Photo Coverage: Cast of 'Billy Elliot' Meet and Greet the Press

A hit in London and one of the most highly anticipated shows of the upcoming theatre season, BroadwayWorld.com was on hand as the recently announced cast and creative team of Billy Elliot were introduced to the New York press. The event took place Monday July 29th at Manhattan's Little Shubert Theatre.

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 VictoriaPalace 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.

Billy Elliot will be played by David Alvarez, Kiril Kulish and Trent Kowalik. They will alternate performances when the musical opens on Broadway.

The roles of Billy's teacher, father, grandmother and brother will be played respectively by: Haydn Gwynne, who created the role of dance teacher Mrs. Wilkinson in the show's original London cast, will make her Broadway debut recreating her Olivier-nominated performance; Gregory Jbara (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Victor/Victoria) will play Dad; Tony winner Carole Shelley (The Elephant Man, Wicked) will play Grandma; and Santino Fontana (Sunday in the Park with George revival) will play Tony.

Featured roles in the show will include David Bologna and Frank Dolce alternating in the role of Billy's friend Michael, Stephen Hanna as Billy's Older Self, Joel Hatch as George, Leah Hocking as Mum, Thommie Retter as Mr. Braithwaite and Erin Whyland as Debbie.

The original Broadway company will also feature Juliette Allen Angelo, Tommy Batchelor,Kevin Bernard,Grady McLeod Bowman, Heather Burns, Maria Connelly, Samantha Czulada, Kyle DesChamps, Eboni Edwards, Brianna Fragomeni,Greg Graham, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Eric Gunhus, Meg Guzulescu, Izzy Hanson-Johnston, Keean Johnson, Aaron Kaburick,Donnie Kehr, Cara Kjellman,Kara Klein, David Koch, Jeff Kready, Stephanie Kurtzuba,David Larsen, Caroline London, Merle Louise, Marina Micalizzi, Mitch Michaliszyn, Matthew Mindler, Tessa Netting, Daniel Oreskes, Jayne Paterson, Liz Pearce, Corrieanne Stein, Jamie Torcellini, Grant Turner and Casey Whyland.

With music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall and directed by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical opens at Broadway's Imperial Theatre (240 W 45th St) Thursday, November 13th. Previews begin Wednesday, October 1st.

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.

For tickets and information visit BillyElliotBroadway.com.

Photos by Walter McBride/ Retna Ltd.

Stephen Daldry

Ian MacNeil, Peter Darling, Lee Hall, Stephen Daldry, Eric Fellner and Jon Finn

Stephen Daldry and Gregory Jbara

Stephen Daldry

Stephen Daldry, David Alvarez, Frank Dolce and Kiril Kulish

Stephen Daldry, David Alvarez and Frank Dolce

Stephen Daldry, David Alvarez, Frank Dolce and Kiril Kulish

Haydn Gwynne and Stephen Daldry

Peter Darling

Haydn Gwynne

David Alvarez and Frank Dolce

David Alvarez

Frank Dolce

Kiril Kulish

Trent Kowalik

Haydn Gwynne

Santino Fontana

David Alvarez, Haydn Gwynne, Kiril Kulish and Trent Kowalik

David Alvarez, Haydn Gwynne, Kiril Kulish, Gregory Jbara and Trent Kowalik

David Alvarez, Haydn Gwynne, Kiril Kulish, Gregory Jbara, Trent Kowalik and Carole Shelley

David Alvarez, Haydn Gwynne, Kiril Kulish, Gregory Jbara, Trent Kowalik, Carole Shelley and Santino Fontana

Haydn Gwynne, Gregory Jbara and Santino Fontana

David Alvarez, Frank Dolce, Haydn Gwynne, Kiril Kulish, Gregory Jbara, Trent Kowalik, Carole Shelley and

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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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