Craig Bierko Sidelined from MATILDA Due to Injury; Understudies Chris Hoch and Ben Thompson to Fill In

Craig Bierko, who began performances on September 17 in the role of Miss Trunchbull in Matilda The Musical, has temporarily exited the show due to an injury, according to the New York Times. A show representative commented: "Due to a shoulder injury which delayed his start in 'Matilda the Musical' and which has been aggravated during performance, Craig Bierko will be taking a 12-week disability leave from the production. At this time, understudies Chris Hoch and Ben Thompson will be playing Miss Trunchbull."

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Bierko's Broadway credits include: Harold Hill in Meredith Wilson's The Music Man (Theatre World Award, nominated for Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama League Awards), Thou Shalt Not directed by Susan Stroman, Guys & Dolls directed by Des McAnuff. Off-Broadway: Modern Orthodox directed by James Lapine. 2012 New York Philharmonic's concert performance and film of Stephen Sondheim's Company directed by Lonny Price. Film: Cinderella Man, The Long Kiss Goodnight, The Three Stooges and Scary Movie 4. TV: Boston Legal, Damages and Sex & the City. Bierko created the viral Internet talk show hit Bathing with Bierko in which he interviews and bathes John Malkovich.

Winner of a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards including Best Musical, Matilda The Musical is based on the beloved novel by best-selling author Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox). It is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her destiny.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL is directed by Tony Award winner Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage), who helms this production with a book by Tony Award-winning playwright Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin.

Tickets are available at www.telecharge.com (212-239-6200) or in person at the Shubert Theatre Box Office (225 West 44th Street).