Matilda

Musical

Writers: Dennis Kelly Tim Minchin

Overview

Show Information

Music
Lyrics
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Roald Dahl’s 1988 children’s novel Matilda
Category
Musical
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
Ideal for
Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Theatre For Young Audiences (TYA), Middle School, High School, College/University
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes child, adult, young adult characters

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.”

Lead Characters


Matilda guide sections