Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment, announced today that Fidelity Investments will be presenting sponsor of the highly-anticipated Broadway production of Billy Elliot the Musical, opening tonight Thursday, November 13, at the Imperial Theatre.
Billy Elliot the Musical, based on the beloved 2000 Universal Pictures/Studio Canal film, features music by Elton John, book and lyrics by original screenwriter and Oscar® nominee Lee Hall, direction by Tony Award winner and Academy Award nominee Stephen Daldry, and choreography by Olivier Award winner Peter Darling.
Billy Elliot the Musical is the funny, heartwarming tale of a young boy with a dream, and a celebration of his triumph against the odds. Set against the historic British miners' strike of the 1980s, the story follows Billy's journey as a boy in a small mining town who, after stumbling across a ballet class while on his way to a boxing lesson, realizes that his future lay not in the boxing ring but on stage as a dancer.
The production stars David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish sharing the title role of Billy; Haydn Gwynne, who created the role of dance teacher Mrs. Wilkinson in the show's original London cast; Gregory Jbara (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Victor/Victoria) as Dad; Tony winner Carole Shelley (The Elephant Man, Wicked) as Grandma; Santino Fontana (Sunday in the Park with George revival) as Tony and David Bologna and Frank Dolce alternating in the role of Billy's friend Michael; Stephen Hanna as Older Billy, Joel Hatch as George, Leah Hocking as Mum, Thommie Retter as Mr. Braithwaite and Erin Whyland as Debbie.
Fidelity's sponsorship of Billy Elliot marks the company's fourth year supporting Broadway productions. Previously, Fidelity has sponsored Young Frankenstein, Sweeney Todd, Company and The Fantasticks (Off Broadway).
"Fidelity is proud to be a part of Billy Elliot's debut in New York," said Jennifer K. Brown, executive vice president, Fidelity Investments. "Fidelity has a long history as part of the New York community, both as a business partner, helping our customers with financial decisions throughout their lives, and as a community partner, supporting the arts and theater education throughout the city."
Jon Finn, one of Billy Elliot's producers added, "We are thrilled to be working with Fidelity Investments as we bring this inspired production of Billy Elliot the Musical to Broadway. We appreciate Fidelity's continued support of the arts community, and are proud to be part of this important and growing alliance."
Opening night also marks the formal kick off to year three of Fidelity FutureStage, a comprehensive theatre arts education program that provides a unique playwriting and production curriculum for more than 600 New York City middle and high school students. The year-long program affords these students the opportunity to learn from some of the theater community's leading playwrights, directors, designers and actors, write their own original plays and ultimately experience the thrill of bringing their own creativity to life on a professional stage.
