The U.K. hit premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company's Courtyard Theatre in November 2010 and later transferred to the West End's Cambridge Theatre, where it continues to run. The Royal Shakespeare Company and The Dodgers present the Broadway run.
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 officially open April 11.
In addition to Carvel, who earned raves from London critics for his work as Miss Trunchbull, the Broadway cast also stars young actresses Sophia Gennusa, Oona Laurence, Bailey Ryon and Milly Shapiro, who share the title role. The Broadway principal company also features Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita (Zorro; Kiss, Me Kate) as Miss Wormwood, Gabriel Ebert (4000 Miles) as Mr. Wormwood, original London cast member Lauren Ward (Follies, Violet) as Miss Honey and veteran Chicago actress Karen Aldridge ("Boss," "Chicago Fire") as Mrs. Phelps. Young British actor Ted Wilson from the original London cast of Matilda repeats his work as schoolmate Eric in the Broadway production.
The Matilda ensemble includes Frenie Acoba, Erica Barnett, Judah Bellamy, Jack Broderick, Ava DeMary, John Arthur Greene, Emma Howard, Nadine Isenegger, Colin Israel, Thayne Jasperson, Luke Mannikus, Madilyn Morrow, Sawyer Nunes, Jared Parker, Celia Mei Rubin, John Sanders, Tamika Sonja Lawrence, Phillip Spaeth, Ryan Steele, Betsy Struxness, Samantha Sturm, Heather Tepe, Ben Thompson, Clay Thomson, Taylor Trensch and Beatrice Tulchin.
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).
For tickets go to Telecharge.com. The Shubert Theatre is located at 235 West 44th Street.
Visit MatildaTheMusical.com.
