Batchelor, Bausilio & Corrles Star in Chicago's BILLY ELLIOTT; Complete Casting Announced

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment, has announced, with Broadway In Chicago, casting for the Chicago production of Billy Elliot the Musical, beginning preview performances March 18, 2010 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.). Opening night is Sunday, April 11, 2010. The cast includes John Peter (J.P.) Viernes who joins the previously announced actors Tommy Batchelor, Giuseppe Bausilio and Cesar Corrales in the role of ‘Billy'.

Starring in Billy Elliot are Armand Schultz (Dad); Cynthia Darlow (Grandma); Patrick Mulvey (Tony);Keean Johnson and Gabriel Rush (Michael); Chicagoan Samuel Pergande (Billy's Older Self); Jim Ortlieb (George); Chicagoan Susie McMonagle (Mum); Chicagoan Blake Hammond (Mr. Braithwaite); and Maria Connelly (Debbie).

Also featured are Matt Allen; Jason Babinsky; Chicagoan Elijah Barker; Madison Barnes; Cindy Benson; Sara Brians; Chicagoan Tony Clarno; Abby Church; Christine DeFillipo; Alexandra Dell'Edera; Faith Fetscher; Susan Haefner; Ryan Kasprzak; Chicagoan Kayla King; Kent Lewis; Will Mann; Kate Marilley; Spencer Milford; Brittany Nicholas; Chicagoan Mark Page; Mitch Poulos; Emily Richardson; Annelise Ritacca; Michaeljon Slinger; Jaclyn Taylor Ruggiero; Jamie Torcellini; Nicholas Torres; Brionna Trilling; and Kayla Vanderbilt. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Billy Elliot 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.

Featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreographed by Peter Darling and directed by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot opened at Broadway's Imperial Theatre on November 13, 2008 and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

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.

Individual tickets range in price from $28 to $100. A select number of premium seats are also available. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St. and 18 W. Monroe St.); the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000; all Ticketmaster retail locations (including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores); and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. For groups of 15 or more, call (312) 977-1710.

For information on Billy Elliot the Musical, please visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com or www.BillyElliotTheMusical.com

Cast bios:

Tommy Batchelor (Billy). Hi! My name is Tommy Batchelor. I am 14 years old and from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I made my Broadway debut as ‘Billy.' Watching Gregory Hines and Fred Astaire movies lead to my early interest in dance. At four, I started dance training at Dance Factory in Minnesota. Most of my training has been at Palm Beach Ballet Center and Palm Beach Public Schools of the Arts (U.B. Kinsey and MSOA). Other favorite dance experiences include Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker (The Prince/ Nutcracker, 2006 at the Kravis Center), and YAGP competition (finals, 2008). I wanted to be on Broadway for as long as I can remember. My dance teacher, Ms. Jane Beck, always told me that I would make it on Broadway by 18. I guess I opened a few years early. I'm so excited to continue to be a part of the Billy Elliot family!

Giuseppe Bausilio (Billy) Hi there - my name is Giuseppe Bausilio. I'm 12 years old and am from Bern, Switzerland. Both my parents are ballet dancers and my brother too! I started doing ballet for fun, but it has become my passion. I've also trained in other styles of dance including jazz, flamenco, hip hop, tap and others. I've competed in a lot of different dance competitions in Switzerland, France and the United States including the Youth America Grand Prix in New York. I've performed in Coppelia at the State Theatre of Bern and also in the operas Mazzepa and Falstaff. In my free time I love to study languages (I speak five), read, listen to music, play football, ride my bike and cook. I can't believe I get to be Billy - it's a dream come true!

Cesar Corrales (Billy). Hello, my name is Cesar Corrales, I'm 13 years old and I can't wait to be Billy! I was born in Mexico, but currently live in Montreal with my parents, who are also dancers, where I have been studying at Canada's National Ballet School. I've performed with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Madama Butterly and Anna Karenina and I've performed in The Nutcracker at both the National Ballet of Canada and Les Grands Ballet Canadiens. I'm a member of the IMCO gymnastics club and have participated in numerous competitions, including winning first place at the Coupe Quebec. I've even gotten to be in a movie (Shall We Dance with Jennifer Lopez)! Besides dancing, I also love playing sports, doing gymnastics and travelling with my family.

JOHN PETER (J.P.) VIERNES (Billy). Raised in Half Moon Bay, CA. Inspired by his sister, J.P. began dancing at the age of 7 years old with the Shely Pack Dancers. Studied at City Ballet San Francisco for 2 years. Winner of national and regional dance titles under the direction of Shely Pack Manning. Cast as "Jerome" in South Pacific, Coastal Repertory Theater, CA. Many Thanks to God, Dad, Mom, Jackie, Phil, Rex, Lexi, Shely, friends and family.

Armand Schultz (Dad). Broadway: Frost/Nixon; The Herbal Bed; A View From the Bridge; The Secret Rapture. Off-Broadway: Our Town (Barrow Street); The House In Town (Lincoln Center Theatre); Stuff Happens (Drama Desk Aware - Outstanding Ensemble), King Lear, Richard III, Titus Andronicus, Coriolanus (NY Shakespeare Festival/The Public Theatre); Y2K, Seeking the Genesis, Sight Unseen (MTC); Cyrano de Bergerac (Roundabout); The Spitfire Grill, the musical (Playwrights Horizons). Regional: leading roles at The Guthrie Theatre, George Street, Baltimore Center Stage, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Artpark, Geva Theatre, among others. Film: "SALT", "Cold Souls", "The Messenger", "Burn After Reading", "The Happening", "Vanilla Sky", "Revolution #9". Television: Guest starring roles on "Life on Mars", "Gossip Girl", "Law & Order: CI", "The Practice", "Third Watch", "Law & Order", "Strong Medicine", "Law & Order: SVU". Member, The Actors Center. Member, The Actors Studio.

Cynthia Darlow (Grandma). Broadway: Billy Elliot; Accent on Youth; Old Acquaintance; Rabbit Hole; Taller Than a Dwarf; Present Laughter; Sex and Longing; Prelude to a Kiss; Rumors; Grease (orig. prod.). Off Broadway: The Late Christopher Bean; Eccentricities of a Nightingale; Home; Sin; Juno and the Paycock; Cider House Rules; Once in a Lifetime; Most Fabulous Story Ever Told; June Moon; Death Defying Acts; Mere Mortals. Television: "The Sopranos", "Law & Order", "L&O: Criminal Intent", "L&O: SVU", "Six Degrees", "Soul Man", "Square One T.V." Film: "The Savages", "25th Hour", "The Thomas Crown Affair", "Garden State." Member of TACT/The Actors Company Theatre , & Actor's Center.

Patrick Mulvey (Tony). Patrick is a proud native of Joliet, Illinois. He left to attend Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and went on to receive his BA in Acting from The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland. While in Britain he starred in the BBC Drama "River City" and appeared in the National Theatre of Scotland's Production of Something Wicked This Way Comes. Since returning to Chicago Patrick has worked with the Goodman Theatre and Timeline Theatre. Patrick would like to thank his family for their overwhelming love and support.

Keean Johnson (Michael). Growing up in Colorado with my brother Cade, camping in the Rockies, soccer, and dance (Hip-Hop & Contemporary) I never imagined performing on Broadway last year. So thanks Mum & Dad for that experience in NYC and most importantly for the opportunity to be here together in Chicago! Inspiration comes in many forms. Mine was Katrina Lairsmith and Tony Testa. Thank you both. I hope to do this forever!

Gabriel Rush (Michael). Gabriel is so thrilled to be part of "Billy Elliot". This is a part he has wanted to play since the first auditions were held 2 years ago. Most recent shows: The 101 Dalmatians Musical-National Tour, Bye Bye Birdie, Oliver, and High School Musical. Gabriel has competed with Seven Star School of Performing Arts and has won several dance awards at Hall of Fame, Star Quest, Access Broadway and ADA. Thanks to Nicole Aravena, Bill Coates, Becky Baxter, John Shea, Nora Brennan, Fia and Gabe's family for all their help and support.

Samuel Pergande (Billy's Older Self). Trained/worked with Milwaukee Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet and Chicago Lyric Opera. Repertoire includes principal roles in classical and contemporary works. Musical credits with Dirty Dancing pre-Broadway tour and London productions performing as "Johnny" and "Robbie." Worked with the late Robert Altman in the film The Company

Jim Ortlieb (George). After graduating from Rutgers University in 1983, Jim found a home in Chicago for 16 years as a teacher, director and actor in theatre, film and commercials including Hughie with the Gare St. Lazare Players, Man Who Came To Dinner and Picasso at the Lapin Agile at Steppenwolf, Of Thee I Sing, Candide, Taftuffe. Jim has performed in Weston, Vermont; LA at the Getty Villa; San Francisco; Washington DC; NYC; West Cork, Ireland; Edinburgh and Paris, France. Film: "Magnolia," "A Mighty Wind," "The Onion Movie," "Drunkboat" and "Latter Days." TV: "The Shield," "The Closer," "Roswell," "Grey's Anatomy." Jim has been in LA since 1999, is a member of American Blues Theatre, and though he misses his family a lot, he's very glad to be home. Joseph Jefferson Award Nominee.

Susie McMonagle (Mum). Broadway: Fantine in Les Miserables. National tours: most recently as "Donna" in MAMMA MIA! Other tours include The Secret Garden, Sound of Music, Les Miserables. An Evanston resident, Susie's Chicago credits include: Rock n Roll at Goodman Theatre; Indian Ink, Spitfire Grill and Dirty Blonde at Apple Tree Theatre; Man of La Mancha at Court Theatre; Sideshow and At Wits End at Northlight Theatre; and numerous shows at the Drury Lane Theatre and Marriott Theatre including Annie Get Your Gun, Anything Goes, Cats, Evita and Chess. A nine time Jeff Award nominee. BFA Stephens College. Proud mom to Jack and Elliot.

Blake Hammond (Mr. Braithwaite). Broadway: Billy Elliot (Braithwaite), Hairspray (Edna), The Lion King (Pumbaa), The Music Man (Quartet), Kiss Me Kate (Phillip), On the Town (Uperman/MC). Off Broadway: 6. National Tours: 4. Film/TV include: "Mafia," "Rookie of the Year," "Desperation Blvd.," "Frasier," "Ed," and the new films "Handsome Harry" and "An Englishmen in New York." Blake has played regional theaters around the country and has received the LA Drama Critics, Florida's Carbonell and Chicago's After Dark Awards. Catch his new web series at www.ThenWeGotHelp.com.

Maria Connelly (Debbie). Broadway: Billy Elliot original cast. Ohio and Michigan theatre credits include: The Sound of Music (Gretl); Beauty and The Beast (Chip); Annie (Molly); You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (Snoopy). Thanks to sister Jacquie, parents, and all who have encouraged her. Maria is honored for this opportunity and thrilled to be in Chicago!