Craig Bierko -- who was slated to step into Headmistress Trunchbull’s sensible shoes following the departure of Tony nominee Bertie Carvel from the hit musical Matilda -- has officially bowed out of the hit musical after a protracted recuperation from a shoulder injury that refuses to heal in a timely manner.
“Trunchbull is a physically demanding role,” said the former star of Guys and Dolls and The Music Man in a statement, adding, “I am extremely disappointed that I will be unable to return to Matilda.” (Indeed the character, a former hammer-throwing champion, is required to exercise his/her upper body limbs quite a bit in the production.)
Bierko’s understudy, Chris Hoch, has been playing the role during the actor’s three-month week medical leave. No word from producers as to if he will be signing a long-term contract or someone else, possibly a more recognizable name, will be taking over in the near future.
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