We're always excited to report when a member of the Conejo Players family finds success -- but this time, it's particularly thrilling! Our very own Emma Howard, who costarred as "Baby June" in CPT's 2011 production of Gypsy, will be attending the 2013 Tony Awards as a cast member of Matilda the Musical! The show garnered an amazing 12 nominations total -- including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (Dennis Kelly), Best Music & Lyrics of a Musical (Tim Minchin), and Best Direction (Matthew Warchus). 

 

First produced in London's West End by The Royal Shakespeare Company and the Dodger Organization, Matilda the Musical is based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory") and tells the tale of an extraordinary little girl who decides that -- despite a bad beginning -- her story is going to be an astonishing one. Armed with imagination, intellect, and moxie, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her destiny.

 

Emma moved to NYC and joined the ensemble of Matilda (she plays the character "Hortensia") for rehearsals in late 2012, just after appearing as Jojo in Seussical the Musical at the High Street Arts Center in Moorpark. Matilda opened on Broadway, to both critical and commercial acclaim, on April 11.

 

We reached out to Emma after the Tony nominations were announced -- and, as you can imagine, she's terribly excited! "It's so great to be accomplishing my dream [of being on Broadway] at my age," she said. "I'm so excited to be going to the Tonys! I am blessed to be part of a wonderfully talented cast. I miss my theatre/dance family back [in California], and appreciate all the support and love they have shown me since my leaving home."

The 2013 Tony Awards -- colloquially known as the Super Bowl for the theatrical set -- will take place Sunday, June 9, at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City, and will be broadcast live on CBS at 8pm Pacific/Eastern and 7pm Central. Pop some popcorn, warm up those vocal chords, and keep an eye out for Emma when the cast of Matilda the Musical performs during the ceremony! You know the CPT family will be watching!