silly and downright dumb. Now his novel, “Matilda” has become a popular live, onstage musical here in Chicago for a just a few short weeks.
Matilda – The Musical tells the story an extraordinary girl with special powers who dreams of a better life with a family who will appreciate her. Armed with vivid ideas and a sharp mind, Matilda stands up to her those who belittle her and takes charge of her own destiny.
Matilda – The Musical is directed by Tony Award® winner Matthew Warchus with book by Tony Award®-winning playwright Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian musician and composer Tim Minchin. Taking the story to new heights is an amazing cast with a few surprises thrown in. Matilda is played by three girls who share the title role: Sarah McKinley Austin, Lily Brooks O’Briant and Savannah Grace Elmer.
Using playground slides, swings, books, scooters and other toys, Tony Award®-winning Choreographer Peter Darling creates new energy on stage that takes the young and young at heart back to their own childhoods. Staging uses a larger-than-life library to convey the ideas of letters, words and stories. The humor of Roald Dahl, from the characters names like Miss Trunchbull and the Wormwood’s, to the tale within a tale, continues to engage a whole new generation. A popular song, “When I Grow Up” with the children and then adults on swings, reminds the audience of the “kid” in all of us.
Matilda – The Musical is the winner of 50 international awards including four Tony Awards® and a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards® including Best Musical. It’s a delightful show for families and perfect for children as evidenced by the large number of small ones enjoying the performance.
Matilda is playing at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph in Chicago through April 10. For tickets, visit BroadwayInChicago.com or matildathemusical.com/tour.
