Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that Jacob Clemente will join the cast of the 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical, in the role of ‘Billy.'
Clemente, who previously performed the role of ‘Tall Boy' in Billy Elliot, will be the 9th boy to perform the role on Broadway. His first performance date will be announced soon.
JACOB CLEMENTE (Billy). Hi, my name is Jacob Clemente. At 12 years old, I am the youngest Billy to take the Broadway stage! I guess you could say I was destined to play Billy because both mining and dancing are in my blood. I am named after my great-grandfather, Jacob Mandel, who went "deep into the ground" of the coal mines of Pennsylvania. My other great-grandfather, Harry Jones, was a Welsh coal miner. My dad is in the mining business, too, but I have always wanted to dance! I started when I was 7 years old and have never stopped since, even while sitting at the dinner table! Over the years, I have been lucky enough to hold such dance titles as 2007 Junior Mr. Starquest and 2008 National NYCDA Mini Outstanding Dancer. Prior to playing Tall Boy/Posh Boy in this show, I had the privilege of being a Newsboy on the Broadway stage in Patti LuPone's Gypsy. I knew then that I would want to do this for the rest of my life. I am very grateful to God, my dance and voice teachers, and prior directors for giving me the skills to get here. I especially want to thank my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, brother Tory and sisters Mandy and Lydia, who have all sacrificed so that I could reach my dream to "Be Billy".
The 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Billy Elliot the Musical currently stars Michael Dameski, Alex Ko, Liam Redhead and Dayton Tavares as Billy, Kate Hennig as Mrs. Wilkinson, Philip Whitchurch as Dad, Carole Shelley as Grandma, Will Chase as Tony and Trevor Braun and Jake Evan Schwencke as Michael.
Billy Elliot the Musical, the show that Time Magazine called "The Best Musical of the Decade," is the joyous celebration of one boy's journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a passion that takes him by surprise, and takes his whole family on an incredibly uplifting adventure.
Featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreographed by Peter Darling and directed by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical opened at Broadway's Imperial Theatre (240 W 45th St) Thursday, November 13th and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical.
Tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical range from $41.50 to $136.50, and can be purchased at the Imperial Theatre Box Office (240 West 45th Street) or by calling Telecharge.com at 212-239-6200 or visiting www.Telecharge.com. Beginning January 4th, the playing schedule for Billy Elliot will be as follows: Tuesday at 7pm, Thursday - Saturday at 8pm, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and Sundays at 7:30pm.
Billy Elliot the Musical is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn and Sally Greene. Angela Morrison and David Furnish are Executive Producers. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.
For tickets and information visit www.billyelliotbroadway.com
