Straight from the imagination of Roald Dahl, the novel Matilda is brought to life—this time in musical form. It's the story of a 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis, and how it changes her life.
The show became a big hit on Broadway and overseas, winning five Tonys.
Michael Graceffa plays a party entertainer and Rudolpho in the new touring version. This is his second trip to Chicago—his first since he toured with Catch Me If You Can!
Windy City Times: Hi, Michael. Where in the world are you?
Michael Graceffa: I am in Detroit right now. We are really looking forward to coming to Chicago!
WCT: Where are you from, originally?
MG: I am originally from right outside Boston in a suburb called Waltham. I went to school at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York.
WCT: Did you study theater?
MG: Yes, I was a drama major. It was a liberal arts education so I studied everything. It was a cool experience and not a run of the mill musical theater experience.
WCT: What is your favorite musical?
MG: I'm a Chorus Line girl! It is my life goal to do that show but haven't done it yet. I don't care who I play but let me do it.
I saw it when I was 16 in Boston and I made my parents take me back three times. I told them, "This musical gets me!" I was obsessed with Donna McKechnie for the rest of my life.
I am a dancer primarily with acting and singing, but dancing is my strongest suit.
WCT: Where did you take dance class?
MG: I grew up in a small studio that my aunt owned called Creative Movement. Once I got to Vassar, I started really diving into our dance program. I was in dance company and danced almost six hours a day. I learned traditional dance there, and it translated well when I went over to theater.
WCT: Talk about your character in Matilda.
MG: His name is Rudolpho. He's eccentric, crazy and all up in your face. He is Mrs. Wormwood's—who is Matilda's mother—personal dance instructor. He is garish, and over the top. He has long greasy hair and a horrible pleather bell-bottom outfit. He thinks he's a star, the best dancer in the world and the hottest guy in the world.
In reality, he is a run-of-the-mill English dude who can dance pretty well.
He is really fun to play. I love playing over-the-top outlandish characters.
WCT: Is Rudolpho based on anyone?
MG: I base him on me in different times of my life, turned up 10 notches. I was always dancing around wherever I was growing up. I didn't care. I was the principal's son so I got away with a lot of things. I had my spoiled moments. I channeled that bratty person in this character.
WCT: Explain Matilda, for readers who are not familiar.
MG: People may think it is a kid's show or the movie, but it is based on Raold Dahl's book. I was a huge fan of his growing up. He writes these books for children that are so dark and interesting. They are perfect books for adults.
When we say it is a show for everyone, it really is. They didn't make this show for children. It is just a great show for everyone.
It is dark with a lot of meat to it, but also really beautiful. It reminds us how we are all young at heart. It is about what you go through to get what you want to find happiness.
WCT: Is it like Tim Burton?
MG: Kind of, but British so the jokes are very cutting. They are not sugarcoating things. I really like that about the show because it adds another level to it. It is really funny, witty and clever.
WCT: It has been a huge success.
MG: Yes, it has been on Broadway for over three years. The tour has been going great, too. I am so grateful to be in this show. It is a dream come true.
WCT: How is it touring with kids in the cast?
MG: I actually love it. They add a charm and happiness. Sometimes it feels like work but they remind me that it is playing at work, and this is best job in the world. They are cute and so talented. There are nine of them on stage—all together, 13. They really can do it all and are super professional. They add happiness to the workplace.
The funny thing is my cousin's kid is in this show as well. It was a coincidence. He saw me performing years ago so he started performing. He went to an open call and he got in the show.
WCT: Awww—you can take care of him.
MG: Yes, I tell the other kids not to mess with him!
WCT: These kids are not just walk-on roles; they are key to the show, from what I have seen.
MG: The children ensemble do more than the adult ensemble. They can dance their faces off. They are put through the works. They go to school every day. They went through months of rehearsals. They are amazing.
WCT: I saw Miss Trunchbull is [actually] in drag. Was it always cast that way?
MG: It was always planned that way. It is hilarious. I think there should be a drag queen in every musical!
It works well because this is not only a pro kids musical but pro women. Matilda is a smart amazing person. It is fun to put a big man in ugly drag with moles, crazy hair, and a fat suit.
Miss Trunchbull can be scary at times, so it is a cool mix of that. It is a great idea and I am happy they did it that way.
Matilda makes magic at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., through April 10. Grab tickets at www.BroadwayInChicago.com or by calling 800-775-2000 .
