RIALTO CHATTER: Will MATILDA Hit Broadway in 2013?

Michael Riedel reports in the New York Post this morning that The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical, which is slated to transfer to London's Cambridge Theatre on October 18 of this year, is lined up for Broadway in 2013. Riedel explains that Matilda director Matthew Wachus is hoping to bring the show in then so that he can focus on moving his other West End property, Ghost, to Broadway next season.

He writes: "Warchus would like 'Ghost' to land in New York in the spring because he's got another new show -- the critically acclaimed 'Matilda,' based on Roald Dahl's children's story -- lined up for 2013."

Matilda The Musical played to sold-out audiences at the RSC's The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon for twelve weeks from November 2010 to January 2011. Roald Dahl's magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers has been a favourite novel for millions of people across the world since it was published in 1988.

The new stage musical, which captured the imagination of young and old alike during its short run, is written by the highly acclaimed playwright Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by the anarchic Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus.

The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, musical supervision and orchestration by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

The entire creative team will reassemble to create the London production.

Many adult cast members from the original production will reprise their roles at the Cambridge Theatre: Marc Antolin, Verity Bentham, Bertie Carvel (Miss Trunchbull), Paul Kaye (Mr Wormwood) Michael Kent, Melanie La Barrie, Matthew Malthouse, Alastair Parker, Nick Searle, Emily Shaw, Josie Walker (Mrs Wormwood) and Lauren Ward (Miss Honey). Further casting will be announced soon.

For more information and to catch Matilda in the West End, visit www.matildathemusical.com.