Craig Bierko Departs Broadway's Matilda the Musical Due to Injury

Tony Award nominee Craig Bierko, who played 20 performances as the vile Miss Trunchbull in the Broadway production of Matilda The Musical before taking a 12-week medical leave, will not return to the show, producers have announced.

Bierko injured his shoulder in rehearsals, making it impossible for him to keep up with the role's physical demands. This injury, and the subsequent recovery period, has made it necessary for the actor to depart from the production.

"Trunchbull is a physically demanding role; and while I tried to perform, despite my injuries, the speed with which I am healing is not fast enough to resume performances in the near future. I am extremely disappointed that I will be unable to return to Matilda. I'm deeply grateful to the producers, cast and crew for their warmth and support," Bierko said in a statement.

Chris Hoch, who had understudied the role, was given a contract to play the role full-time during Bierko's medical leave.

Matilda the Musical, which originated in London, is based on the beloved children's novel by Roald Dahl. It features a score by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly and stars four young leading young ladies: Sophia Gennusa, Oona Laurence, Bailey Ryon, and Milly Shapiro, all of whom share the title role. Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage) directs.

Click here for more information and tickets to Matilda the Musical.