The original Broadway cast of Matilda the Musical debuted in 2013 at the Shubert Theatre. Four young actresses—Sophia Gennusa, Oona Laurence, Bailey Ryon, and Milly Shapiro—shared the lead role of Matilda.

Lesli Margherita starred as Mrs. Wormwood, with Gabriel Ebert as Mr. Wormwood and Lauren Ward as Miss Honey. Bryce Ryness played Miss Trunchbull, and Karen Aldridge was Mrs. Phelps.

The cast was praised for their energetic performances and helped the show win several major theater awards. The musical is based on Roald Dahl’s novel and tells the story of a gifted girl overcoming adversity at home and school.

About the Song

Bruce is a lively and humorous song that centers on Bruce Bogtrotter, a student forced by the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull to eat an entire chocolate cake as punishment. The children cheer him on with spirited energy, turning a moment of fear into one of unity and courage.

Read the Complete Lyrics of Bruce

MISS TRUNCHBULL, BRUCE

Bruce Bogtrotter
Yes, miss?
You liked my cake, didn’t you, Bruce?
Yes, Miss Trunchbull, and I’m very sorry–
Oh, no, no, no, no, no
As long as you enjoyed the cake, that’s the main thing
Is it?
Yes, Bogtrotter, it is
Oh, well, I did, thank you
Wonderful, marvellous, that makes me so happy
It gives me a warm glow in my lower intestine
Oh, Cook

What’s the matter, Bogtrotter, lost your appetite?
Well, yes, I’m full
Oh, no, you are not full
I’ll tell you when you are full
And I say that criminals like you are not full
Until you have eaten the entire cake
But–
No “buts”, you haven’t got time for “but”, eat
But I can’t eat it all

MISS HONEY

Headmistress, he’ll be sick

MISS TRUNCHBULL, CHILDREN

He should have thought of that
Before he made a pact with Satan
And decided to steal my cake
Eat
He can’t
Eat
He surely can’t
Eat
He might explode
Eat!

CHILDREN

I can see that a slice, or even two, Bruce
Might’ve been nice
But even you, Bruce
Have to admit
Between you and it
There’s not a lot of difference in size

He can’t (He can, Bruce)
He surely can’t
He surely can’t
You are the man, Bruce
He might explode
He’s quite elastic
He’s going to blow, make him stop
He’s fantastic, look at him go
I can’t watch

I think in effect
This must confirm, Bruce
What we all suspected
You have a worm, Bruce
Or maybe your largeness
Is a bit like the TARDIS
Considerably roomier inside

He can’t (He can, Bruce)
He surely can’t
He surely can’t
You are the man, Bruce
B-R-O-O-C-E

Bruce
The time has come to put that tumbly-tum to use
You produce, Bruce
Fantastically enthusiastic gastric juice
Oh, eat it up, lick it up, suck it up
Whatever you do, don’t chuck it up and muck it up
Come on Bruce, be our hero
Cover yourself in chocolate glory

Bruce
You’ll never again be subject to abuse
For your immense caboose
She’ll call a truce, Bruce
With every swallow you are tightening the noose
We never thought it was possible
But here it is coming true
We can have our cake and eat it too

The time has come to put that tumbly-tum to use
No excuse, Bruce
Let out your belt, I think you’ll want your trousers loose
Oh, stuff it in (Bruce)
You’re almost finished (Bruce)
You’ll fit it in, whatever you do just don’t give in (Bruce)
Don’t let her win (Bruce)
Come on Bruce, be our hero
Cover yourself in chocolate glory

MATILDA

Go on Bruce, do it

CHILDREN

Ohh, Bruce
You’ll never again be subject to abuse
For your immense carboose
She’ll call a truce, Bruce
Just one more bite and you’ll’ve
Completely cooked her goose
We never thought it was possible
But here it is coming true
We can have our cake and eat it

Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-aah

MISS HONEY

Go on Brucey!

Similar Songs Like Bruce

Here’s a list of similar songs like Bruce by Mtailda the Musical, which share themes of resistance and personal growth with clever storytelling:

• When I Grow Up: A sweet, thoughtful song where kids and adults dream of adulthood, mixing hope, longing, and the gentle truth of growing up.
• Naughty: This lively and mischievous song in which Matilda expresses her frustration with unfair situations and encourages taking control of one’s destiny.
• Revolting Children: In this loud, fearless song, energy blows up as the students take a stand, turning their classroom into a battlefield for freedom.
• The Smell of Rebellion: In this song, Miss Trunchbull makes it clear she hates anyone who challenges her rules while highlighting the children’s resistance against control.

Similar Artists Like Matilda the Musical

The following artists are similar to Matilda the Musical, along with their genres and notable albums:

• StarKid Productions
  Genre: Comedy/ Parody Musical Theatre
  Notable Albums: A Very Potter Musical, Twisted
• Bring It On: The Musical
  Genre: Contemporary Broadway Musical
  Notable Albums: Bring It On: The Musical Original Broadway Cast Recording
• SIX
  Genre: Pop/History Musical
  Notable Albums: SIX: The Musical Original Cast Recording

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Wrote the Book for Matilda the Musical?

Dennis Kelly wrote the book for the musical.

Is Matilda Autistic in Matilda the Musical?

In the Musical, Matilda is not portrayed as autistic; she is depicted as exceptionally intelligent, curious, and emotionally perceptive.

Who Played Miss Honey in The Original Broadway Cast?

Lauren Ward played Miss Honey.