British actor Bertie Carvel is venturing across the pond to stir up trouble as menacing headmistress Miss Trunchbull when Matilda makes its Broadway premiere this spring. The musical, featuring a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, will begin previews at the Shubert Theatre on March 4, 2013 and open on April 11. No other casting for the production, which is directed by Tony winner Matthew Warchus, has been announced at this time.
Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl who decides that, despite a bad upbringing 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, friends and a little bit of imagination, Matilda proves that even if you’re little, you can do big things.
Carvel won the 2012 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Miss Trunchbull. He will soon be seen harrasing Anne Hathaway as Bamatabois in the upcoming film adaptation of Les Misérables. His West End credits include Parade, Damed By Despair, The Man of Mode, The Life of Galileo and Coram Boy.
Matilda premiered in November 2010 at the Royal Shakespeare Company's home in Stratford-upon-Avon before transferring to London’s West End in October 2011, where the show continues to play to sold-out houses. Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers has been a favorite novel of millions of people across the world since it was published in 1988. A film version of the story, starring Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman and Mara Wilson, was released in 1996.
The Broadway production will feature sets and costumes by Rob Howell, choreography by Peter Darling, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale.
Watch clips of Carvel's terrifying turn as Trunchbull below!