Craig Bierko to Depart MATILDA For Good Due to Shoulder Injury

Regrettably, due to medical circumstances beyond his control, Craig Bierko will not be resuming his role as Miss Trunchbull in the Broadway production of Matilda The Musical. During rehearsals for the role of Agatha Trunchbull, Craig injured his shoulder making it impossible for him to meet all the physical requirements of the part.

Despite the injury, Craig was eager to get on stage and he did play 20 performances with two other actors covering some of the physical moments. Subsequently, Craig asked the production for a 12-week disability leave which the producers granted in the hopes that he could return when he was physically able. Chris Hoch, Craig's understudy, was given a contract to play Trunchbull for this period.

Craig informed production that his injuries have made it necessary to withdraw from Matilda. With regrets, the producers have accepted that he will not return to the show in January. Craig Bierko said, "Trunchbull is a physically demanding role; and while I tried to perform, despite my injuries, the speed with which I am healing is not fast enough to resume performances in the near future. I am extremely disappointed that I will be unable to return to Matilda. I'm deeply grateful to the producers, cast and crew for their warmth and support."

Matilda the Musical, produced by The Royal Shakespeare Company and The Dodgers, opened in April at Broadway's Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street). The production has received four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for each of the four girls sharing the title role, as well as two Outer Critics Circle Awards, five Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

The original Broadway cast recording is produced by Broadway Records/Yellow Sound Label and is now available digitally and at the Shubert Theatre. The CD is now available in stores and the album can be ordered at www.BroadwayRecords.com.

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, 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. The production has sets and costumes by Tony Award winner Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Tony Award winner Hugh Vanstone, and sound by Simon Baker.