When I Grow Up

Yesterday, for a personal record third time, I attented Matilda on Broadway. This is by far one of my favorite productions I have ever seen.

I first saw it before Anna and I were married. Just after our engagement, we took a vacation to NYC. We only bought tickets for two shows ahead of time, The Nance with Nathan Lane, and Matilda. Both shows were still in previews at the time (in fact, we were at the first preview for the new Lane show). The moment Tim Minchin's music began, I felt a joyus thrill go up my spine. The music has an elegance and a complexity to it that I love (some songs are Sondheim-esque in their complexity and competing melodies). The music takes you on this magical journey that is Matilda. Even after listening to the cast album many times over since first seeing the production in 2013, and the latest two times since moving to NYC, I am still emotionally moved by the music. Even thinking about it right now and recalling the musical themes, I have to hold back the tears in the Starbucks I am currently at.

There is one song in particular that causes the greatest and rawest reaction for me. "When I Grow Up." This song starts with just a simple piano melody and the kids of the cast singing about what it will be like when they reach adulthood. Whenever I hear this song, I am personally reminded of my childhood and all of the hopes and dreams that I held dear to my heart. Even now, living in New York, following my dream of being an actor, I still hold on to those dreams. At the same time, when I hear the joy in the music, my heart yearns to return to that childlike state. My heart breaks a little everytime that song plays simply because I miss being a kid.

The stage magic and technical craft are stellar. The transitions from scene to scene are elegant. It is by far one of the loudest productions (which I personally love), but I have heard some familes complain. The kids are, and I will say this to anyone who asks me about this production, "Stupidly talented." These kids are literally 1/2 my age and already kicking butt on broadway.

Currently, the incredible Christopher Sieber is in the bust of Ms. Trunchbull. This was my second time seing him throw the hammer, and he nalied it.

Honestly, I hope some day to work on this show as either the towering Ms. Trunchbull or as the skeezy Mr. Wormwood (Matilda's crook of a father). Until then, I will keep encouraging people to attend this heart-warming and awe-inspiring musical. I just hope that when I grow up, I will be good enough.