Writer Lee Hall discusses creating the screenplay for the beloved film Billy Elliot, which he and Elton John adapted into a hit musical, now on Broadway. The program also features the USA television premiere of a highlight from the show's second act opening number, 'Merry Christmas, Mrs. Thatcher.'
Writer Lee Hall discusses creating the screenplay for the beloved film Billy Elliot, which he and Elton John adapted into a hit musical, now on Broadway. The program also features the USA television premiere of a highlight from the show's second act opening number, 'Merry Christmas, Mrs. Thatcher.'
Last holiday season, due to the 2007 Broadway stagehands' strike, fundraising for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and sales of its annual holiday CD, Broadway's Greatest Gifts: Carols for a Cure, were gravely impacted. With most theaters dark, the main source of sales of the CD was cut off. Stephen DeAngelis, NYC casting director and Artistic Director from the Engeman Theater, contacted Lynn Pinto, Executive Producer of Carols for a Cure, to see if they could sell the CDs to help make up for strike losses. The Engeman Theater sold hundreds of the CDs. In gratitude, Ms. Pinto invited performers from the Engeman Theater to record a track of their own for the 2008 CD.
BLOOMBERG TELEVISION program 'Night Talk,' host Mike Schneider welcomed Stephen Daldry, the director of the Golden Globe nominated film 'The Reader' and the mega hit musical Billy Elliot to his program yesterday, January 7th, the segment is now available online.
Cast members from the Broadway production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the longest-running show in Broadway history, will sing holiday songs live throughout Good Morning America on ABC, this coming Monday morning December 22. Led by PHANTOM star Patricia Phillips, the first-ever African-American to play opera diva Carlotta Giudicelli, the cast's performances are in recognition of the special 10th Anniversary of Broadway's Greatest Gifts: Carols for a Cure, the annual holiday CD which benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. On this year's CD, the cast of PHANTOM can be heard singing their folk version of 'Away in a Manger,' arranged by cast member and acoustic guitarist Geoff Packard.
Cast members from the Broadway production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the longest-running show in Broadway history, will sing holiday songs live throughout Good Morning America on ABC, this coming Monday morning December 22. Led by PHANTOM star Patricia Phillips, the first-ever African-American to play opera diva Carlotta Giudicelli, the cast's performances are in recognition of the special 10th Anniversary of Broadway's Greatest Gifts: Carols for a Cure, the annual holiday CD which benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. On this year's CD, the cast of PHANTOM can be heard singing their folk version of 'Away in a Manger,' arranged by cast member and acoustic guitarist Geoff Packard.
A hit in London and one of the most highly anticipated shows of the season, Billy Elliot officially opened at Broadway's Imperial Theatre last night, Thursday, November 13th. The show will play a special Actor's Fund performance on Sunday, January 25th at 8pm. For tickets call 212-221-7300 ext. 133, email at 'tickets@actorsfund.com.
Baz Bamigboye in the UK Daily Mail spoke with the creative team of BILLY ELLIOT at the show's NY premiere and asked each about the prospect of the film-based stage show going BACK to the big screen.
Tune in to Thirteen (WNET/Ch. 13) on Monday, December 1st at 8pm for the world premiere of 'Finding Billy,' a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the nationwide search for the three actors who play the lead role in Billy Elliot the Musical on Broadway. During the broadcast, stars David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish and Carole Shelley will be present in the Thirteen studio to talk about the show.
From 1 December 2008, twelve year old Brad Wilson from Doncaster will join the London cast of Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre to play the title role, making him the thirtieth boy to play the iconic role worldwide, first performed by Jamie Bell in the original movie. He is joined by Joanna Riding who will play Mrs Wilkinson and Joe Caffrey who returns to the production to play Jackie Elliot, Billy?s Dad.
The winners of the 2008 Evening Standard Theatre Awards, the first awards of the UK season have recently been published. The awards took place at a ceremony hosted by Richard Wilson on November 24th, 2008. The Evening Standard Awards are determined by a panel of critics that include Mail on Sunday's Georgina Brown, The London Observer's Susannah Clapp, The Times' Benedict Nightingale, Daily Telegraph's Charles Spencer and The Evening Standard's Nicholas de Jongh.
Greg Graham was the Gypsy Robe winner for 'BILLY ELLIOT,' and it was presented to him during an opening night ceremony on November 13th. The colorful Gypsy Robe, embellished with mementos from Broadway musicals, is presented to the cast member who has the most Broadway chorus credits.
Tune in to Thirteen (WNET/Ch. 13) on Monday, December 1st at 8pm for the world premiere of 'Finding Billy,' a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the nationwide search for the three actors who play the lead role in Billy Elliot the Musical on Broadway.
Broadway's Imperial Theatre welcomed the smash hit Billy Elliot on November 13th with music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall and directed by Stephen Daldry. BroadwayWorld and Broadway Beat were there to capture all the excitement!
Broadway's Imperial Theatre shined extra bright last night, Thursday, November 13th as Billy Elliot The Musical celebrated Opening Night. With music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall and directed by Stephen Daldry, this new musical had the first night audience cheering from the very first moments. After the curtain came down, the party got started and BroadwayWorld was there!
Billy Elliot The Musical officially opened at Broadway's Imperial Theatre last night, Thursday, November 13th. With music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall and directed by Stephen Daldry, this joyful musical lit up Broadway as the starry audience made their in to enjoy the opening night performance!
A hit in London and one of the most highly anticipated shows of the season, Billy Elliot officially opened at Broadway's Imperial Theatre last night, Thursday, November 13th. With music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall and directed by Stephen Daldry, this joyful musical lit up Broadway as Elton John joined the cast for the Opening Night bows. BroadwayWorld?s cameras caught the exciting moments as the curtain came down on a triumphant evening.
Last night in New York, Thursday 13 November, Stephen Daldry's production of Billy Elliot The Musical opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre to rave reviews. Haydn Gwynne, who created the role on stage in London of Billy Elliot's dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson, made her Broadway debut and playing the title role of Billy Elliot was 13 year old Trent Kowalik from New York.
On Tuesday, November 11th, Billy Elliot the Musical was featured on ABC's 'The View.' Composer Elton John, and stars David Alvarez,Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish joined the ladies of 'The View' to discuss the new musical.
Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment, announced today that Fidelity Investments will be presenting sponsor of the highly-anticipated Broadway production of Billy Elliot the Musical, opening tonight Thursday, November 13, at the Imperial Theatre.
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