President Obama to Honor BILLY ELLIOT's Alex Ko at White House

Alex Ko, who played the title role in the Tony-winning production of Billy Elliot the Musical and recently released his memoir Alex Ko: From Iowa to Broadway, My Billy Elliot Story, will be part of the White House series of arts workshops for local middle and high school youth. Alex will be speaking to the students about the road traveled to the Great White Way, his experience performing in a Broadway show, and writing his recently released memoir through HarperCollins.

The workshops, which will be held at the Smithsonian Institute throughout the day, culminate in a reception, hosted by President Obama, in The White House's East Room at 5 PM, and will feature performances by Asian American artists. Alex Ko will be among the honored guests at the reception, where Alex will be presenting President Obama with a signed copy of his memoir.

The May 28th events will honor the contribution of Asian Americans in the arts. Alex said "I'm really excited to get to go to The White House again and visit with the students who are passionate about the arts. This time, President Obama invited me, so I'm extra excited! I hope the students will hear my message - to never give up your dreams - and be inspired to achieve their goals." Alex was a guest of First Lady Michelle Obama in 2010 when he participated in The White House Dance Series: A Tribute to Judith Jamison.