Interview: Darcy Stewart, Matt Harrington of MATILDA THE MUSICAL at Fox Theatre-'Not all heroes wear capes.'

"Passionate, inspiring, witty, dark, and playful" are words actress Darcy Stewart uses to describe MATILDA THE MUSICAL, which is coming to Atlanta's Fox Theatre on April 18-23, 2017. Stewart plays Mrs. Wormwood, an antagonist who is obsessed with salsa dancing. In the number "Loud" she gets shows off her choreography skills, however, the scene is based on the controversial notion that "looks are more important than books."

"It [Matilda] is more vulgar than what people expect. People think "Matilda" as a show about this little five-year-old, but it's actually darker than that. There's a lot of things that kids won't understand, like bullying and verbal child abuse. It speaks a lot about honesty and fighting for what you believe in, even if you're a kid," Stewart explains.

"I have to admit, I've never actually seen the film," chimes in Matt Harrington, who plays Mr. Wormwood. "One of my favorite things about the Broadway production is the way in which it stylistically captures the tone of Roald Dahl's world: it's charming and quirky and funny and yet there's also a darkness to it. We see this world as I would imagine an incredibly clever and magical young girl like Matilda might see it. Rob Howell, our designer, was quite loyal to Quentin Blake's original illustrations when he created the look and feel of this world."

Winner of 70 international awards including 4 Tony Awards ® and a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards ® including Best Musical, MATILDA THE MUSICAL is based on the beloved novel by best-selling author Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox). It is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her destiny.

"[The Broadway production brings something new to the story] because Tim Minchin is the perfect composer to adapt Dahl; he has a crackling wit and a very cynical darkness as well," Harrington says. "The music lifts the story off the page and riffs on the book's grotesque and jagged and beautiful shades of experience. There is a wonderful element of spectacle to this show. This creative team makes the book sing, literally and figuratively."

Stewart agrees. "The maturity of the production brings something new to the story. You think "Matilda" and you think it's just a kid's story, but it's not. It very moving, very deep, very dark, very funny, all at the same time. It has all of the great elements."

Stewart and Harrington both note that a mature audience will take a lot away from the musical. "The best thing [Matilda] says is, 'Even if you're little, you can do a lot,' and I've personally believed that since I was born," Stewart reminisces, "My parents have always taught me that anything is possible. I think people are truly going to come away with that no matter what, you always have to fight for what you believe in."

"I think the show has become much more topical in the last year as far as the climate of our country is concerned," states Harrington. "This is the perfect moment to be telling a story that places a feisty and precocious young girl front and center as its hero. Nothing fills my heart more than seeing all these kids from the audience after the show proudly holding their books and identifying with Matilda."

In short, to sum up MATILDA THE MUSICAL like Harrington, "Not all heroes wear capes."

Tickets start at $33.50 and are available by visiting FoxTheatre.org/Matilda, calling 1-855-285-8499 or visiting the Fox Theatre Box Office (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308). Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL will play at Atlanta's Fox Theatre April 18 - 23. The performance schedule is as follows:

Tuesday-Thursday 7:30 p.m.

Friday 8 p.m.

Saturday 2 p.m., 8 p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

For more information, please visit matildathemusical.com or BroadwayInAtlanta.com.