| Matilda question | |
| Posted by: | ARReith1982 07:12 pm EST 01/15/14 |
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| Does Matilda have ANY profanity whatsoever in it? I mean the smaller words too. Da*n, cr*p...etc. I'm trying to pick a show for a school trip and I need to be very specific and careful about content. Anyone? | |
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| "Hell", "Tush" and "derrière" in lyrics... | |
| Posted by: | garyd 06:02 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | Matilda question - ARReith1982 07:12 pm EST 01/15/14 |
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| and lord knows they will be loud enough for all to hear but I will cr*p my da*n pants if anyone in your group actually understands a word of what they hear. | |
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| Hilarious. NMI | |
| Posted by: | FriendofDorothy 09:28 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | "Hell", "Tush" and "derrière" in lyrics... - garyd 06:02 pm EST 01/16/14 |
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| Funny stuff | |
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| Straight-up answer | |
| Posted by: | MockingbirdGirl 03:43 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | Matilda question - ARReith1982 07:12 pm EST 01/15/14 |
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| No, there is nothing in the show that approaches either profanity or obscenity. The worst it gets is the Trunchbull's refrain that children are "filthy, revolting maggots." Matilda was designed for a family audience... and beyond that, incorporating cruder vocabulary would be out of keeping with the spirit of Dahl's original. | |
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| re: Straight-up answer | |
| Posted by: | MikeR 03:50 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | Straight-up answer - MockingbirdGirl 03:43 pm EST 01/16/14 |
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| A quick scan of some of the lyrics reveals at least a few uses of "hell." Normally I wouldn't find that worth mentioning, but since the original poster couldn't even bring himself to type the word "crap," it might be of concern. That said, "matilda musical lyrics" is easily searchable. It won't help with any profanity (or "profanity") in the dialogue, but at least it's something. | |
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| re: Straight-up answer | |
| Posted by: | ARReith1982 10:29 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Straight-up answer - MikeR 03:50 pm EST 01/16/14 |
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| I didn't type "crap" out of respect to those who might take offense using that word on a public forum. | |
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| re: Matilda question (SPOILER) | |
| Posted by: | WaHiGuy 11:02 am EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | Matilda question - ARReith1982 07:12 pm EST 01/15/14 |
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| I would think parents would be more concerned a plot point which involves the rather violent story of the acrobat and the escapologist. Even though it's treated a story within the story - maybe not appropriate for children that can't handle "cr*p." | |
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| re: Matilda question | |
| Posted by: | NewtonUK 09:38 am EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | Matilda question - ARReith1982 07:12 pm EST 01/15/14 |
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| No to be cruel - but maybe you shouldn't go to the theatre with your kids. There will always be something (unless its Disney) that will make parents cringe and come down on your head. The kids dont mind it at all. America is so tiresomely Calvinist. | |
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| re: Matilda question | |
| Posted by: | ARReith1982 10:32 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Matilda question - NewtonUK 09:38 am EST 01/16/14 |
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| No, that is cruel. There's nothing wrong with my asking a simple question regarding the content of a show that I am not familiar with. It's called research. | |
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| re: Matilda question | |
| Posted by: | PatrickHSF 01:55 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Matilda question - NewtonUK 09:38 am EST 01/16/14 |
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| I basically agree with you. I don't know the OP's intent or just what kind of group of kids he/she is bringing, but seems to me that would witness more adult chatter and behavior (that's behaviour, for you Newton *wink*) walking through Times Square before the curtain ever rises. Kids are growing up very fast these days and they sure seem to be able to handle more adult themes and words -- and understand their appropriateness and inappropriateness -- than I ever did. It has been fascinating to watch my nieces and nephews grow up and compare and contrast how much worldly they seem than I was at their age. And these are incredibly bright and very well-adjusted kids. Even Disney films and shows have adult words and elements. Disney, Sesame Street, et al recognize their role in treating kids differently today while still respecting boundaries. I hope the trip you are planning is a wonderful experience for the kids. | |
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| re: Matilda question | |
| Posted by: | Ann 02:36 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Matilda question - PatrickHSF 01:55 pm EST 01/16/14 |
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| I think the OP's intent was to simply ask this group about the language in the show. | |
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| re: Matilda question | |
| Posted by: | ARReith1982 10:31 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Matilda question - Ann 02:36 pm EST 01/16/14 |
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| Yes, the group I want to take are a conservative bunch. It's a private school where swearing is not permitted. Parents expect teachers to uphold this principle when planning events for their children. Bottom line is that I'm looking for a broadway theatrical experience that is 100% family friendly and won't get me letters from disgruntled parents. I know my options are very limited. | |
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| re: Matilda question | |
| Posted by: | FriendofDorothy 10:22 am EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Matilda question - NewtonUK 09:38 am EST 01/16/14 |
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| Everyone, as it should be, has the right to establish their own criteria for what theatre they want themselves or their kids to see. Your opinion of someone else's moral code is probably not factored into their ticket purchasing plans. Also, being called a Calvinist is hardly the worst insult that could be hurled at someone, even if you intended it to be. | |
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| maybe use their facebook page...? | |
| Posted by: | DistantDrumming 11:22 pm EST 01/15/14 |
| In reply to: | Matilda question - ARReith1982 07:12 pm EST 01/15/14 |
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| Post this very question on their Facebook page. I would imagine a show representative would answer your q if they pay any attention to their social media channels. | |
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| re: Matilda question | |
| Posted by: | Michael_Portantiere 10:56 pm EST 01/15/14 |
| In reply to: | Matilda question - ARReith1982 07:12 pm EST 01/15/14 |
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| What's the age of the group? Unless they're VERY young children -- so young that they probably shouldn't be going to a Broadway show anyway -- I really don't think there's anything in MATILDA that would be troublesome, and I'm surprised you'd think there would be. At any rate, many people (including me) have said that they have a great deal of trouble understanding the lyrics and even some of the book in MATILDA. So even if there is some "profanity," the kids probably won't be able to make out what they're singing or saying ;-) | |
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| re: Matilda question | |
| Posted by: | Ann 09:18 am EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Matilda question - Michael_Portantiere 10:56 pm EST 01/15/14 |
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| I'm guessing it's not what the age of the children is, it's what the school is requiring. I'm not surprised he asked - some schools are very restrictive (and I've only listened to the cast recording a couple of times, but I couldn't tell you if there is any profanity and your final comment was the first thing that came to mind!). | |
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| re: Matilda question | |
| Posted by: | tmdonahue (tmdonahue@yahoo.com) 08:06 pm EST 01/15/14 |
| In reply to: | Matilda question - ARReith1982 07:12 pm EST 01/15/14 |
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| Don't take them to the theater. Too dangerous. | |
| Link | Stage Money |
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| Idea | |
| Posted by: | FriendofDorothy 08:43 pm EST 01/15/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Matilda question - tmdonahue 08:06 pm EST 01/15/14 |
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| I don't know the answer to the question asked about Matilda. But I think there is a lot of great theatre that is appropriate for children. I would recommend that instead of a Broadway show, you investigate the wondrous New Victory Theatre on 42nd Street. They present many different kinds of shows (musicals, straight plays, dance pieces and many that can hardly be classified). Some of the shows are geared towards younger kids, some older. The theatre can help you pair up a show that's right for your group. And the shows, in my experience, are very intelligent, and do not talk down to kids. Needless to say, they are profanity free. And the prices will be a lot better, too. If you are still determined to see a Broadway show, Cinderella is safe, The Lion King probably is (it's been years, though). Also a good choice, if they are teens is The Fantasticks off-Broadway. If no one here posts an answer about Matilda, I'd call the theatre tomorrow and see if you can speak to one of the house management. They would know. | |
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| re: Idea | |
| Posted by: | old_school 12:00 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | Idea - FriendofDorothy 08:43 pm EST 01/15/14 |
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| MATILDA is a very alive show, and it's about empowerment of children, especially girls, and education, as well as being about the effects of bullying and the surviving of it. The story is relevant to kid's lives today.I'm not a proponent of soft soaping life for children. They know more than adults do in some ways. All the nit picky stuff said about this show is small minded. Cinderella? Well..old ways and stereotypes die hard. Matilda. Go! Trust your children. Educate them. | |
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| re: Idea | |
| Posted by: | FriendofDorothy 12:38 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Idea - old_school 12:00 pm EST 01/16/14 |
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| With all do respect, old school, your motivations for taking kids to see Matilda, correct for you though they may be, are not really relevant to the original poster. I think the original poster has a list of criteria to pick a show, including a lack of profanity in a show. There could be many different reasons for that, all of which are valid for the person/organization buying the tickets. As it is, the New Victory presents many shows that can instill great things in kids. I wouldn't say they "soft soap" things for kids; they design things for kids. Kid-centered shows can have great lessons on life, too, and not be dull, saccharine affairs. Roald Dahl can be great for kids, but sometimes Dr. Seuss is a better choice. Perhaps the original poster will pick Matilda, or maybe a different show. But if Matilda is not the choice (for whatever reason), let's not pretend that some grievous wrong has been done to the kids, with a naive kid-gloves motivation. It sounds like the original poster is seeking to make an informed choice for the group he or she is responsible for. That's smart, not suppressive. | |
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| re: Idea | |
| Posted by: | old_school 03:25 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Idea - FriendofDorothy 12:38 pm EST 01/16/14 |
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| I stated MY thoughts about MATILDA. Not yours. Since you seem to think you have a much better handle on what is acceptable for children and what is not, I defer to your moral compass, which seems, apparently, to point dead center. Being able to digest and accept varying points of view is a sign of maturity. | |
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| re: Idea | |
| Posted by: | ARReith1982 12:20 am EST 01/18/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Idea - old_school 03:25 pm EST 01/16/14 |
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| Well, I have no idea where that comment came from. However, I'll cancel my trip before I violate a parent's trust and compromise the values they are trying to instill in their children. I don't understand how some parents can willingly expose their children to certain elements of our culture before they can truly comprehend and understand what they are seeing and/or listening too. | |
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| re: Idea | |
| Posted by: | Ann 03:32 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Idea - old_school 03:25 pm EST 01/16/14 |
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| You're responding to something that wasn't said. The poster was just saying that, however you feel, it doesn't answer the original question (which was not "What show should I take children to"). | |
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| re: Idea | |
| Posted by: | bwaydiva1 02:18 pm EST 01/16/14 |
| In reply to: | re: Idea - FriendofDorothy 12:38 pm EST 01/16/14 |
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| It depends how old these children are, too. The New Victory might feel too 'childish' to them. Plus, it's not the same as the 'Broadway experience' which might be what the OP is going for. I say stick to "The Lion King" (which I like better than "Matilda" anyway-and I adore the original book). | |
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