By Ernio Hernandez
21 Dec 2009

John Peter Viernes

More casting has been announced for the Chicago run of Billy Elliot the Musical, to play at Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre.

John Peter (J.P.) Viernes will join previously announced stars Tommy Batchelor, Giuseppe Bausilio and Cesar Corrales — who will alternate in the title role. The production is set to begin March 18, 2010 and open April 11 in Chicago prior to a multi-city tour.

Joining the boys will be Armand Schultz (as Dad), Cynthia Darlow (Grandma), Patrick Mulvey (Tony), Keean Johnson and Gabriel Rush (Michael), Samuel Pergande (Billy's Older Self), Jim Ortlieb (George), Susie McMonagle (Mum), Blake Hammond (Mr. Braithwaite) and Maria Connelly (Debbie).

Also featured in the ensemble are Matt Allen, Jason Babinsky, Elijah Barker, Madison Barnes, Cindy Benson, Sara Brians, Tony Clarno, Abby Church, Christine DeFillipo, Alexandra Dell'Edera, Faith Fetscher, Susan Haefner, Ryan Kasprzak, Kayla King, Kent Lewis, Will Mann, Kate Marilley, Spencer Milford, Brittany Nicholas, Mark Page, Mitch Poulos, Emily Richardson, Annelise Ritacca, Michaeljon Slinger, Jaclyn Taylor Ruggiero, Jamie Torcellini, Nicholas Torres, Brionna Trilling and Kayla Vanderbilt. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Viernes was raised in Half Moon Bay, CA. He began dancing at the age of 7 years old with the Shely Pack Dancers and then studied at City Ballet San Francisco for 2 years. He has appeared as Jerome in South Pacific at Coastal Repertory Theater, CA.

*

Tommy Batchelor, 14, is currently one of Broadway's Billys. Batchelor is a native of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, who started his training at age four at Dance Factory in Minnesota and has starred in Miami City Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.

Giuseppe Bausilio, 12, was born in the Swiss capital of Bern and began his ballet training at age four. He has performed with the State Theatre of Bern in Coppelia as well as in the operas Mazzepa and Falstaff.

Cesar Corrales, 13, was born in Mexico before moving to Montreal with his family. At age four he performed with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Madama Butterfly. Among his other credits, Corrales placed first at the Coupe Quebec gymnastics competition in 2008, the same year he joined Canada's National Ballet School.

The musical earned ten 2009 Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical. Billy Elliot has music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry. The production opened on Nov. 13, 2008, at Broadway's Imperial Theatre.

Tickets are available by calling (800) 775-2000. For more information visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.