George Dvorsky Returns Home for BILLY ELLIOT at the Palace Theatre This Fall

Local Broadway actor George Dvorsky will return home to take on the role of Billy's Dad in the moving musical "Billy Elliot".

He joins a cast that includes; J. Alex Noble as his son Tony, Renata Marino as the Local dance teacher, Mandie Russak (International tour of The Producers) as Billy's Mom, Joe Pedulla, Jason Swauger ( International tour Rugrats), Courtney Harkins, Tony Marino (Pgh Public; Sweeney Todd, Pirates of Penzance, Pgh CLO: Annie, The Secret Garden), Kim McLeod and in the title role, of Billy, Anthony Marino (See Resume below). This marks the area premiere of "Billy Elliot" and George's first appearance on a local stage in 25 years.

Billy Elliot the Musical is a musical based on the 2000 film Billy Elliot. The music is by Elton John, and the book and lyrics are by Lee Hall, who wrote the film's screenplay. The plot revolves around motherless Billy, who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes. The story of his personal struggle and fulfillment are balanced against a counter-story of family and community strife caused by the UK miners' strike (1984-1985) in County Durham, in North Eastern England. Hall's screenplay was inspired in part by A. J. Cronin's 1935 novel about a miners' strike, The Stars Look Down, to which the musical's opening song pays homage.

Director Tony Marino says: "When the rights became available a year ago we jumped on it as I'd seen it in NYC and it was one of the most moving experiences I'd ever had in the theatre. Not long after George's name came up as someone we'd like to see in it. We gave him a call and as chance would have it he was open to coming in. We were thrilled and can't wait to present this really beautiful show for everyone to see."

"Billy Elliot runs at the Palace Theatre November 18-20. For tickets and more information, contact Stage Right at 724.832.7464.

George Dvorsky recently starred as El Gallo in New York's Longest Running Musical The Fantasticks. On Broadway, George appeared in the title role of The Scarlet Pimpernel and as Henry Spofford in the revival of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. His other Broadway credits include the Tony Award-winning Passion, as well as Marilyn: An American Fable and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Off-Broadway, George appeared in the revival of Closer Than Ever, Pete 'n' Keely (as Pete Bartel), And the World Goes 'Round, and the revival of Dames at Sea. At Lincoln Center, George starred in the New York City premiere of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella as Prince Charming and in Brigadoon as Tommy. He starred as Baron Bomburst/Lord Scrumptious in the national tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and as Billy Crocker opposite Chita Rivera in Anything Goes at the Paper Mill Playhouse. He later played his favorite role, Georg Nowack in She Loves Me, also at the Paper Mill Playhouse.

Anthony Marino is a 15 year old sophomore in HS. He has been seen in the movies; "Won't Back Down" with Viola Davis and in "Life Guard" with Kristen Bell. In addition he also played a featured role in the A&E Series "Those Who Kill" (CHLOË SEVIGNY) He is under contract to begin shooting the independant film "Summerlings" this spring.

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