Danny DeVito stops by Toronto for one night
Published January 25, 2025 at 3:55 pm

For those who were around in the ’90s or spent their childhood growing up in the era, you’ll be excited to know that a celebrity has touched down in Toronto for a sold-out, one-night-only show that’s sure to take audience members on a nostalgic ride they’ll never forget!
Actor, director, and producer Danny DeVito is teaming up with renowned composer David Newman, accompanied by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, for Matilda in Concert happening at Roy Thomson Hall on Jan. 25.
DeVito, who directed and starred in the 1996 hit Matilda, will narrate the performance, bringing the magic of this beloved story to life alongside Newman’s live score.
Based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 book of the same name, Matilda follows a gifted young girl with telekinetic powers who stands up to her neglectful parents and the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. As Matilda navigates the challenges around her, she discovers her own strength, courage and the power of knowledge.
DeVito mentioned in an interview that, “On the surface, Matilda appears to be this little defenceless creature. And even though she’s basically all alone in the world, she never loses her sense of identity or her sense of humour.”
The film version, has captivated audiences for nearly three decades, with iconic moments like the school assembly chocolate cake scene with Bruce Bogtrotter, the newt-in-glass prank, and—major spoiler alert—for those who have yet to see this masterpiece, Matilda using the chalkboard as the “ghost” of Trunchbull’s late stepbrother to drive her out of town.
According to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Newman, who has scored over 110 films including, Ice Age and The War of the Roses, worked closely with DeVito to bring the film’s signature mix of dark humour and whimsy to concert halls across North America.
The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. and run for approximately two hours. It will include a 20-minute intermission, offering an immersive experience that blends film and live music.
If you were one of the lucky ones to snag a ticket, you’re in for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!