Peter Darling News

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that Chicagoan Susie McMonagle, currently playing the role of 'Mum,' will take over the role of 'Mrs. Wilkinson' in the Chicago production of Billy Elliot the Musical beginning September 21, 2010. Emily Skinner will play her final performance as Mrs. Wilkinson on September 19, 2010. Billy Elliot is now playing through January 15, 2011 only at the Ford Center/Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph Street, Chicago).

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that Tony® Award nominee Emily Skinner, currently starring as 'Mrs. Wilkinson' in the first national touring production of Billy Elliot the Musical in Chicago, will join the Broadway company on October 2, 2010. Kate Hennig will play her final Broadway performance on October 1, 2010 and will return to her home town to launch the Toronto engagement of Billy Elliot, which begins performances at the Canon Theatre on January 28, 2011.

As part of the Back to School with Billy events, Billy Elliot the Musical and Broadway In Chicago have teamed up with the Chicago Park District, Chicago Loop Alliance, The Joffrey Ballet Chicago and Lakeshore Athletic Clubs to offer a fun, free morning of BALLET AND BOXING from 10 AM to 11 AM this Saturday, August 21 in Pritzker Park (310 S. State Street, Chicago).

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that Peter Mazurowski will join the cast of the 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical, in the role of ‘Billy.' Joining him will be Neil McCaffrey and Gabriel Rush alternating in the role of ‘Michael.'

David Bologna returned to the cast of BILLY ELLIOT in the role of Michael, Billy's best friend on June 16th. Bologna received a 2009 Tony nomination for his performance as 'Michael.' He is scheduled to play his final performance on Sunday, August 8th.

Billy Elliot the Musical and Broadway In Chicago have joined with other special partners to create an exciting series of events to ring in the Back to School season.

The Ballet Girls of Broadway's BILLY ELLIOT will host a free dance warm-up on July 31 to celebrate National Dance Day, the show's official website announces. The warm-up will be held at 12:45pm outside Broadway's Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue).

The Ballet Girls of Broadway's BILLY ELLIOT will host a free dance warm-up on July 31 to celebrate National Dance Day, the show's official website announces. The warm-up will be held at 12:45pm outside Broadway's Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue).

UK Daily Mail reports that BILLY ELLIOT authors Elton John and Lee Hall will be collaborating again on a new musical based on George Orwell's 'Animal Farm.'

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment are announcing, with Broadway In Chicago, that tickets for the finAl Block of BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL in Chicago will go on sale Friday, July 16, 2010. After a successful 10-month run, BILLY ELLIOT will play its final Chicago performance on January 15, 2011. This finAl Block of performances runs from October 26, 2010 through January 15, 2011 and includes popular holiday performances.

Denver Center Attractions has announced a high-spirited season of Broadway hits headed to Denver. The 2011 season, generously supported by United Airlines and Vectra Bank, features hits straight from Broadway-including the 2009 Best Musical Tony Award winner BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize winner NEXT TO NORMAL.

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that the first national tour of Billy Elliot the Musical, the 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, will play its final performance in Chicago on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph Street).

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment are announcing, with Broadway In Chicago, that tickets for the finAl Block of BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL in Chicago will go on sale Friday, July 16, 2010. After a successful 10-month run, BILLY ELLIOT will play its final Chicago performance on January 15, 2011. This finAl Block of performances runs from October 26, 2010 through January 15, 2011 and includes popular holiday performances.

As BroadwayWorld has previously reported, the musical version of Helen Fielding's popular novel, 'Bridget Jones's Diary,' is in the works with aspirations to open in the West End. Fielding is working with British recording artist Lily Allen and Greg Kurstin on the musical's score and lyrics and is working on the book with assistance from Julian Webber. Stephen Daldry, the director of BILLY ELLIOT, directed the recent workshop alongside Webber and choreographer Peter Darling; Working Title is producing the project.

Broadway In Chicago, in partnership with the City of Chicago, is pleased to present the annual BROADWAY IN CHICAGO CONCERT AT TASTE OF CHICAGO, a fantastic, FREE event on Monday, June 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park (235 S. Columbus Drive).

Broadway In Chicago, in partnership with the City of Chicago, is pleased to present the annual BROADWAY IN CHICAGO CONCERT AT TASTE OF CHICAGO, a fantastic, FREE event on Monday, June 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park (235 S. Columbus Drive).

The 2009 Tony Award winning Best Musical is calling all real life Billy Elliots to participate in the new podcast series, Billy Elliot: Express Yourself. The Broadway Company of Billy Elliot is looking for fans of all ages and backgrounds to tell their personal stories of discovery or triumph-whether it's finding a hidden talent, following their dreams or creating change within their community.

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that David Bologna will return to the cast of BILLY ELLIOT in the role of ‘Michael,' Billy's best friend. Bologna received a 2009 Tony nomination for his performance as ‘Michael.' He is scheduled to begin performances on Wednesday, June 16th and will play his final performance on Sunday, August 8th.

Broadway In Chicago, in partnership with the City of Chicago, is pleased to present the annual BROADWAY IN CHICAGO CONCERT AT TASTE OF CHICAGO, a fantastic, FREE event on Monday, June 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park (235 S. Columbus Drive).

Fidelity Investments®, in partnership with Billy Elliot the Musical, the Viertel/Frankel/Baruch/Routh Group and LeAp (Learning through an Expanded Arts Program) today announced that two-time Academy Award® Winner Hilary Swank will host the 2010 Fidelity FutureStage® Finale on Monday, June 14.