BILLY ELLIOT's Kiril Kulish Set for The Nutcracker, 1/2

Fresh from his starring role in this year's Tony Award winner for Best Musical, "Billy Elliot," Kiril Kulish, who also won the Tony for Best Male Performer in a Broadway Musical, will appear on the stage of the Occidental Grand Aruba in Palm Beach during holiday season 2009.

The resort has announced that they have added Leonid Kozlov's "The Nutcracker" to their holiday schedule in the ballroom, with two performances open to the general public. Kiril, a multi-faceted dance prodigy, will reprise the role of the Nutcracker/Prince he performed on the island two years ago. Cast members for this holiday classic will include other members of Leonid Kozlov Dance International as well as 40 young dancers from Aruba's Club di Movimiento in the children's parts.

Leonid, a part-time resident of Aruba, was formerly a principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet before defecting to the west and assuming the role of principal dancer of the New York City Ballet under George Balanchine. He starred on Broadway in the revival of Roger's and Hart's "On your Toes." Leonid first conceived and staged his version of "The Nutcracker" while guest choreographer and guest dancer of the Australian Ballet and it has prompted standing ovations around the world. Mr. Kozlov is very excited to have Kiril again take the lead role in this popular production, featuring Tchaikovsky's immortal music and sumptuous sets and costumes commissioned from the most respected Russian designers and artists.

Kiril, who made Broadway history with his two co-stars who shared the role of Billy as the youngest performers ever to take the trophy for best male performance, reports he is excited to return to Aruba and work with Leonid Kozlov, again. Leonid expressed his opinion that Kiril is one of the most remarkable and diverse young talents he has ever seen, and has devised a special program that will showcase the several dance disciplines 15-year-old Kiril has mastered.

Kiril, by the age of 12, was established as an important presence in the international world of dance by being awarded the highest honor, Grand Prix, at one of the largest student ballet competitions, Youth America Grand Prix. He also has won titles as US Champion in Latin Ballroom Dance and US National Karate Champion. An accomplished concert pianist, he performed to sold-out crowds in Mexico City and has won the World Classical Pianist Chopin Award as well as first place at Young Musician's Piano Performance "La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art Piano Pieces".

A full performance of Leonid Kozlov's "The Nutcracker" will be staged in the Occidental Ballroom on Wednesday, December 30, and excerpts from the program will be combined with a special solo program by Kiril Kulish on Saturday, January 2. Both programs begin at 8:00 PM. Advanced ticket sales for this unique production are available through the concierge desk of the Occidental Grand in Palm Beach, which can be contacted at 586-4500 ext 3999. Tickets are only $20 U.S. (35 Arubian florin,) and are also sold at the parking cashier in the Paseo Herencia Mall in Palm Beach. A free preview of the production will be performed at the shopping and entertainment centre on Sunday, December 27 at 8:00 PM. For more information regarding ticket availability and to make reservations call, on Aruba, (297) 593-6462, or visit the website www.dancearuba.com.

Billy Elliot is currently playing at the Imperial Theater on Broadway. With music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreographed by Peter Darlingand directed by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical opened at Broadway's Imperial Theatre (240 W 45th St) Thursday, November 13th, 2009 and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical range from $41.50 to $136.50, and can be purchased at the Imperial Theatre Box Office (240 West 45th Street) or by calling Telecharge.com at 212-239-6200 or visiting www.Telecharge.com.

The playing schedule for Billy Elliot is as follows: Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesdays - Saturdays at 8pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 3pm.

Billy Elliot the Musical is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn and Sally Greene.Angela Morrison and David Furnish are Executive Producers. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.

For tickets and information visit www.billyelliotbroadway.com.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.