By Andrew Gans
and Kenneth Jones
13 Mar 2008

Billy Elliot artwork

As previously announced, Billy Elliot — the Olivier Award-winning Elton John-Lee Hall musical based on the 2000 film of the same name — will play its first Broadway preview Sept. 17 at the Imperial Theatre.

Playbill.com has learned that the eagerly awaited musical will officially open at the Imperial Oct. 16.

A search has been ongoing for the triple-threat lads who will alternate in the role of the working-class boy with dreams of ballet stardom. The musical is a London sensation (at the Victoria Palace Theatre), hailed as composer Elton John's most mature writing for the musical theatre (following The Lion King, Aida and Lestat). A Sydney production opened in December 2007.

Stephen Daldry, who directed the inspirational motion picture, also directs the stage production. The music is by Elton John with book and lyrics by Lee Hall.

The tale is set in England's Northeast against the background of a miners' strike. The musical concerns a working-class boy's dream of becoming a ballet dancer — and the obstacles and advocates he encounters.

Billy Elliot—The Musical features choreography by Peter Darling, scenic design by Ian MacNeil, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Producers are Universal Pictures, Working Title & Old Vic Productions and Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn and Sally Greene. Angela Morrison and David Furnish are executive producers.

The London production won Best New Musical at the 2006 Olivier Awards. Peter Darling picked up the Best Theatre Choreographer Award, while the Best Actor in a Musical Award was shared by James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower, who originated the title role.

A London cast album is in stores. For more information, visit www.billyelliotthemusical.com.

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