April 21--Producers of "Matilda the Musical," the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Dodgers, announced the cast of the first national tour on Tuesday.
Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly's musical is based on the Roald Dahl book about a young girl with a difficult family life and magical powers. The Tribune's Chris Jones called it "one of the best family-oriented shows of any season." The show will stop at the Oriental Theatre in the Loop next March.
Notably, Chicago actress Ora Jones will play Mrs. Phelps, a librarian and confidant of Matilda. Another local actress, Karen Aldridge, originated the role on Broadway.
The bookworm title role will be alternated by three young actresses: Gabby Gutierrez, Mia Sinclair Jenness, and Mabel Tyler.
Playing her parents, the Wormwoods, are Quinn Mattfeld and Cassie Silva. And the evil, hammer-throwing headmistress Miss Trunchbull will be played by Bryce Ryness.
The ensemble includes Cal Alexander, Kayla Amistad, Cameron Burke, Brittany Conigatti, Michael Fatica, Wesley Faucher, John Michael Fiumara, Camden Gonzales, Shonica Gooden, Evan Gray, Cassidy Hagel, Meliki Hurd, Michael Jablonski, Luke Kolbe Mannikus, Stephanie Martignetti, Megan McGuff, Justin Packard, Serena Quadrato, Aristotle Rock, Jaquez Andre Sims, Ian Michael Stuart, Danny Tieger, Kaci Walfall, Natalie Wisdom and Darius Wright.
"Matilda the Musical" begins performances at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., on March 22 and continues through April 10, 2016. Tickets are not yet on sale.
