MATILDA Previews — Page 10

I also saw last night's performance. I didn't think Sophia was all that special. She has talent and I'm very impressed she could carry a show at that age, but she never moved me. I can say the same for the entire show.

I'm sure this will run for a very long time and many people will enjoy the show but it wasn't for me. I'm 29 and I feel this show was made for kids and their parents.

I've been following this message board and bought tickets (orchestra row E - way too close...sit in the back of the bus) because everyone seemed to love it, but I was disappointed. For me, it was just cute and nothing more. There was a burst of applause for lasers and confetti. I didn't find anything about the staging original or unique. That said, first time Broadway goers and families will eat it up and have a blast. Just not my bag and I only want to post so others like me are aware.

I saw the show last night and it was BRILLIANT! The book,actors,music, and set was amazing! I saw Sophia as Matilda and she is so amazing! She has perfect comedic timing. Everyone was talking about how amazing Bertie was and I thought it was overrated but then I saw the show. I completely understand everyone meant on here! Bertie is BRILLIANT (everything is brilliant to me lol)! I think the Tony is between Bertie and Rob McClure. Its BRILLIANT (Yes, I said it again)! Its gonna sweep the Tonys. Go see this show before you cant get a ticket!!!!!!

@Up In One-I was wondering if someone was going to post about "the mean nature" in the story. Yes, it is, but that's the point: It's about a extraordinary girl, trying to defy the obstacles.

No cancellation line Thursday tickets were available and available on line at a discount.

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It was Milly.

By the way: I'm going to sit at RIGHT ORCHESTRA Row R, Seat 6. How good are those seats?

Up in One,

Thank you for your excellent appraisal.

You make some very insightful points, as always.

I too found the parents too horribly mean for words---and the theatre.

Did anyone see Milly tonight? I would love a review.

Saw Milly tonight. She was good. However, I felt like every other child in the cast was better then her. She sounded like she had a stuffy noise the entire play.

A little thin skinned song & dance ? or I must be right about the piece for you to take it so insultingly.

As for the meaness its not just the parents it's the headmistress also. Are we supposed to be so mesmerized by the performance that we don't take it seriously? What's on the page is not pleasant so its up to storytelling to couch it. Matilda was written in the 80s its excuse could be that it was created before the psychology of abuse was widely understood but that's no excuse to perpetuate the insensitivity in the adaptation. The abused go on to abuse so Miss Honey for all her good intentions could be another head mistress waiting to happen. And this show is geared to kids who take everything at face value. Just throwing up my hands on this one.

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So then, what should the creators have done? Added a prologue that showed Miss Honey in therapy, so the audience could be sure that she wouldn't turn out like Miss Trunchbull. I have to say, in all iterations of this material I've ever seen, I have never once considered the question that she would turn out like her aunt. And even though she isn't the headmistress, we see her teaching throughout the piece and know that, despite the abuse at the hands of Miss Trunchbull, she's still a decent and loving person. Again, that's the point of the play- that despite being in terrible situations with terrible people, the human spirit and kindness are still strong enough to survive, as Whizzer so nicely put it.

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It has been said that, when Roald Dahl went down to his potting shed to write, he had the unique ability to see the world through the eyes of a child.

I think sometimes there is a slight difference, but Roald Dahl is quite popular in the United States as well so I don't think it's a cultural thing in this case. It's a larger-than-life story, so it makes sense that the villains are also outsized in their evilness.

I was at the show tonight. It was Bailey Ryon's first show in front of an audience (and I heard there weren't any brushups during the week either). What a pro! She was fantastic.

Bertie Carvel will and should win the Tony, whichever category they put him in. Just sensational. He had the audience wrapped around his finger.

All performances were uniformly wonderful. Best children's ensemble I've ever seen. The supporting actors were all fantastic as well. Really clever, touching, and entertaining moments throughout the show. I think they still need to work out a bit of the pacing and timing, but a really terrific performance, especially since this was the first time the lead has ever performed the role.

Matilda is a very demanding role and a very difficult role. It is technically very hard and if the actress playing the role slips up one bit, it would be like a domino effect. There's a lot riding on those tiny shoulders, and I thought Bailey Ryon handled it with such ease. Flawless accent, a lovely singing voice, and such a command over her songs and long monologues. Whatever you think about rulings for Tonys and whatnot...what I saw tonight was deserving of at least a nomination.

I sat in G25 of the mezzanine. The overhang was not a problem, but I did miss a bit of the action on stage right. Not a lot at all since most is staged within the large playing area. I think I would like to see it from a more center seat next time (as I'm sure I will revisit the show).

The orchestra was top-notch. Sound was very good for an early preview, and I'm sure they will only get better. They're nearly there already.

That's all I got for now. It is quite wonderful. This will be the show of the season.