Beth Malone, who last appeared on Broadway in the revival of Angels in America, will head to the Muny in St. Louis to headline the outdoor venue’s upcoming production of Matilda. The Tony nominee will star as Miss Trunchbull. The role is typically performed by a male actor in drag (Bertie Carvel earned an Olivier Award for his performance); Malone is among the first female performers to play the domineering headmaster in a professional production of the musical.
She replaces fellow Tony nominee Will Swenson, who has withdrawn from the August 5–11 presentation of the Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly musical due to a TV scheduling conflict.
Malone, who earned a Tony nomination for her performance in Fun Home, returns to the Muny after playing the title role in The Unsinkable Molly Brown in 2017. She returns to that title next year as part of Transport Group’s 2019–2020 Off-Broadway season.
John Tartaglia will direct a cast that also includes Mattea Conforti in the title role, Olivier winner Laura Michelle Kelly as Miss Honey, Ann Harada as Mrs. Wormwood, Josh Grisetti as Mr. Wormwood, and Darlesia Cearcy as Mrs. Phelps.
Rounding out the company are Maya Bowles, Colby Dezelick, Sean Ewing, Ryan Fitzgerald, Berklea Going, Trevor Michael Schmidt, Gabi Stapula and Sharrod Williams, as well as the Muny Kid and Teen youth ensemble.
