Are the Matildas the most talented kids on stage this season?

I am trying to figure out why they are getting a special Tony Award. The Matilda I saw was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. She sang ok, she moved well and played the bland character as best as can be expected. But I did not walk out thinking, "Oh my God, that was an incredible performance by a child" like I did at BILLY ELLIOT. Or like I did after A CHRISTMAS STORY. Johnny Rabe had an incredible singing voice, tons of stage presence, and comic timing that would rival some of the best comedic actors out there. WHy isn't he being recognized? Not to mention little Luke Spring, who I believe was mentioned positively in almost every review (and was featured prominently in the NY Times review). I am not trying to be mean to the Matildas, but I think there were little ones on stage this season who surpassed or rivaled them, sometimes just because they had a better part.
So, why are the Matildas getting a special Tony??

I actually found the kids in Christmas Story more impressive than the Matilda girls. Now I loved Matilda but those kids were actually giving quite a performance in Christmas Story.

Updated On: 5/20/13 at 08:00 PM

This really is going to open a can of worms when it comes to other shows with kids in them wanting to give them automatic special Tony awards for no reason at all.

What an interesting point with A Christmas Story; I didn't think of that. Add me to those who find this special TONY absurd. I still feel terrible for Lilla Crawford, who is a standout in a lackluster production, plays an iconic title role, and is getting no recognition. I am not saying that warrants an award or even a nomination, but given the circumstances, I feel terrible.

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In my opinion, if the Broadway Matildas were more like these Matildas, I could understand, these girls are terrific.


The London Matildas

Updated On: 5/20/13 at 08:30 PM

I imagine the special award will count towards Matilda's total, but it should be one not four, as with Billy Elliott. For what's worth, I thought the Matilda I saw, Milly Shapiro, was terrific specifically because she didn't display overt emotion. I was lucky to sit close, so I don't know what read farther back, but I found her fascinating. I was more moved by her performance than most any other I saw on Broadway this spring.

I was more impressed with the kids in the ensemble than Matilda herself.

I think the Matilda ENSEMBLE kids are better than the Matildas.

Except if they were nominated, people would bitch that they didn't deserve to be because the role is split.

Personally, I think the decision is fine. I don't know if it would have been right having 4 actors sharing a role compete with people playing something eight times a week, but at the same time it would have been ridiculous to not have the leading actors in a show not eligible for any recognition whatsoever. Plus, as has been mentioned, this sort of award has been given before, so it's not like there's no precedent.

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I agree with those of you who mentioned Lilla Crawford. If the Matilda girls are getting a special Tony, I think Lilla Crawford definitely deserves one. I have nothing against the Matilda girls, they are wonderful, but Lilla performs most shows and is very talented as well. I don't see the logic here in the differential treatment.

I'm not sure how I feel about this, but I'm just wondering, were they not eligible or was this a special distinction? If they weren't eligible, was it because they share the part or because they're kids?

I saw Matilda, A Christmas Story, and Annie this season. To be honest, Annie seemed to impress me the least. But of course, it's all a matter of opinion. The A Christmas Story kids were extremely impressive, as was the Matilda ensemble. I saw Sophia as Matilda in previews. I can't say she was the best child actress I've seen, but given the difficult subject matter, the direction, and of course her very young age, I was impressed.

Except the Matildas were considered ineligible for a nom, no? But Lilla Crawford and Johnny Rabe were eligible...just not nominated.

I agree completely about Lilla Crawford! That child is carrying the whole show in ANNIE. She's in almost every scene. I haven't seen MATILDA yet so I am not saying this to say anything that's not in favor of those girls getting a special Tony, but since they're splitting the role four ways, and Lilla's taking on hers by herself, I do wish she'd get a special award, too. Those ANNIE kids are doing a great job!

Updated On: 5/24/13 at 06:12 PM