An open casting call for the leading role of Matilda will be held Sept. 30 at Pearl Studios beginning at 10 AM in midtown Manhattan. Producers are seeking girls ages 8-10 years old, who are 4'4" or under. No previous experience is required.
Akin to the Broadway production of Billy Elliot, several young actors will rotate in the leading role at various performances. The London production of Matilda employed four young actresses, all of whom earned a shared Olivier Award for their work.
According to a casting notice, "Matilda should look like the runt of the litter. However, she is extremely bright, fearless and focused, and able to speak assertively. Matilda is a fiercely clever child; living in an abusive household, she escapes into books and her imagination."
Auditions will take place on a first come-first served basis. Auditions will begin at 11 AM in Studio C. Pearl Studios, which is located at 519 Eighth Avenue on the 12th Floor. Additional information is available by phoning (212) 719-9393 ext. 360.
The creative team is asking for a recent picture and resume that includes height, birth date, and a parent or guardian phone number and email address in addition to any relevant experience. Those auditioning should bring sheet music for a short song; and a brief story or poem in the style of Dahl. All should be memorized. An accompanist will be provided. Matilda The Musical has a book by Dennis Kelly and a score by Tim Minchin. Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, The Norman Conquests, Boeing-Boeing, La Bête, Ghost) directs. It will begin Broadway previews March 4, 2013, at the Shubert Theatre, prior to an April 11, 2013, opening night.
According to producers, Matilda "is the story of an extraordinary little girl who decides that despite a bad beginning filled with rotten parents, a terrifying school and a vicious head mistress, her story is going to be an astonishing one. With the help of her teacher, her friends and a little bit of imagination, Matilda proves that even if you're little, you can do big things."
The production has set and costume design by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone and sound design by Simon Baker.
An original London cast album preserves the infectious score. Matilda earned seven 2012 Olivier Awards including Best Musical and Best Director, as well as Best Actress (for the four young girls who share the titular role).
Visit MatildaTheMusical.com.
Here's a look at the London production:
