News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Billy Elliot Headed to Toronto Pre-Broadway?

By: Mar. 10, 2006
Get Access To Every Broadway Story

Unlock access to every one of the hundreds of articles published daily on BroadwayWorld by logging in with one click.




Existing user? Just click login.

The NY Post reports that an agressive offer has been made for the hit musical to visit Toronto, before it does New York. Michael Riedel writes that the Mirvish family, who has controlling interests in many of Toronto's theatre's has made the proposal to the show's producers. Previously, composer Elton John expressed his opinion that the show would hit Toronto before New York as well.

Billy Elliot recently announced an extension at London's Victoria Palace through October 21st, 2006. One of the biggest hits on the West End (it earned unanimous raves from the British press after opening in May), Billy Elliot is the musical version of the hit 2000 film about a boy who wishes to go against the grain to become a ballet dancer. Living in a small industrustial English town, his father and brother (who are embroiled in a miner's strike) disapprove of his plans but ballet teacher Mrs. Wilkinson secretly encourages the boy. As with the movie, Stephen Daldry (An Inspector Calls, the film The Hours) is the director, and the show, which is produced by Working Title and Old Vic Productions, features a book by Lee Hall and music and lyrics by Elton John (The Lion King, Aida). Peter Darling is the show's choreographer.

Liam Mower, Leon Cooke and Travis Yates alternate as Billy.
The show also features Philip Whitchurch as Billy's miner father, Chris Lennon as Billy's brother Tony, Alex Delamere as pianist Mr. Braithwaite, Paul Broughton as boxing coach George, Haydn Gwynne as ballet teacher Mrs. Wilkinson, and Ann Emery as Grandma.

Billy Elliot's creative team also includes designer Ian MacNeil, Nicky Gillibrand (costumes), Rick Fisher (lighting) and Paul Arditti (sound). Working Title, Old Vic Productions PLC and David Furnish are the producers.

Call (0)870 895 5577 or visit www.billyelliotthemusical.com for more information.


Videos