Five reasons adults will enjoy Matilda the Musical as much as kids

1. Tim Minchin.

This is really reason enough, and if you aren’t familiar with Tim Minchin, you should be! He’s an incredibly talented comedian and musician who does edgy musical satires on the piano to sold-out stadiums around the world. His rock-star vibe and brilliant writing style lend a sense of humor and aesthetic to the show that resonates with my generation.

I had the chance to meet Tim before the LA preview of Matilda the Musical. He was friendly and interesting, and I loved hearing his philosophy about writing songs that have emotional resonance without being heavy-handed.

2. It’s poignant without being syrupy.

This is not your typical saccharine-sweet family musical fare. It’s understated and deep and has a dry wit running through the show.

3. It’s a powerful message about changing your own narrative.

Matilda’s greatest strength is that she refuses to let her current circumstances predict her future. It’s a story of empowerment and change. And while this packs a powerful punch for kids, it’s also a salient reminder for adults. It’s never too late to change your story.

4. It’s a nostalgic story about growing up.

I think the best example of this is the song “When I Grow Up” . . . sung by children who are fantasizing about all of the ways they will retain their childish wonder when they are a grown up:

“When I grow up, when I grow up, when I grow up, I will be strong enough to
Carry all the heavy things you have to haul around when you a grown up.
And when I grow up, when I grow up, when I grow up, I will be brave enough
To fight the creatures that you have to fight beneath the bed each night to
Be a grown up.

And when I grow up, and when I grow up I will have treats everyday and I'll
Play with things that mum pretends that mums don't think are fun.
And I will wake up when the sun comes up and I will spend all day just
Lying in the sun, and I won't burn because I'll be all grown up.”

This on hit me right in the feels.

5. It’s full of socio-political messages about revolution.

Matilda is about words and language, books and stories, and their worth as weapons. It’s about turning books into tools and harnessing them to rule against tyranny.

Matilda the Musical will premiere it’s national U.S. tour at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles from May 29 - July 12, 2015. You can buy tickets here. For season tickets and more information, visit CenterTheatreGroup.org or call (213) 972-4444.