Matilda Casting?

[dreaming]

I haven't seen the show live, but what I've been able to hear and glimpse would have me believe otherwise-that Carvel is BRILLIANT. He should be allowed to transfer. If it's an Equity issue, I'm hoping they can work it out.

If it has to be re-cast then Sieber would top my list.

[Musicaldudepeter]

Isn't Lauren Ward American as well which makes it easier for her to make the transfer? Correct me if I'm wrong

[dreaming]

Lauren Ward is indeed American. However, they managed to get Richard Fleeshman over here (I'm guessing there was an exchange with Caissie Levy being sent to London for Ghost). Why they can't work something similar out here I have no idea. I'd really like for him to come over.

[GuyfromGermany]

I think Brent Carver would be an amazing Ms Trunchbull!

[AEA AGMA SM]

It could be an Equity issue, but it could not be as well. There are many other factors, including such things as the producers or creative team wanting to recast, or maybe Carvel just does not want to uproot himself and come to NY (believe it or not that does sometimes happen to be the case).

My guess is that to some degree the producers did cast Lauren Ward as a pre-emptive exchange. I'm not saying that she isn't talented, I actually like her quite a bit on the cast recording and would not be disappointed if she does indeed open the show here, but I'm sure it was in the back of at least one producer's mind as a bonus for casting here.

[theatreguy]

She's also married to the director, so if she's going to be over here with him anyway she might as well be in the show.

[MusicalBoy]

There's no 'if' about it, Lauren Ward will be transferring and playing Miss Honey in the original broadway cast.

I thought of Sieber, but he might be a little too pantomime methinks...

[SonofRobbieJ]

And just for the record, Lauren Ward is lovely in the role. A very touching performance.

It is possible that Carvel doesn't want to continue with the show for another year.

[Musicaldudepeter]

I hope Ward is nominated for a Featured actress Tony

[little_sally]

Just out of curiosity, why is Trunchbull played a man in the musical?

[Nickhutson]

Because Tim Minchin et al looked at it and thought "well, this is obviously a man's role." (true story)

The RSC always has a blind casting approach.

The role is incredibly physically demanding (not saying a woman can't do it) but it involves lifting children up and stuff like that. The character also needs to tower over Miss Honey, and it's hard to find women over 6ft, sadly.

Also - Dennis Kelly saw it that the character is neither a man nor woman... it's a monster.

I've heard rumours that Bertie will go over to do it - as he's not doing Bridget Jones' musical any more....

The RSC won't cast famous names in it - so don't expect Sutton Foster or Harvey Fierstein. Roald Dahl is the star of this show - and that's how it will remain.

[GlindatheGood22]

Question: is there anything in the show to specify that it takes place in Britain? I wonder if it will be performed here with American accents.

[Nickhutson]

The good news is that the RSC will not Americanise this. They're working very hard with dialect coaches to get the British accents spot on.

Also, the language is very British - songs like Telly and The School Song are written in a very British vernacular.

[TrChSpHa]

I'm hoping for Bertie Carvel.

[missthemountains]

Christopher Sieber for Trenchbull!!

[abitoftap]

We saw this the other Monday with substitutes for both Mrs Wormwood and Trunchbull.
The show was absolutely superb. RSC casting will mean whoever you get will be great.

[nasty_khakis]

It was also my understanding that not only is difficult to find a woman over 6ft who meets the demands of the role, but you need to be able to cast SEVERAL (for ensemble/understudy/tour/etc). It's just easier to cast a man (since she's more a monster than a gender) instead of ending up casting a terrible replacement but you put yourself in a "she's awful but 6'4 box."

[AEA AGMA SM]

I have heard that the creatives are not opposed to the role possibly being played by a woman in the future. I'm sure if Pam Ferris's musical theatre twin came along (who played her quite brilliantly in the movie) they would not hesitate to cast her. While they did initially state a certain height they were looking for it does not mean they are 100% bound to never looking at anybody who doesn't meet that criteria. The presence of the actor or actress playing the role is just as important, if not more so, than just being a certain height.

As for some of the other casting, I think Leslie Kritzer would be a hoot and a half as Mrs. Wormwood. She would certainly be able to blow the roof off the Shubert with "Loud."

[nicthediva]

Anyone know what the height limit is for the school children ensemble?

[JulesReverie]

It'll never happen but Jim Carrey would be fabulous as Trunchbull

[temms]

The casting notices specify that schoolchildren need to be 4'10" or less, and Matildas need to be 4'4" or less.