BILLY ELLIOT Announces New 'Billy' and 'Michael'; Alvarez Departs Jan. 3

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that Michael Dameski and Jake Evan Schwencke will join the cast of the 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical, in the roles of ‘Billy' and ‘Michael' respectively.

Dameski, 14, who previously played ‘Billy' in the Melbourne production of Billy Elliot, will be making his Broadway debut as the 8th boy to perform the role on Broadway. His first performance date will be announced soon. Schwencke, 11, who made his Broadway debut this season in Bye, Bye Birdie, is scheduled to play his first performance as ‘Michael' on Saturday, January 16th.Tony Award-winning original ‘Billy,' David Alvarez, will play his final performance on Sunday, January 3rd at 3pm. As previously announced, Keean Johnson will star as ‘Michael' in the Chicago production of Billy Elliot. His final performance on Broadway will be Friday, January 15th. MICHAEL DAMESKI (Billy) Hi, my name is Michael Dameski and I'm 14 years old. I am very excited to make my Broadway debut as Billy after having the chance to play the role in the Melbourne production of the show. I was born in Sydney, Australia and did my academics and dance training at one of the most prestigious performing art schools in Australia, Brent Street studios. There I studied many dance styles including jazz, tap, ballet, acrobatics, hip hop, contemporary drama and musical theatre. I have competed in many dance competitions and have been named Top 10 Dance Idol Finalist in 2005 (NIDA), Dance Champion of the World 2007 LA, (WCOPA) and Source Dance Sydney winner 2009 among others. It has always been my dream to be on Broadway and when I heard that I was going to get the opportunity to be Billy at the Imperial Theatre, I couldn't believe it! I would like to thank everyone who got me involved in this incredible industry especially everyone at Billy Elliot, the cast and crew, the creatives and all my amazing teachers and friends. But mostly special thanks to my mom and dad and sisters for their constant support, encouragement and love. Jake Evan Schwencke (Michael) is thrilled to be joining the Billy Elliott family Broadway debut: Bye Bye Birdie (Randolph). Other credits include the Cynthia Nixon Hit Distracted, Whistle Down The Wind, Fox Theatre Les Miserables (Gavroche). TV : Campbell Soup Jingle "So Many Many Reasons It's So Mmm Mmm Good", "Dora The Explorer" (Lion), Good Morning America. Film: Ice Age 3 Jake is the voice of many characters. A big thank you to the Shirley Grant Mgmt Team and Much Love To Mom, Dad and my sister Taylor for all the love and support.The 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Billy Elliot the Musical currently stars David Alvarez, Alex Ko, Trent Kowalik, Liam Redhead and Dayton Tavares as Billy, Kate Hennig as Mrs. Wilkinson, Gregory Jbara as Dad, Carole Shelley as Grandma, Will Chase as Tony and Trevor Braun and Keean Johnson as Michael. Billy Elliot the Musical is the funny, heartwarming tale of a young boy with a dream, and a celebration of his triumph against the odds. Set against the historic British miners' strike of the 1980s, the story follows Billy's journey as a boy in a small mining town who, after stumbling across a ballet class while on his way to a boxing lesson, realizes that his future lay not in the boxing ring but on stage as a dancer. Featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreographed by Peter Darling and directed by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical opened at Broadway's Imperial Theatre (240 W 45th St) Thursday, November 13th 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. Beginning January 4th, the playing schedule for Billy Elliot will be as follows: Tuesday at 7pm, Thursday - Saturday at 8pm, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and Sundays at 7:30pm. 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

Need more Broadway Theatre News in your life? Sign up for all the news on the Winter season, discounts & more...