K is For Kindess: Matilda The Musical Opens in Manila!

Do good to people in order to bring out the best in people.

This is what I have learned after working with people over the years, from being a subordinate to a boss. 

I've had my fair share of managers who ruled with an iron fist because they think strictness and rigidness will bring out the best in people, but those who were treated with a dash of tolerance, a cup of patience, a bowl of prudence, and a whole lot of kindness, excelled the most; it goes to show that kindness goes a long way and reinforces the principle GOOD BEGETS GOOD; kindness gives people hope, encouragement, and most especially, love, means of support that help people become better, especially those who want to help themselves.

This lesson greatly echoes in Matilda The Musical, the high energy opener of GMG Productions for 2020.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical is now in its seventh year in London where it continues to delight audiences of all ages. MATILDA THE MUSICAL was commissioned by the RSC in 2010, and is the recipient of a record-breaking seven 2012 Olivier Awards including Best Musical and a joint Best Actress Award for the four girls who shared the title role. Based on the beloved story by the Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox), MATILDA THE MUSICAL is directed by Tony Award® winner Matthew Warchus, who helms this exhilarating and ingenious production with book by playwright Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin. MATILDA THE MUSICAL premiered at the RSC’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon, playing to sold-out audiences from November 2010 to January 2011.  Capturing the imagination of young and old alike, the RSC transferred the production to London’s West End in October 2011 where the show continues to play to sold-out houses at the Cambridge Theatre.  Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers has been a favorite novel of millions of people across the world since it was published in 1988. The production has sets and costumes by Tony Award® winner Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Tony Award® winner Hugh Vanstone, and sound by Simon Baker.

I have watched the play last Friday, in their gala night. To be completely honest, my expectation wasn't that high because it doesn't have as big of a buzz as the musicals Lion King, Wicked, Rent, Spring Awakening, Les Miserables, and the likes, but I was completely blown away by the production: imaginative set, brilliant choreography (gotta love how the choreographer utilized the entire set!), and adorable cast (I was amazed at the level of performance, precision, and panache of the child actors despite their age!). All in all, a world class play! No wonder this musical stayed for 5 years in broadway!

And now, to be completely honest, I want to watch it again! Aside from the spectacle and wonderful performance, Matilda taught me again another important life lesson and that is to BE KIND, ALWAYS.

Matilda The Musical will run until March 22, 2020 at Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort, Pasay City . Visit GMG PRODUCTIONS on Facebook or buy tickets HERE.