I reread Matilda, a childhood read I fondly recall, in anticipation of seeing the Broadway adaptation of Roald Dahl's book. I was surprised to find I had suppressed the fact that, by the end of the book, nominally intellectually satisfied, Matilda loses her magical powers: I had imagined she was simply otherworldly, but really, it is circumstance that necessitates she use her gift to tip over glasses, levitate chalk, etc.
The show was really rather lovely, although it took some creative liberties (including the introduction of an Italian dancing partner, Rudolfo, for Mrs. Worwood), and featured excellent musical numbers, interesting choreography (including a number with a fascinating swing sequence, which you can see a glimpse of in "When I Grow Up," below), and rather good casting. All in all, a fun tribute and a great night out.
Incidentally, Mara Wilson, Matilda in the 1996 American movie adaptation, has been doing a bit of writing here and there: on Cracked, she pontificates on what makes child stars break down; on the Daily Beast, she reviews Matilda the musical.
