Overview
Synopsis
Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl with extraordinary powers. The daughter of abusive parents, Matilda finds refuge in library books, which she reads quickly and in creating her own stories. Things are no better at school, where Matilda also must face a tyrannical and cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who believes in Crunchem Hall’s motto: “Bambinatum est Magitum,” or “Children are Maggots.” She finds companionship in her teacher, Miss Honey, though well-intentioned, is shy and fragile. Brave little Matilda knows she has to stand up against the adults in her world, and in doing so, discovers her own remarkable powers. Matilda’s bravery teaches Miss Honey and her classmates an important lesson -- that even though life can be hard, “nobody but me is gonna change my story” so “sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.”
Show Information
- Book
- Dennis Kelly
- Music
- Tim Minchin
- Lyrics
- Tim Minchin
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Roald Dahl’s 1988 children’s novel Matilda
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2010
- Genres
- Dark Comedy
- Settings
- Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- england, present day
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- Medium
- Dancing
- Heavy
- Licensor
- Music Theatre International
- Ideal For
- Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Theatre For Young Audiences (TYA), Middle School, High School, College/University, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Child, Adult, Young Adult Characters
Context
Based on the 1988 novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, Matilda graced the London stages in 2010. The next year the show made its West End debut. Not long after its roaring success in England, the show found its way to New York City making its Broadway debut in 2013. The show was a rousing success and pulled in five Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical. In the Broadway production, the role of Matilda was played by 4 young girls. These young girls also received a special Tony Honors for
to read the context for Matilda and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
The show begins with a group of young children playing and singing about how wonderful they are, and their parents do not hesitate to chime in with their accolades as well! As this is happening a dolled-up to the nines Mrs. Wormwood is in labor with an unexpected new baby. After this little one is born, the Wormwoods are disgusted, despite the doctor explaining how much of a miracle this little baby girl is. Mr. Wormwood wanted a boy and Mrs. Wormwood would rather be at her
to read the plot for Matilda and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Countertenor, Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor |
Songs
Act One
- Overture – Orchestra
- * Miracle – Children, Entertainer, Doctor, Mrs. Wormwood, Mr. Wormwood, Matilda, Company
- * Naughty – Matilda
- Story 1: Once Upon A Time – Matilda, Mrs. Phelps*, Acrobat, Escapologist
- * School Song – Children*, Older Children
- Pathetic – Miss Honey
- * The Hammer – Miss Trunchbull, Miss Honey, Children
- Naughty (reprise) – Matilda
- The Chokey Chant – Older Children
- * Loud – Mrs. Wormwood, Rudolpho, Company
- This Little Girl – Miss Honey
- Story 2: The Great Day Arrived... – Matilda, Mrs. Phelps*, Escapologist, Acrobat's Sister
- * Bruce – Children
Act Two
- Telly – Mr. Wormwood, Michael
- Entr'acte – Orchestra
- * When I Grow Up – Children, Miss Honey, Matilda, Company
- Story 3: The Trick Started Well... – Matilda, Mrs. Phelps*, Acrobat, Escapologist
- Story 4: I'm Here – Matilda, Escapologist
- * The Smell of Rebellion – Miss Trunchbull, Children
- Quiet – Matilda
- My House – Miss Honey, Escapologist
- * Revolting Children – Children, Older Children
- This Little Girl (reprise) – Sergei
- * When I Grow Up (reprise) – All
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A play, musical, or opera that has been adapted from a written work.
A group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together.
A role with little to no lines who generally appears within a larger group of similar characters.
The script of the musical, separate from the musical orchestrations.
Magical or supernatural qualities or events presented in an otherwise realistic setting.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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