Billy Elliot extends booking as Broadway production previews
Story by Lizzie Guilfoyle
TO CELEBRATE the Broadway premiere of Billy Elliot The Musical, the London production has extended its booking period by six months – until October 24, 2009.
The Broadway production which opens on November 13, 2008 (previews from October 1), sees Haydn Gwynne, who created the role of Billy’s dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson on stage, making her Broadway debut. And sharing the title role will be Montreal born David Alvarez (aged 13), Trent Kowalik (aged 13) from New York and Kiril Kulish (aged 14) from San Diego.
Talking about Billy Elliot The Musical, director Stephen Daldry said: “Billy Elliot‘s journey has been an extraordinary one – I still remember our first day on set almost ten years ago when we were making the film. We have found three extraordinary boys – David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish – to follow in the footsteps of Jamie Bell and all the other young boys who have since played Billy in London and Australia. Our Broadway Company is led by Haydn Gwynne whom I am delighted has joined us in New York to play Billy’s Dance Teacher Mrs Wilkinson.
“I am thrilled to be back on Broadway working on a production that has been such an integral part of my life, and I hope we can continue to thrill theatre audiences world-wide with Billy Elliot‘s unique story.”
While producer Eric Fellner said: “Working Title is very excited to be making its Broadway debut with Billy Elliot The Musical, based on a film we made nearly ten years ago. This year we have celebrated the musical’s third birthday in the West End and the continuing success of our Australian production – the Broadway premiere is the next chapter in Billy’s astonishing journey. Stephen Daldry (Director), Peter Darling (Choreographer) and Elton John (Composer) have realised brilliantly Lee Hall’s original screenplay, bringing the story of Billy Elliot to life on stage and I wish them, and our Broadway Company, a great first performance and a hugely successful New York opening.”
Having recently celebrated three years in the West End and over 1,400 performances, Billy Elliot the Musical has now played to over 2.5 million people world-wide since its world premiere at the Victoria Palace Theatre in May 2005. The Australian production premiered at Sydney’s The Capitol Theatre last year and will end its year long run in November ahead of a transfer to Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne, where it opens on December 31, 2008 (previews from December 13).
Set in the North East of England, Billy Elliot the Musical is a funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy’s dreams and is an adaptation of one of the most popular British films of the last decade.
The current cast of the London production includes Jackie Clune (Mrs Wilkinson), Phil Whitchurch (Dad), Chris Lennon (Tony), Ann Emery (Grandma), Trevor Fox (George), Alex Delamere (Mr Braithwaite), Stephanie Putson (Dead Mum) and Barnaby Meredith (Older Billy). They are joined by Billy Elliot’s Tom Holland (aged 12 from Kingston-upon-Thames), Fox Jackson-Keen (13 years old from Hornsey, London), Tanner Pflueger (aged 13 from Norfolk, Nebraska, USA), and Layton Williams (14 years old from Manchester).