MATILDA Previews — Page 3

"Telly" still opens the second act. I've only heard the cast recording and everything was basically the same. The En'racte wasn't really present (cut down A LOT), but otherwise no big noticeable changes. Sound was probably the biggest technical issue tonight, but I'm sure that's something that will be fixed in time.

WOW! I don't know if I can form thoughts, let alone sentences, but I'll try to share some scattered thoughts. The only thing revolting about these children is how sickeningly talented they are. Hands down they are my favorite ensemble currently working on Broadway.

The opening sequence is really amazing. Peter Darling's choreography is insane; movements are precise, staccato and executed so deftly by the cast that I couldn't believe it.

I don't really want to spoil anything, but there is a sequence of musical staging when Matilda has her first day of school that is near perfection. Two boys are standing outside the school gate and blocks with letters are pushed through from A to Y (Z is saved for later). The lyrics of the song have a word that starts with each letter as the block is pushed through and one of the boys touches the block as a tight spot hits the letter. It was all the magic and whimsy you could want, but really it was the tip of the iceberg. Warchus gave us surprise after delightful surprise, and I think he has finally rivaled his genius direction of The Norman Conquests.

The score is quirky, jaunty and FUN. It helps immerse you completely in Matilda's world. Both the score and the production capture the essence of Dahl's novel.

RippedMan- You are going to go nuts over the set and lighting. The whole thing was like a carnival of moving jigsaw puzzle pieces. The lighting design is extraordinary.

I also couldn't want more from the cast. Lauren Ward is exactly how I envisioned Miss Honey, and what a voice! All the hype about Carvel is warranted; he's a scene-stealer for sure.

Oona Laurence was our Matilda and I loved her. The role is so large that they are really taking a risk allowing such young girls to take it on, but the gamble paid off and I give Oona all the accolades I can.

Matilda is 100% must-see entertainment!

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Thought this was just okay in London. Did anyone who saw it tonight see the production in London? Has it improved significantly?

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The inside of the theater is indeed beautiful. All the tiles with the letters are great. I felt like I was walking into Wonderland (the place, not the muscial) when I entered the Shubert.

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SO EXCITED!!!!!! i gotta see this ASAP!

I was in the balcony and loved it up there. The view is great, and honestly so much happens on the floor of the stage that I would strong suggest sitting in either the mezz or the balcony.

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^Ah! That makes more sense. Thank you.

The show is truly fantastic.

Matthew Warchus's speech at the beginning (which was funny as it played like an award show acceptance speech) was not even needed because the show ran so smooth for a first preview. There were a few minor mishaps like a desk getting stuck and a costume piece on stage right in the beginning, but nothing that interrupted or took away from the action.

What makes Matilda work is that the foundation for the story is so strong to begin with. Matilda is a character to cheer for, and you become so endeared to her by the end of the show. It is so rare to actually care about the characters onstage these days, that I found this particularly thrilling.

Bertie Carvel is absolutely amazing and should and will get a tony nomination (and maybe even a win) for his performance. He stole every scene he was in, and made for such a delectable villain.

The next obvious star of the show are the kids. They are really thrilling to watch. The choregaphy is so perfect and thrilling to watch, and they delivered, especially for a first preview. Oona was excellent as well. Matilda is an extremely demanding roll for such a young girl, but she seemed unfazed and very comfortable onstage. I would be interested to see the other three do this role.

There were so many standout numbers for me its hard for me to remember them all. My favorite song in the show is definitely When I Grow Up, but Revolting Children was also just as thrilling. Finally, the moment that hooked me on the show was the first day of school moment with the block letters. It was so inventive and brilliant.


Overall I just can't recommend this show enough. It is a funny, smart, and creative show with a heart. A rare triumph that has everything I would want in a Broadway show.

dave, you're right about the show having so much heart. During the last 20 minutes I wanted to clap after every little thing Matilda did; we had become her cheering section and we weren't going to let up until she tasted triumph.

I can't wait to go back to see this again. I can't focus on anything right now. All I can do is play the cast recording and try to relive the experience in my mind. I wish it had never ended.

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I don't know if it will kill Annie, at least right away, but it is very much more than a family show. Perfect for date night, go to the theater by yourself night, school groups, Jersey and Long Island bus groups, tourists, New Yorkers- every demographic of theatergoer is covered.

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Okay, I'm getting tickets! But guys, I am a dedicated front or first few rows kind of person; is that definitely a mistake for this one? High stage?

Whizzer, so glad you enjoyed the show.

One question about the School Song (the alphabet one). You say Z is saved for later - how does the song end? Do they still talk about "phys ed"? It was always a slightly odd reference even in the UK as we call it PE, and they need the reference for a lyric in The Smell Of Rebellion as well, but obviously you guys say "zee" instead of "zed" so I was wondering if Tim Minchin had changed the lyric entirely.