Danny DeVito talks bringing Matilda to the stage nearly 30 years after its big-screen debut | Canada Voices

In Danny DeVito’s 1996 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda, the story of a child prodigy battling obtuse, small-minded adults unfurls in sharp, surreal layers.

As director, producer and star, DeVito, known for his knack for playing grotesques with an almost inexplicable warmth, sculpted a world where cruelty wears absurd disguises, yet kindness glows unmistakably in the margins.

“I wanted to capture that Roald Dahl magic,” he says, speaking over Zoom from his California home, “that balance of dark and light, where even in the bleakest moments, there’s hope and humour.”

Now, nearly 30 years after its cinematic debut, Matilda is being reimagined as a live musical event, including a performance at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall on Jan. 25. Matilda in Concert offers audiences a fresh way to experience the story’s enduring charm, with a live orchestra performing David Newman’s score alongside a screening of the film and DeVito narrating.

The idea, DeVito explains, is to reconnect new generations with Matilda’s timeless themes. At a moment when shared cultural experiences are increasingly rare, he sees this as a chance to amplify the film’s message of resilience and imagination through the power of live performance.

What’s it been like revisiting Matilda now, so many years later?

I’ve revisited the film for various reasons throughout the years, and it’s always special but hearing the music live as the film plays – it’s unforgettable. It brings the story to life in a way that’s both fresh and deeply nostalgic. David Newman’s score is brilliant, and experiencing it with a symphony orchestra gives it a richness and depth that transforms the entire film. It’s exciting to see how the music connects with the audience, making the story feel even more powerful.

Why do you think Matilda has remained a beloved story across generations?

Roald Dahl’s story has a universal quality. Matilda is underestimated by her family, but she discovers her own strength, and that journey is something so many can relate to. Over the years, I’ve met countless people who grew up with the film and now share it with their kids, which is a testament to its lasting impact. My grandkids haven’t seen it yet, but I’m excited to share it with them. I still have my Wormwood hat – my granddaughter already calls it “Pop-Pop’s hat.” Sharing moments like that, tying the film to my own family, makes revisiting it even more meaningful. It’s funny how objects from the film, like that hat, have taken on new life in my family.

As a director, how did you strike a balance between Matilda’s darker themes and its uplifting moments?

Miss Trunchbull is genuinely terrifying, with her riding crop and those sharp, claw-like belt buckles. But that fear is what makes Matilda’s triumphs so satisfying. The story is about finding light in dark places, and striking the right balance between those moments of fear and hope was crucial to its success. I wanted the audience to feel the stakes, but also the joy of Matilda overcoming them. Getting that balance right made the story feel real and impactful.

In her memoir, Where Am I Now?, Mara Wilson wrote about how you supported her and her family during the illness of her mother, Susie, even showing her mom an early cut of the movie. What stands out to you from that time?

Susie was an incredible presence on set. She was always there for Mara, giving her strength and encouragement, but she also supported me through the process. Even while facing her illness, she remained upbeat and engaged. When she was in the hospital, I brought her parts of the movie to watch. That private moment felt deeply meaningful for all of us. It reminded me of how deeply personal the filmmaking process can be, especially when you’re working closely with a family going through so much.

Looking back at your experience with Matilda, what stays with you the most?

For me, it’s all about the connections – the bond with Mara, with Susie and with everyone involved in making the film. Susie, in particular, was a pillar of strength throughout the shoot, even as she faced her own challenges. I’ve always believed that storytelling has the power to unite people, and Matilda is a shining example of that. It’s amazing to see how the film still touches audiences today, proving that even small, intimate stories can resonate across decades. It’s those shared connections – on set, in theatres and now through live performances – that stay with me the most.