John Sanders joins cast of Matilda the Musical tonight

John Sanders returns to the Royal Shakespeare Company's Broadway production of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical tonight. Having originated the roles of Sergei and the Party Entertainer, he now assumes the role of Mr. Wormwood from Rick Holmes, who played his final performances on 11 September.

Mr. Sanders has also appeared in both the Broadway and Touring productions of 'Peter and the Starcatcher,' as well as the Second National Tour of 'Mamma Mia!'

The current principal cast of Matilda the Musical includes Ava Briglia, Aviva Winick and Willow McCarthy (sharing the title role of Matilda), Bryce Ryness (Miss Trunchbull), Jennifer Blood (Miss Honey), John Sanders (Mr. Wormwood), Lesli Margherita (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, and will close on 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 (NY Post); 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