Billy Elliot 2008 - Articles Page 6

Run Time:
2 hours and 45 minutes, with one internission
Opened: November 13, 2008
Closing: January 08, 2012

Billy Elliot - 2008 - Broadway History , Info & More

Winner of 10 Tony Awards for 2009, including Best Musical! Billy Elliot the Musical is the new show that has captured Broadway’s heart, delighted the critics and swept the awards - winning ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical! Called “Extraordinarily uplifting” by Time Out New York and “Intoxicating” by The New York Times, Billy Elliot is a joyous, exciting and feel-good celebration of one boy following his heart and making his dreams come true.



Based on the critically acclaimed feature film, Billy Elliot is brought to life by the movie’s original creative team – director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall – along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York Post calls “His best score yet!”



Come discover for yourself why Billy Elliot was the most lauded new Broadway show of 2009.

Billy Elliot - 2008 - Broadway Cast

Get Billy Elliot Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Billy Elliot - 2008 - Broadway Articles Page 6

TIME Magazine Names BILLY ELLIOT The Best Musical Of The Decade, Rehearsals Begin In Chicago 1/11
by BWW News Desk - January 11, 2010


Time Magazine has named Billy Elliot the Musical the 'BEST MUSICAL OF THE DECADE,' according to Time Senior Editor and Theater Critic Richard Zoglin.

STAGE TUBE: BILLY ELLIOT Boys Trent Kowalik & Alex Ko Talk 'Billy' on Rosie Radio
by Jessica Lewis - January 8, 2010


The 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Billy Elliot the Musical currently stars 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. Today, 'Billys' Trent Kowalik and Alex Ko went on Rosie Radio to discuss Billy Elliot with Rosie O'Donnell. Check out their interview below.

TIME Magazine Names BILLY ELLIOT The Best Musical Of The Decade, Rehearsals Begin In Chicago 1/11
by Gabrielle Sierra - January 8, 2010


Time Magazine has named Billy Elliot the Musical the 'BEST MUSICAL OF THE DECADE,' according to Time Senior Editor and Theater Critic Richard Zoglin.

BILLY ELLIOT Announces New 'Billy' and 'Michael'; Alvarez Departs Jan. 3
by Robert Diamond - December 28, 2009


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.

Batchelor, Bausilio & Corrles Star in Chicago's BILLY ELLIOTT; Complete Casting Announced
by Jessica Lewis - December 21, 2009


Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment, has announced, with Broadway In Chicago, casting for the Chicago production of Billy Elliot the Musical, beginning preview performances March 18, 2010 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.). Opening night is Sunday, April 11, 2010. The cast includes John Peter (J.P.) Viernes who joins the previously announced actors Tommy Batchelor, Giuseppe Bausilio and Cesar Corrales in the role of ‘Billy'.

BILLY ELLIOT Scribe Lee Hall Set to Adapt 'War Horse' for DreamWorks
by Jessica Lewis - December 18, 2009


The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that DreamWorks Studios has acquired film rights to Michael Morpurgo's 1982 novel War Horse, which they will present on the big screen. Billy Elliot scribe Lee Hall will create the screenplay adaptation.

Photo Flash: BILLY ELLIOT's Kjellman, Rakos, Galembo, and Yarosh Visit With The Students of Broadway Artists Alliance
by Alexandra Johnson - December 15, 2009


Broadway veteran Cara Kjellman (Billy Elliot, 42nd Street) spent Saturday, December 12 mentoring the young talent of Broadway's future as she led the morning portion of a Billy Elliot master class with Broadway Artists Alliance. Kjellman was joined by fellow cast members Ruby Rakos, Chelsea Galembo, and Danika Yarosh to answer questions and speak about their experiences with Billy Elliot as well as other stage credits to a group of eager and talented young performers ages 10 to 21.

Batchelor Bids BILLY ELLIOT Farewell 12/11, Tavares and Redhead Join as Broadway's Newest 'Billys'
by BWW News Desk - December 11, 2009


Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that Dayton Tavares and Liam Redhead will join the cast of the 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical, both in the role of ‘Billy.'

STAGE TUBE: BILLY ELLIOT Performs on Thanksgiving Day Parade
by Robert Diamond - November 26, 2009


The magical procession returned to the Big Apple this November as the 83rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the holiday season.

Tickets Go On Sale for BILLY ELLIOT in Chicago on Friday, November 20, 2009
by BWW News Desk - November 20, 2009


Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment, announced today that tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical, the 2009 Tony Award®-winning Best Musical, will go on sale this Friday, November 20, 2009. To celebrate, Giuseppe Bausilio, one of the three young actors playing the title role of Billy Elliot, will make a special appearance in the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade on Saturday, November 21 at 5:30 p.m. Billy Elliot will begin performances Thursday, March 18, 2010 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.).

Photo Coverage: BILLY ELLIOT Celebrates Tony Winning First Year On Broadway!
by Peter James Zielinski - November 16, 2009


There was a festive party at the Imperial Theatre after the show on Friday, November 13th with director Stephen Daldry and the Tony Award winning cast of Billy Elliot as they celebrated their one year anniversary. There was of course party hats, confetti, and very happy kids to commemorate Billy's 1st Birthday!

Tickets Go On Sale for BILLY ELLIOT in Chicago on Friday, November 20, 2009
by Robert Diamond - November 16, 2009


Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment, announced today that tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical, the 2009 Tony Award®-winning Best Musical, will go on sale this Friday, November 20, 2009. To celebrate, Giuseppe Bausilio, one of the three young actors playing the title role of Billy Elliot, will make a special appearance in the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade on Saturday, November 21 at 5:30 p.m. Billy Elliot will begin performances Thursday, March 18, 2010 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.).

Batchelor Bids BILLY ELLIOT Farewell 12/11, Tavares and Redhead Join as Broadway's Newest 'Billys'
by Eddie Varley - November 5, 2009


Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that Dayton Tavares and Liam Redhead will join the cast of the 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical, both in the role of ‘Billy.'

Review - Billy Elliot: I Just Wanna F***in' Dance
by Michael Dale - November 27, 2008


If I were a betting man I'd wager Billy Elliot to be the last show standing should the economy remain steadfast in its current quest to entirely obliterate Broadway. (Any truth to the rumor that the next thing moving into the St. James is a Starbucks?) Throngs who were enchanted by the musical's source film and even more who have been undertowed by the waves of publicity surrounding the three adolescents who alternate performing the title role (presumably until puberty brings out the hook) will no doubt enter the Imperial Theatre for many months or even years to come, as eager to see the kid dance as audiences at Miss Saigon were to see Royal Academy of Dramatic Art graduate Jonathan Pryce hump a Cadillac. And Billy Elliot never disappoints in that respect. My Billy of the evening was the very game Trent Kowalik, but even if you catch a performance starring David Alvarez or Kiril Kulish (or understudy Tommy Batchelor) you can take your seat assured you'll be witnessing the work of a specially trained specimen carefully schooled in the arts of ballet, tap, street dance, jazz and gymnastics at the exclusive Billy Elliot House, which I'm told is only a short drive from Grease Academy.

Photo Coverage: Tony Winner Kiril Kulish Bids Farewell to Broadway's BILLY ELLIOT
by Peter James Zielinski - October 5, 2009


Kiril Kulish, one of the original three Billys who won a Tony award for his performance played his final performance as Billy on Saturday, October 3rd at 8pm. BroadwayWorld.com was there to wish him the best as he took his final curtain call!

Billy Elliot FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Billy Elliot have there been?
Billy Elliot has had 5 productions including West End which opened in 2005, which opened in 2008, Broadway which opened in 2008, US Tour which opened in 2010 and US Tour which opened in 2010.
What Tony Awards has Billy Elliot been nominated for?
Billy Elliot has been nominated for several Tony Awards. These nominations include Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for Lee Hall, Best Choreography for Peter Darling, Best Costume Design of a Musical for Nicky Gillibrand, Best Direction of a Musical for Stephen Daldry, Best Lighting Design of a Musical for Rick Fisher, Best Orchestrations for Martin Koch, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Elton John, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Lee Hall, Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Ian MacNeil, and Best Sound Design of a Musical for Paul Arditti.
What Tony Awards has Billy Elliot won?
Billy Elliot has won the following Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for Lee Hall, Best Choreography for Peter Darling, Best Costume Design of a Musical for Nicky Gillibrand, Best Direction of a Musical for Stephen Daldry, Best Lighting Design of a Musical for Rick Fisher, Best Orchestrations for Martin Koch, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Elton John, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Lee Hall, Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Ian MacNeil, and Best Sound Design of a Musical for Paul Arditti.
What awards has Billy Elliot been nominated for?
Billy Elliot has been nominated for several awards, including Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and Outstanding New Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. The show has also received nominations for Distinguished Production of a Musical at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, and Outstanding Choreography at both the Outer Critics Circle Awards and the Drama Desk Awards for Peter Darling. Other nominations include Outstanding Costume Design for Nicky Gillibrand, Outstanding Director of a Musical for Stephen Daldry, Outstanding Lighting Design for Rick Fisher, Outstanding Set Design for Ian MacNeil, and Outstanding Orchestrations for Martin Koch. Additionally, Billy Elliot received Special Achievement Awards for Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Performance recognition for Haydn Gwynne at the Theatre World Awards. The show's music, composed by Elton John, was nominated for Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards, and the sound design by Paul Arditti received a nomination as well.
What awards has Billy Elliot won?
Billy Elliot has won several awards, including Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. It also received the Distinguished Production of a Musical award from the Drama League Awards. Peter Darling won the Outstanding Choreography award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Nicky Gillibrand won the Outstanding Costume Design award for the same production. Stephen Daldry received the Outstanding Director of a Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Rick Fisher won the Outstanding Lighting Design award. The show also won the Outstanding New Broadway Musical and Outstanding New Score awards from the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Ian MacNeil won the Outstanding Set Design award, and Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish received Special Achievement Awards from the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Haydn Gwynne won the Performance award from the Theatre World Awards. Lee Hall won the Outstanding Book of a Musical award, and Peter Darling won the Outstanding Choreography award from the Drama Desk Awards. Stephen Daldry won the Outstanding Director of a Musical award, and Rick Fisher won the Outstanding Lighting Design in a Musical award. Elton John won the Outstanding Music award, Martin Koch won the Outstanding Orchestrations award, and Paul Arditti won the Outstanding Sound Design award, all from the Drama Desk Awards.

Videos