Photo Coverage: BILLY ELLIOT Opening Night Arrivals

Billy Elliot officially opened at Broadway's Imperial Theatre last night, Thursday, November 13th. With music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall and directed by Stephen Daldry, this joyful musical lit up Broadway as the starry audience made their into the theatre to enjoy the opening night performance!

Directed by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot has played over 1,300 performances and recently celebrated its 3rd anniversary in London. Billy Elliot the Musical opened at London's Victoria Palace in May 2005 to unanimous critical acclaim. The production went on to sweep London's nine awards for Best Musical, including the Olivier, Evening Standard and Critics' Circle Theatre Awards. In London, Billy Elliot has now been seen by over 1.5 million people and has grossed over £65 million. The musical opened to equal acclaim at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, Australia in December 2007. The two current productions have played to over 2.3 million people.

The production 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. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.

Billy Elliot the Musical is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn and Sally Greene. Angela Morrison and David Furnish are Executive Producers.

Billy Elliot is playing at the Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10036. The running time is 2 hours 45 mins, with one intermission. Shows times are Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm, Sunday at 3pm. Beginning November 17: Tuesday at 7pm. Prices are $41.50 - $136.50. This show's schedule varies throughout 2008. For tickets and updated week-by-week schedule, visit Telecharge.com or call (212) 239-6200.

For more information visit BillyElliotBroadway.com.

Photos by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

Elton John and David Furnish

Stephen Daldry

Stephen Daldry and Elton John

Elton John

David Furnish

Elton John

Elton John and David Furnish

Peter Darling

Christiane Amanpour

David Furnish and Elton John

Bryan Batt

Tina Brown

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Diana Taylor

Mario Cantone

Deborah Cox

Anthony Edwards and wife Jeanine Lobell

Anthony Edwards

Brian Grazer

Brian Grazer and Guest

Joel Grey

Ron Howard

Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard

Billie Jean King

James Lipton

Parker O'Donnell and Rosie O'Donnell

Natasha Richardson

Natasha Richardson and sons

Stephen Schwartz

Kevin Spacey

John Stamos

Ben Stiller

Christine Taylor and husband Ben Stiller

Anna Wintour

Barbara Walters

Rachel Weisz and Elton John

Rachel Weisz

Billy Elliot The Musical lights up Broadway!

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As a 14 year old youth, Walter was transfixed by his first Broadway Show, the original production of 'GREASE'. His Journey to celebrity photojournalism began that fateful night. Meeting, photographing and getting to know the cast inspired him to spend his professional life doing what he loved. Walter moved to Manhattan and for a leading role as a Photographer & Photo Researcher. Currently headlining in New Jersey with his partner Richard and family members Dali (Jack Russell) & Gala (Schnoodle). Recently he made his Broadway debut sharing the stage with Hugh Jackman in 'Hugh Jackman on Broadway' as well as receiving the Actors' Equity Association Gypsy Spirit Award. Walter McBride Photography is syndicated worldwide by Corbis/AP.

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