Tune in to Thirteen (WNET/Ch. 13) on Monday, December 1st at 8pm for the world premiere of "Finding Billy," a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the nationwide search for the three actors who play the lead role in Billy Elliot the Musical on Broadway. During the broadcast, stars David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish and Carole Shelley will be present in the Thirteen studio to talk about the show.
"Finding Billy" offers viewers an exclusive look at how David, Trent and Kiril were chosen to play Billy Elliot after a year-long national talent search that drew thousands of hopefuls from all over the country. Auditions were held in cities across the country and all three of the Broadway Billy, along with twelve other finalists, underwent a grueling ten day callback last summer in New York City during which director Stephen Daldry and choreographer Peter Darling worked with them extensively.
The role of Billy Elliot is unlike any other in the history of musical theatre, requiring a remarkable range of talents: ballet, tap, street dance, singing, acting, dialect and gymnastics. Further, the role is the largest child's role in musical theatre and one of the largest roles of any age. The young actor playing it is on-stage for 2 ½ hours performing six musical numbers; it is the role's sheer size and the stamina required that necessitates this unique triple-casting.
"Finding Billy" airs locally on Thirteen (WNET/Ch. 13) in the tri-state area.
www.billyelliotbroadway.com
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ABOUT BILLY ELLIOT:
The multi-award winning Billy Elliot the Musical opened to rave reviews at Broadway's Imperial Theatre (240 W 45th St) Thursday, November 13th. Featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, directed by Stephen Daldry and choreographed by Peter Darling, Billy Elliot the Musical began previews Wednesday, October 1st. The show is presented by Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment, based on the Universal Pictures/Studio Canal film.
Ben Brantley of the New York Times says that Billy Elliot "Sends audiences into a mass swoon!" Time Out says it's "The most electric and passionate show in years." The Daily News calls Billy "So exhilarating that you feel like leaping!" The New York Post says Billy Elliot is "The best show you will ever see!" Liz Smith calls the show "Absolutely awesome," The New York Observer raves that Billy is "The best thing to happen to Broadway in a long while," and WOR's Dave Richardson cheers, "All I can say is WOW!"
