Question for Members Who've Seen/Heard RSC's Matilda

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 12:28am

What do you guys think?

I saw the movie a day or two ago and remembered this was transferring. Will it find success with New York/tourist audiences? I saw some video clips on their website and have not yet listened to the original cast recording. I didn't think the montages and clips were enough to justify reasoning for whether or not it was a good show.

Just wanted to hear some opinion because besides transferring to Broadway in the spring and its Olivier Award wins, I have not heard much about this show. Thanks!

[JeanGudio]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 12:39am

its very good topical well done show. 4.5 stars/5 stars from me and that is me being harsh.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 2:55am

jacob -- there is at least one other thread (maybe two) about Matilda. While I've heard mostly VERY good buzz, of course, there are some detractors.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 6:57am

Yes, there are several other threads on this, not to mention the copious amounts of awards and glowing reviews to reference.

Personally though, to beat an already loved horse to death, I saw it a few months back and thought it was brilliant, inspiring and completely magical. I'd put it around on par with Book of Mormon in terms of quality. The one worry I have is the translation of the British-isms of the show to the US- whether they will transpose the show entirely (ala the film version) or keep it as is and get rid of the more specific nation references (ala Billy Elliot). It does have a few odd or weak points, including one of the most random and odd endings I can think of in recent musical history, but the show as a whole is a beautiful and hilarious capture of childhood storytelling. 'When I Grow Up' is one of the simplest, purest moments I've ever seen onstage, and also one of the most memorable and beautiful.

[MusicalBoy]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 7:18am

On a related note, I was told at the stage door yesterday that only Lauren Ward (also American, and the wife of the director) from the Original London Cast would be transferring with the production, so it will be very interesting to see who is cast as Trunchbull in Bertie Carvel's absence, it's a really fantastic part.

Updated On: 6/25/12 at 07:18 AM

[Katurian2]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 7:23am

Bertie isn't transfering?? Major, major loss. He's absolutely brilliant in the role. Even though the production really hinges on the Matildas, Bertie was always the real click that took it to a level of zany perfection.

[Princeton Returns]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 7:49am

Personally I thought it was really good, if a tad over hyped. The score is the weakest aspect with half it being great, and half of it forgettable. The production overall though (staging, design, direction, book etc) is brilliant

[MusicalBoy]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 7:53am

I think the entire score is just so brilliant, it's intelligent to the levels of Sondheim and at times truly poignant.

The book was actually what stuck me as the show's biggest flaw, granted it has the brilliance of Roald Dahl to live up to, but as has already been noted, the ending was a bit bizarre and seemed to drag on a bit and there were times when it seemed like scenes were slightly out of order.

[rjm516]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 8:09am

That's so upsetting that Bertie isn't transferring! He was the best part, bar none.
I really enjoyed the show, but it needs to work on its pacing before Broadway. There were serious lulls and some groan-worthy moments. The biggest problem for me was the lack of magic! The movie handled the use of magic so perfectly, and in the show it's just a very short time at the end. Kind of a wasted opportunity to really wow audiences.

[dreaming]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 11:10am

Did they make a cast recording? I'd love to hear the music. I'm quite excited to see it on Broadway next spring!

[Katurian2]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 7:03pm

dreaming- it was recorded at the RSC and you can download it on iTunes last I checked.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 7:16pm

I've seen it in Stratford and in the West End. I think it's the only truly great musical of the past decade that also has total crossover appeal to families, tourists, etc. What musical comedy (and storytelling) is all about.