Anyone finding Matilda underwhelming?

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 5:46pm

I wasn't expecting much before I got into Shubert, but OMG I should've expected much less. The book is a mess. You don't solve the plot conflict by ridiculously inserting superpower that comes from nowhere and isn't logically explained when the story is set in a perfectly normal world (at least that's what it seems like to me, and I haven't read the book). The sound, at least in today's matinee, was HORRIBLE. I was sitting in the center of 9th Row Orchestra but still had a hard time understanding what they were talking about on stage. As for the audience, most kids were really polite and didn't make as sound when the light was dark, but you could from time to time hear them asking their parents questions. Some parents were bored and guess what, they took out their precious shining little screens or even started conversations with their kids. Indeed miracles. I know a lot of people love Matilda, but what I saw today did not even match up with my normal expectation of a kiddie show and the experience of seeing one.

[ZellMorrowsPledge]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 6:10pm

Book is amazing, music is amazing, production is amazing. Nothing about this show speaks "underwhelming." But the show just does need an updated sound system, better diction, and just a revamp in general. Because the sound problems are ridiculous and shouldn't exist when people are paying the prices they're paying. 

[laughingplace]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 6:11pm

I solved in 10 mins and have not read the book or seen the movie

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 6:12pm

I saw original cast and I liked it, maybe even a lot...but I was not wowed overall..

[aaaaaa15]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 6:23pm

Yes. I find it to be similar to Billy Elliot (with a better score), in that they are both technically well done, well produced shows but they don't inspire me, they don't make me feel anything and in fact they leave me a little bored. I am aware that I'm not the target audience though.

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 6:33pm

"You don't solve the plot conflict by ridiculously inserting superpower that comes from nowhere and isn't logically explained when the story is set in a perfectly normal world (at least that's what it seems like to me, and I haven't read the book)."

Well, clearly. Matilda is not set in a "perfectly normal world," it's meant to be exaggerated and with the telekinesis and the story about the escapologist/acrobat it verges into magical realism. 

I personally love the show and think the design elements, music, and choreography all reflect the world that Roald Dahl created extremely well. 

[Charley Kringas Inc]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 6:34pm

I saw it on tour and thought it was terrific, despite the sound problems. I do wish there wasn't so much schtick with the gangsters at the end, but the rest of the show was superb on every level. At some point it'd be awesome to see a more intimate, toned-down production, which I think could bring out another side of the show, as opposed to the current production's occasionally overwhelming cartoonishness.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 6:46pm

I saw someone say the show has a poor book elevated by amazing music. While I find that partially true I think still it's the book is meant to be like that. It's supposed to be full of cliches and adult humor, because that is what Roald Dahl is. It's not like it won the tony award for best book for no reason! As much as I want them to fix all the accent and sound issue I'm pretty sure it's not going to happen since its closing in 9 months.

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 6:49pm

I do know quite a few people who were underwhelmed with Matilda. I was pretty underwhelmed the first time I saw it but I am someone who goes to see things more than once as a rule, and the more I saw it, the less underwhelmed I became...and I have enjoyed it more each time. Now I would be embarrassed to say how many times I have seen it.

I do think the superpower element should show up earlier in the show - as opposed to just completely out of nowhere - which in fact is not really out of nowhere, it's supposed to be Matilda exploding when she just can't take it anymore and this is what happens...so I get it. But it does seem a little odd when it happens.

I did find it completely impossible to understand the first time I went - which is why I tried it again after I became familiar with the CD and learned a lot of the lyrics before I went back. That helped a lot. But the sound has always been an issue (my first time in the rear balcony, I missed half the show)...and there are days its better than others but it's not consistent.

[binau]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 6:51pm

If they don't get the sound right and the lyrics are unintelligible then I don't blame you for finding it underwhelming - they are one of its biggest strengths! People have been complaining about the sound on this show from the day it opened. Even in London if I recall. I wonder what it is they can't get right. 

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 6:57pm

Enjoyed it but liked other less celebrated musicals a little bit more.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 7:02pm

The RSC production is one of the best theater experiences of my life. I still loved it on Broadway, but a little less. Brantley's review was spot-on about it being the rare musical where every element is operating on the same page. It is so singular in its vision, message, and personality. There have been few of these since. Fun Home, maybe Hamilton. 

[CindersGolightly]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 7:10pm

Yes.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 7:11pm

It seems like sound is a consistent issue for this show in New York and on tour. A shame. The lyrics are dense, but I've had good experiences.

 

Still,  I think you'd have to be wilfully obstinate or paying zero attention to think it's not as good as a run-of-the-mill "kiddie show." 

[gypsy101]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 7:25pm

I haven't seen the show itself but the cast recordin bored me, I just didn't think it was a very good score. The rhyming is dreadful. But a majority of people on this board love it so maybe it must be seen to be loved.

[broadwayboy223]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 7:27pm

I saw it and thought it was awful. 

[ChildofEarth]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 7:32pm

I too disliked it. I love the book, but haven't liked the movie or any version of the musical.

[Markie27]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 10:36pm

The first act bored me.  I remember talking with my friends during intermission and they didn't like it as well and was wondering what the hell was all the buzz about this show.  The second act redeemed it for me and I didn't hate the musical after all.  But yes i came with high expectation and was completely underwhelmed. And still I can't imagine how people see this as more superior than Kinky Boots.   Kinky may not be brilliant, but at least it was fun, uplifting, very entertaining and memorable.  Matilda has few standout songs (My House, Quiet and When I grow up) and like one post said it I didn't feel anything.  It lacked heart.  From beginning to end Matilda annoyed the hell out of me.  (Then again - Billy E. annoyed me too... Maybe I just don't like kids!)

 

ps please forgive me for bringing up the Matilda vs. Kinky boots again. 

Updated On: 4/20/16 at 10:36 PM

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 11:04pm

i actually felt more emotion from Matilda than kinky boots. I think Matilda has more substance and more of a story and it means something. There is a purpose in telling the story of Matilda. The message is to stand up to the bullies and be confidant. Maybe it's just me, because I've been through harsh bullying, so much I almost killed myself, so I just connect with Matilda easily. As for kinky boots I didn't understand the purpose or the desire in telling it's story. I had no sympathy for the characters what so ever.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 11:12pm

Also the end of Matilda is SO uplifting! It's probably one of the most heartwarming moment in Broadway history. 

Updated On: 4/20/16 at 11:12 PM

[Fosse76]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 11:38pm

I hated it. I found found the book childish and the music not memorable. And though they won't admit it publicly, there are quite a few people in the industry who are happy to see it go (the Shuberts were watching those grosses meticulously).

And audience reactions was divided. People either really love it or people really hate it. Middle ground is a very rare reaction.

 

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 11:49pm

My friend and I saw it in LA and felt much the same way.  We almost took a pass but they offered such deep deals on tix we decided to go for it last minute.  As many have said, not real memorable in our opinion.  And a lot of the kid dialogue was very difficult to understand.  Maybe all the kids in the audience followed it because they already knew the storyline, but it's hard to imagine that those who didn't could follow it either.  

Still nice to see shows that have appeal for kids and get them excited about theater.

[MichelleCraig]

Posted: 4/20/16 at 11:59pm

I saw it at the Ahmanson in Los Angeles a few months ago. It really didn't do anything for me, but could tell most of the audience was loving it. I thought the physical production and performances were really strong. To each his own. I accept that I'm in the minority here. Glad I saw it. Wouldn't see it again.

"Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" at the Ahmanson tomorrow night. Fingers crossed!

[Eliza2]

Posted: 4/21/16 at 12:01am

Call_me_jorge said: "i actually felt more emotion from Matilda than kinky boots. I think Matilda has more substance and more of a story and it means something. There is a purpose in telling the story of Matilda. The message is to stand up to the bullies and be confidant. Maybe it's just me, because I've been through harsh bullying, so much I almost killed myself, so I just connect with Matilda easily. As for kinky boots I didn't understand the purpose or the desire in telling it's story. I had no sympathy for the characters what so ever."

 

That's also one of the messages of Kinky Boots. That along with being who you are regardless of what others may think, and being tolerant of people who are different.

 

[binau]

Posted: 4/21/16 at 3:38am

Put me in the camp that absolutely loves Matilda. It's a rare example of a British musical that can actually rival great American musicals. The score in particular is witty and clever (don't know how someone could hate the rhyming). The lyrics for "The Smell of Rebellion" and "School Song" are so good they borderline needless showing off!

I really think it deserved the Tony for Best Score over Kinky Boots. I enjoyed Kinky Boots, but that is a feel-good musical with a catchy pop score done well. I don't think there is a single song in that score that made me think "oh wow, that's an interesting way to use music or lyrics to tell a story".