Climbing the Tree to Stardom, Hoboken’s Matilda Lawler Stars in Disney’s ‘Flora & Ulysses’

Posted on March 6, 2021 in Faces

(images courtesy of Disney, used with permission)

Ever since her debut in Mile Square Theatre‘s production of The Net Will Appear, Hoboken resident Matilda Lawler has continued a remarkable climb toward stardom. After her phenomenal run in The Ferryman, which landed “Best Play” at the 2018 Tony Awards, she has landed the starring role in Disney’s adaptation of Flora & Ulysses—now streaming on Disney+.

Although on location filming her next project (with co-star and father Matthew Lawler), Matilda took a few minutes to chat with hMAG about what she’s been up to, and where she likes to go when she’s back home in Hoboken…

hMAG: Can you give us a brief synopsis of Flora & Ulysses?

Matilda Lawler: Flora & Ulysses is about Flora, a ten-year old girl who is a big comic book fan and also a cynic. Her parents are separated and Flora feels broken and won’t allow herself to hope. Then she saves an adorable squirrel that was sucked up by a vacuum cleaner. She names him Ulysses and he does some amazing things, like help the family remember to never lose hope.

Matilda Lawler as Flora in FLORA & ULYSSES, exclusively on Disney+.

h: How has it been working with Disney?

ML: It was incredible. Disney really is like a big family. Everyone is so supportive, kind, and they treat everyone so well.

h: You already have a remarkable stage career under your belt. Obviously the past year has been challenging, but can you give us some insight on how the pandemic impacted stage performers, and what they’re doing in the interim?

ML: It is really sad that so many amazing theater artists are currently unable to do what they love, and what they’ve worked so hard to do. Some of my friends have been taking classes for fun and to stay sharp.

h: What’s next on the horizon?

ML: Algebra. Super excited. Workwise, I’m currently filming a limited series called Station Eleven that will be on HBO Max.

h: What’s your favorite Hoboken hangout?

Definitely Maxwell Pier, right by 16 Handles. But I love food from Seven Valleys and acai bowls from Jungle Juice.