#63: Matilda the Musical, and why it's not just a kid's show with Shannon Schilstra

It's weird how prescience can come from such unexpected places. When I recorded this episode about "Matilda the Musical" with the delightful Shannon Schilstra, I had no idea how relevant the show's themes about the bad behavior of bullies would be. It's a good thing that cloud wasn't hanging over our conversation, allowing Shannon and I to have a fun and carefree conversation about the unexpected rapturous praise this wonderfully weird show, developed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, would receive.

While certainly popular on Broadway, the show was and is an absolute smash in London, still running there for more than 14 years. Though my entree into the story was via the 1996 movie directed by Danny DeVito. Shockingly, Shannon has still not seen the original movie; she found Matilda through the musical first and has loved it ever since. We talk about how playing Miss Honey was a dream come true, both for her and her husband.

Be sure and check out my website, ChasingPhantom.net, for more information about "Matilda the Musical" and some great video clips related to the show. And here's hoping the world's real-life bullies suffer the fate of Miss Trunchbull and get their just rewards in the years to come.