Broadway Finds Its Billy Elliots
By Andrew Gans
22 Apr 2008
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Trent Kowalik is one of three young boys who will play Billy Elliot.
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| photo by trentkowalik.com | The three young boys who will alternate in the title role of Billy Elliot—The Musical have been found.
The actors who will share the demanding role are David Alvarez, Kiril Kulish and Trent Kowalik.
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 Oct. 1 at the Imperial Theatre with an official opening scheduled for Nov. 13.
Fourteen-year-old Kiril Kulish moved from the Ukraine to California and began his dance training at the age of eight. He has performed internationally with the American Ballet Theater, winning prizes in ballet and ballroom dancing.
Thirteen-year-old David Alvarez is the son of Cuban parents who relocated to Montreal and later to San Diego. David trained with the American Ballet Theatre and also plays classical piano.
Thirteen-year-old Trent Kowalik is a native of Wantagh, NY, who began his dance training at three-and-a-half. He won the World Irish Dancing Championship at the age of 11 and has already appeared in the London cast of Billy Elliot.
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.
Tickets will go on-sale to American Express card holders April 23 and to the general public June 15.
A London cast album is in stores. For more information, visit billyelliotbroadway.com.
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Billy Elliot stars David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish.
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| photo by Aubrey Reuben |
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