Kevin September 13th, 2024
The beloved storyteller of our time delighted (and terrified our childhoods), with a knack for writing stories that make our imaginations do backflips, it's no wonder so many of his books have been given the gloriumptious stage treatment!
We may be revolting children, living in revolting times, but we can certainly S-P-el as we like on stage! We envy her for her pancakes, superpowers, and reading abilities - the world-leading brainy heroine is pure magic. With music and lyrics by the marvelously clever Tim Minchin, Matilda first premiered in 2010 with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon before moving to London's West End in 2011. It quickly won over critics and audiences, eventually transferring to Broadway in 2013, where it picked up multiple Tony Awards.
This scrumdiddlyumptious show is a treat, giving us a look into Willy Wonka's wacky world, where naughty children meet their sticky ends. A feast for the eyes and ears, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory captures the wonder and whimsy of Dahl's original story - but with a twist of dark humor that reminds us not everyone gets, or wants a golden ticket.
The musical premiered in London's West End in 2013, directed by Sam Mendes (Skyfall, American Beauty) with eye-popping sets and marvelous special effects. It ran for nearly four years before making its Broadway debut in 2017. While the Broadway version was a bit different, with a new director and several revamped songs, it was pure imagination.
When young James escapes from his ghastly aunts in a giant, magical peach, you know you're in for a truly peachy experience.
James and the Giant Peach had its world premiere at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre in 2010, with music by the now-famous songwriting duo Pasek and Paul (the team behind Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman). It's a family-friendly adventure that sees little James sailing across the ocean in his juicy home, discovering the true meaning of friendship along the way, with some much-needed Vitamin C.
Remove your wigs! The Witches is a gloriously gruesome adaptation of Dahl's dark tale about witches who plot to turn children into mice. If you thought the witches in the book were terrifying, wait until you see them on stage.
In 2023, a brand-new musical adaptation of The Witches premiered at the National Theatre in London, featuring music by the brilliant Dave Malloy (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812). The show masterfully captures the eerie yet comical tone of Dahl's writing.
You'll fall head over tail for the sly and cunning Fantastic Mr. Fox. This stage adaptation takes all the cheeky charm of Dahl's original story and adds catchy tunes, creative puppetry, and a whole lot of foxy fun. It's the perfect family-friendly romp for anyone who loves a good heist - and an even better escape plan!
Fantastic Mr. Fox was adapted into a musical by the Little Angel Theatre in London in 2017. Mr. Fox's clever schemes make this a show that both kids and adults can't resist. Just like in the book, Mr. Fox outsmarts those bumbling farmers every time.
