The Royal Shakespeare Company’s hit musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda will begin previews on March 4, 2013, at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre. As previously announced, the American premiere of Matilda the Musical will be directed by Tony winner Matthew Warchus. The production is set to open on April 11, 2013. No casting has been announced at this time although four actresses will rotate in the title role.



Matilda features music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musican and composer Tim Minchin and a book by playwright Dennis Kelly. Based on Dahl’s 1988 book about a girl who unleashes her magical powers on nasty parents and an evil headmistress, the show premiered at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2010, playing to sold-out audiences for 12 weeks. The show transferred to London’s West End on October 25, 2011, where it continues to run at the Cambridge Theatre. A film version of the story, starring Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman and Mara Wilson, was released in 1996.



The production will also feature choreography Peter Darling, set and costume design by Rob Howell, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale.



Matilda will be produced on Broadway by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Dodgers.