Bryce Ryness to play Miss Trunchbull in Matilda on B'way

Two-time Tony nominee Christopher Sieber will play his final performance as Miss Trunchbull in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical on 5 June 2016, before departing the show to join the upcoming production of The Prom. Bryce Ryness, who originated the role on the musical's first National tour, will begin performances on Broadway from 7 June 2016.

Bryce Ryness has previously appeared on Broadway in 'Hair,' 'First Date,' 'Leap of Faith' and 'Legally Blonde.' Off-Broadway credits include 'Long Story Short,' 'Fly by Night,' 'See Rock City & Other Destinations,' 'Around the World in 80 Days' and 'Crossing Brooklyn.' On screen he played the role of Starkey in "Peter Pan Live!" and the role of Hank in "It Could Be Worse."

The current cast of Matilda the Musical includes Mattea Conforti, Rileigh McDonald, Mimi Ryder and Alexandra Vlachos (sharing the role of Matilda), two-time Tony nominee Christopher Sieber (Miss Trunchbull), Allison Case (Miss Honey), Rick Holmes (Mr. Wormwood), Amy Spanger (Mrs. Wormwood) and Natalie Venetia Belcon (Mrs. Phelps).

Matilda the Musical officially opened at the Shubert Theatre on 11 April 2013, following previews from 4 March 2013. It recently announced an official closing date of 1 January 2017. Upon closing, the show will have played 37 previews and 1,555 regular performances.

The musical opened on Broadway to excellent reviews: Even more glorious than we were promised (NY Times); Glorious Matilda has it all (NYP); Another blockbuster (NY1); Dazzlingly inventive musical (Hollywood Reporter). Matilda the Musical features a book by Dennis Kelly, with music & lyrics by Tim Minchin, and is directed by Tony Award-winner Matthew Warchus, with choreography by Peter Darling.

Synopsis: "Matilda the Musical tells the story of a very bright and rebellious little girl, with special powers. Matilda's parents, Mr and Mrs Wormwood, have no time for her and treat her as a nuisance. She spends most of her time reading books from the library astonishingly quickly, whilst they watch the telly and Mr Wormwood sells dodgy used cars. At school things are no better as despite the care and support of her teacher, the lovely Miss Honey, Matilda has to contend with the terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchbull who rules the school with cruelty and fear. Matilda fights against the injustices at home and at school. Eventually she decides the grown-ups should be taught a lesson and in the process discovers her supernatural powers."

The musical received four Tony Awards, and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for each of the four girls who originated the title role.

Matilda the Musical features scenic design by Rob Howell, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, sound design by Simon Baker and special effects and illusions by Paul Kieve.

The show is being produced on Broadway by The Royal Shakespeare Company and New York's Dodger Properties.

- by Tom Millward