What it comes down to as well is stage is different from screen. What works on stage won’t necessarily translate to a film adaptation. Trunchbull is one of them.
Same goes for film casting. There’s always uproar when the Broadway cast isn’t in a film (I.e The Prom). Everyone is always trying to replicate their experience seeing the show on Broadway. It simply doesn’t work that way.
JBroadway said: "Maybe Mara Wilson can play the Acrobat?"
Oh wow I forgot about that whole sideplot. Easily the worst part of the show - which ground to a halt in any of those library scenes when the acrobat story was recreated. Is that in the original book? I can't remember, did the acrobats turn out to be her parents?
Tag said: "JBroadway said: "Maybe Mara Wilson can play the Acrobat?"
Oh wow I forgot about that whole sideplot. Easily the worst part of the show -which ground to a halt in any of those library scenes when the acrobat story was recreated. Is that in the original book? I can't remember,did the acrobats turn out to be her parents?"
I actually really loved that whole subplot, personally! But to answer your questions: no, it's not in the original book, and they turn out to be Miss Honey's parents. I liked it personally, because I'm a big fan of story devices where characters are kind of mystically connected. It makes the final line of the musical "they had found each other" ring all the more profoundly. In this version, Matilda essentially has this additional psychic power, and it creates a kind of fateful bond between her and Miss Honey, and they both end up kind of saving each other. Plus it has a ton of emotional payoff in act 2, with the numbers "I'm Here" and "My House." Makes me sob every time.
I get not liking it though. It's pretty out there, and it's by far the biggest departure from the source material. But I really dug it.
I concur with JBroadway, I’m in love with the musicals use of the acrobat and the escapologist story device. I hope they keep that intact for the film and I’m sure they will.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
Not that familiar with Lashana Lynch ... I assume that she must be able to sing in order to be cast in the role. Are there any clips out there of her singing?
I don’t believe she has ever sang publicly before, but either way Miss Honey is a pretty easy sing.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
I understand disliking the whole acrobat subplot as it does slow things down a bit, but I think the payoff of it all is excellent and it gives the show something a little different from the other versions.
NameGreg said: "I understand disliking the whole acrobat subplot as it does slow things down a bit, but I think the payoff of it all is excellent and it gives the show something a little different from the other versions."
Agreed. One of my favorite moments in the show is when Miss Honey pulls out the scarf during My House and gives it to Matilda, right as the Escapologist enters to sing the last verse with Miss Honey. Even though the audience has likely already figured out the connection by this point, the moment where Matilda herself realizes it is so powerful.
MattieIce2018 said: "NameGreg said: "I understand disliking the whole acrobat subplot as it does slow things down a bit, but I think the payoff of it all is excellent and it gives the show something a little different from the other versions."
Agreed. One of my favorite moments in the show is when Miss Honey pulls out the scarf during My House and gives it to Matilda, right as the Escapologist enters to sing the last verse with Miss Honey. Even though the audience has likely already figured out the connection by this point, the moment where Matilda herself realizes it is so powerful."
Oh definitely, and once it’s been explicitly stated, I adored the music and transition to Trunchbull in the next scene. So epic and intimidating.
Also, I loved the moment when the escapologist comes to rescue Matilda and they speak together in unison. Had that same awesome feel to it.