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SUMMER 2017 | artsLife 77 Matilda’s dad is a shady used-car salesman who refers to her as “boy,” since he wanted another son. Her mother is a shal- �������� ���������������������������� �������������������� ������������ ������- losophy is “looks, not books.” In fact, Matilda’s parents hold reading in contempt, and mock their daughter’s passion for books. �������� �������������������� ���������� ���� �������������� ������ �������� ����- pathetic teacher, Miss Honey. But Miss Honey, too, is oppressed. Her tormentor is Miss ������������������������ �������� ���������������� �������������������������� ������������ motto is bambinatum est maggitum (children are maggots). Matilda, however, is no helpless victim. ������������ ���������������� �������� �������� ���������� �������������� �������� ������������ it doesn’t mean that you just have to grin and bear it,” she sings in “Naughty,” one of many gleefully subversive songs by musician and comedian Tim Minchin. The story of how Matilda — along with her classmates and Miss Honey — ultimately prevails over adversity is entertaining, irresistible and inspiring. “Matilda is one of those refreshingly smart children’s musicals that doesn’t talk — or sing — down to anyone,” wrote Peter Marks in The Washington Post. ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ been showered with awards around the world, including four Tonys for the Broadway production. Time named it the No. 1 show of 2013. ■ Finding Neverland (June 6–11). Peter Pan������������������������������������������������������������������������- es for generations. And now, the story of how the mischievous (and eternally young) ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� The musical Finding Neverland explores how Scottish playwright J.M. Barrie was inspired to write Peter Pan by the playtime adventures of four young boys: Jack, George, Michael and Peter. Barrie, suffering from writer’s block and enduring an unhappy marriage to a shallow socialite, meets the boys and is drawn into their world of make-believe. He’s also drawn to their mother, the frail but beautiful widow Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, in whom he ���������������������������������������������������������������������� Tapping into his inner child, an inspired Barrie tells his colorful producer, Charles Frohman, that he’s working on a new and surprising play. The American impresario replies that he doesn’t particularly like surprises. Nonetheless, he buys into Barrie’s vision, and works to secure backers. Peter Pan�� ��- nally debuts, enchanting highbrow London theatergoers. Although it’s based on the 2004 Johnny Depp movie of the same name, the Broadway version of Finding Neverland is better in almost every way, wrote Richard Zoglin in Time: “It strikes me as the very model of a modern family musical. It’s briskly told, brightly staged, with a score (by British rocker Gary Barlow) as tuneful as one could expect from a show set in turn-of-the-century London that’s not by Gilbert and Sullivan.” �� EVENT: 2016–17 FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando™ season SHOWS/DATES: Matilda — The Musical, May 9–14; Finding Neverland, June 6–11. VENUE: Walt Disney Theater NOTES: The 2017–17 FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando™ season has just two shows remaining. The 2017–18 season has been announced, and is covered elsewhere in this issue of ArtsLife. TICKETS: Individual tickets for each show may be purchased online at drphillipscenter.org, by calling 844.513.2014 or by visiting the Dr. Phillips Center ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ weekdays, or noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For groups of 10 or more, email Group Sales at groups@drphillipscenter.org, or call 407.455.5550. Online and group ticket purchases are subject to handling fees. SPONSORED BY


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