The New York Sun

Join
Arts+

Why Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’ Is Such an Enduring Draw

The children’s novel has served more than once as a vehicle of choice for esteemed thespians set on transforming themselves into the extremely unlovable.

Andy Kropa/Invision/AP
Actor Emma Thompson attends a special screening of Roald Dahl's ‘Matilda the Musical’ at the Park Lane Hotel December 7, 2022, at New York. Andy Kropa/Invision/AP
WILL FRIEDWALD
WILL FRIEDWALD

‘Matilda The Musical’
Directed by Matthew Warchus
Streaming via Netflix

Have an account? Log In

To continue reading, please select:

Limited Access

Enter your email to read for FREE

Get 1 FREE article

Continue with
or
Unlimited Access

Join the Sun for a PENNY A DAY

$0.01/day for 60 days

Cancel anytime

100% ad free experience

Unlimited article and commenting access

Full annual dues ($120) billed after 60 days

View all membership options
By continuing you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
WILL FRIEDWALD
WILL FRIEDWALD

Mr. Friedwald writes about music and popular culture for The New York Sun and other publications. The host of the radio show ‘Sing! Sing! Sing!’ on San Diego KSDS on Saturday mornings, he also is the author of 10 books. He has written more than 600 liner notes for compact discs, received 11 Grammy nominations, and appears frequently on television and in documentaries.

Advertisement
The New York Sun

Sections

NationalForeignPoliticsArts+EconomyEducationJusticeOpinionWatchCrossword

More

MembershipBecome a FounderAdvertiseEventsNewslettersShopSubmissionsContactLegalAbout

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use