Aladdin vs. Matilda

[Broadwaydreaming]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 12:54am

A friend of mine works as a teacher and every year she brings the students and their parents down to the city to see a show. This year they are deciding between Matilda and Aladdin. Some parents are open to anything and everything,but others are extremely conservative. Spiderman didn't go over as well as previous Disney shows did. I've seen Matilda, and I feel on the fence about the show. I think you either love it or hate it. I haven't seen Aladdin, and was wondering if those that have would recommend it as a good show for 13 year olds. If you've seen both, which one would you choose?? Thanks!

[gleek4114]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 1:01am

Matilda.

[VotePeron]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 1:07am

Aladdin is a theme-parky, pale imitation of the film. Matilda is musical theatre at it's best, with amazing talent both on stage, and off with the set, music, and design. Matilda is the far superior show in nearly every way. Since the kids are 13 and not kiddies, I would recommend Matilda . I can't remember a time I rolled my eyes that many times in a theater.

Updated On: 1/13/15 at 01:07 AM

[Visceral_Fella]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 1:13am

I didn't love Matilda like most people did. I'm considering seeing it again because I love Alison Luff. I actually enjoyed Aladdin quite a bit. Matilda is a much better piece of theatre as many others have said, but I had more fun at Aladdin for what it's worth. There are some really cheesy moments in Aladdin, I'm willing to admit, but somehow it's sticking out in my memory as more enjoyable than Matilda.

[brdway411]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 1:15am

I hated Matilda, enjoyed parts of Aladdin. Go see Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.

Updated On: 1/13/15 at 01:15 AM

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 1:16am

Please, Matilda all the way.

[15minutecall]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 2:21am

Not even close. Matilda.

[IloveBroadwAY3]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 3:26am

I am not sure why conservative people go to Broadway

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 6:02am

Maybe you should ask your friend to take a vote and see what the kids would be much more interested in.

I haven't seen Matilda, but I have seen Aladdin. While Matilda does seem to have much more artistic integrity, Aladdin sounds like it would absolutely be far more enjoyable! I had a great time at Aladdin, I didn't find it an imitation of the film like VotePeron did who was kind of saying what the critics thought of the Broadway production of Beauty & the Beast at first. Updated On: 1/13/15 at 06:02 AM

[binau]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 6:27am

How can you conclude that Aladdin would "absolutely far more enjoyable" when you haven't seen Matilda?

Having seen both Aladdin and Matilda, Matilda has both more 'artistic integrity' and is much more enjoyable than Aladdin.

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 7:00am

I never said it is, I only said would be since Matilda is a darker show.

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 7:27am

First of all, if money is at all a consideration, you are probably going to get a better deal at Matilda because it's been open for a longer period of time and has more discounts.

While I don't think Matilda is a perfect show, it has a LOT going for it..including a message that is relevant for students. As a teacher myself, I am sure people are looking for a fun event but also something you can talk about when you get back to school..and what better topic than dealing with bullying, standing up for what's right and wrong and even if one feels small, you still have a voice. You can even re-look at the book and compare/contrast.

Plus I think kids always enjoy seeing a lot of kids on stage - and you certainly have that at Matilda.

I really liked Aladdin but seriously, it's just fun and fluff..without any kids in the cast. I would pass for sure.

I don't think being conservative would affect which show to pick...it's not really a consideration with these two shows IMO.







Updated On: 1/13/15 at 07:27 AM

[HighFlyingAdored97]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 7:29am

Matilda

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 7:35am

I had a great time at both shows. Aladdin is flashy and magical, but Matilda is really fine musical theatre. Have his kids take a poll.

[Bucky Builder]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 8:07am

I didn't care much for either one but I think Aladdin would be the better choice.

[icecreambenjamin]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 8:14am

Matilda was pretty great. It's a great story and it's very funny, plus it has a nice score.
Your students may be more familiar with Aladdin, but you should try and take them to see something that they may not know already.

[mamaleh]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 8:23am

I think MATILDA would work the kids' imaginations much more than ALADDIN, enjoyable though that cotton candy show is. The images from MATILDA have stayed with me since I saw the show in previews; ALADDIN was fairly quickly forgotten.

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 8:31am

^^ I am not a big fan of asking the kids what they would want to see (no offense intended) but sometimes you have to expose them to things they may be unfamiliar with..or don't have preconceived notions about.

I personally think 13 is a great age for Matilda.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 5:31pm

I saw both last August and I would say "Matilda". Aladdin is fun and they would have a good time but "Matilda" is just a better show especially for kids who are 13.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 5:34pm

Matilda.

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 5:37pm

I will say that if you do go with Matilda, that would actually seem like a much more suitable choice for a field trip.

[Bwaydide92]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 6:29pm

I would say hands down Matilda, as most have said previously. I saw it last year and absolutely loved it. And I'm in my early 20's. It is a magical piece of theatre with beautiful music. Your students will only be a few years older than half the cast, so that's exciting.

I haven't seen Aladdin, but I don't think that would be a bad choice, not as good as Matilda, but I got a little bored listening to the soundtrack.

My suggestion would be to play the soundtracks for both shows to the kids and let them decided from there. They are both on Spotify. And go with the London cast recording of Matilda. The Broadway cast one is great, but isn't produced as well as the Original London cast is. I think they'll probably enjoy Matilda more. It is darker, but it has great jokes and fun moments.

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 8:06pm

These are choices? "On the the Town", "You Cant Take it With You", "Curious...." "Cabaret" are all better choices.
If you have to choose between the two - Matilda.

[Matt1]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 8:09pm

Matilda, not even close!

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 8:26pm

I've seen both. Aladdin is way better!!!