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Billy Elliot 2008 - Articles Page 1.8

Run Time:
2 hours and 45 minutes, with one internission
Opened: November 13, 2008
Closing: January 08, 2012

Billy Elliot - 2008 Broadway History , Info & More

Winner of 10 Tony Awards for 2009, including Best Musical! Billy Elliot the Musical is the new show that has captured Broadway’s heart, delighted the critics and swept the awards - winning ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical! Called “Extraordinarily uplifting” by Time Out New York and “Intoxicating” by The New York Times, Billy Elliot is a joyous, exciting and feel-good celebration of one boy following his heart and making his dreams come true.



Based on the critically acclaimed feature film, Billy Elliot is brought to life by the movie’s original creative team – director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall – along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York Post calls “His best score yet!”



Come discover for yourself why Billy Elliot was the most lauded new Broadway show of 2009.


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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Billy Elliot

Billy Elliot the Musical
5 / 10

What works in this show, though, is the ballet. The sequences set in Mrs. Wilkinson's studio are delightful (they feature a corps of little girls who are deliberately dancing poorly, and they're charming). The sequences where Billy learns to dance under the tutelage of Mrs. Wilkinson and her accompanist Mr. Braithwaite are gorgeous. And the sequence where Billy imagines himself a grown-up ballet dancer (Older Billy is performed by New York City Ballet principal dancer Stephen Hanna) is the highlight, despite the fact that unnecessary stage fog obscures some of it, and despite the fact that it doesn't actually make much sense for a boy to dream of being partnered by his older self. The contemporary choreography—all of the dances are by Peter Darling—is more scattershot; Darling doesn't seem to have a handle on how to match movements to Billy's body or to his personality. The score, by Elton John with lyrics by bookwriter/original screenwriter Lee Hall, is nondescript in the book songs (which are actually relatively few in number; this is a book-heavy musical with lots of dancing but not much singing). Steven Daldry's direction gets the job done efficiently.

Billy Elliot: The Musical
10 / 10

It's so rare that a show lives up to its hype that I was all set to be underwhelmed by Billy Elliot: The Musical, the London mega-smash based on the 2000 film about a coal miner's son who longs to join the ballet. Reports from across the pond had this tuner the greatest thing since sliced bread. Well, count me as a big old Billy fan. What could easily have become a feel-good treacle fest — particularly with the king of pop ballads, Elton John, composing the music — turns out to be one of the smartest and most satisfying Broadway musicals in years.

Daniel Jenkins, Katherine McGrath & William Youmans Join BILLY ELLIOT Tonight
by BWW - September 6, 2011


The producers of BILLY ELLIOT on Broadway announced today that Daniel Jenkins, Katherine McGrath and William Youmans will join the cast of the 10-time Tony Award winning Billy Elliot the Musical in the roles of ‘Dad,' ‘Grandma,' and ‘George,' respectively. Current ‘Dad,' Tony winner Gregory Jbara, ‘Grandma,' Tony nominee Carole Shelley and ‘George,' Joel Hatch will play their final performance Sunday, September 4, 2011 at 7:30pm. Jenkins', McGrath, and Youmans' first performance is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6 at 7:00pm.

BILLY ELLIOT Announces New Performance Schedule
by BWW News Desk - September 5, 2011


Billy Elliot the Musical today announced a new performance schedule. Beginning September 5, the show will now play Tuesday at 7pm, Thursday - Sunday at 7:30pm, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2pm; dark Mondays.

BILLY ELLIOT Plans Changes, Creative Cuts
by Kelsey Denette - September 2, 2011


The story of a boy who stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, Billy Elliot is generally regarded as family fare; still, school groups hesitate to choose the show for their students, according to producer Eric Fellner.

BILLY ELLIOT Holds Open Call for Ballet Girls, 9/17
by Nicole Rosky - August 22, 2011


On Saturday, September 17th Billy Elliot the Musical will hold its second annual open call for Ballet Girls at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 W 44th St). Sign up begins at 10am. Billy Elliot is on the lookout for dancers with strong tap skills from 8-12 years old to shine as Billy Elliot's Ballet Girls. The production is seeking a variety of shapes and sizes (tiny, chubby, lanky, quirky, etc) with expressive character and lots of personality - not your traditional ballerina.

Jenkins, McGrath & Youmans Join BILLY ELLIOT 9/6; Jbara, Shelley & Hatch to Depart on 9/4
by Robert Diamond - August 15, 2011


The producers of BILLY ELLIOT on Broadway announced today that Daniel Jenkins, Katherine McGrath and William Youmans will join the cast of the 10-time Tony Award winning Billy Elliot the Musical in the roles of ‘Dad,' ‘Grandma,' and ‘George,' respectively. Current ‘Dad,' Tony winner Gregory Jbara, ‘Grandma,' Tony nominee Carole Shelley and ‘George,' Joel Hatch will play their final performance Sunday, September 4, 2011 at 7:30pm. Jenkins', McGrath, and Youmans' first performance is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6 at 7:00pm.

BILLY ELLIOT Announces New Performance Schedule
by Kelsey Denette - August 9, 2011


Billy Elliot the Musical today announced a new performance schedule. Beginning September 5, the show will now play Tuesday at 7pm, Thursday - Sunday at 7:30pm, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2pm; dark Mondays.

Photo Coverage: BILLY ELLIOT Celebrates National Dance Day with Sidewalk Warmup
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - July 28, 2011


Stretch those tendons! Warm up those hamstrings! In honor of National Dance Day yesterday, July 27, the Ballet Girls of Billy Elliot the Musical hosted a free dance warm-up outside their home away from home, the Imperial Theatre. Passersby were invited to join in the exercise, with tutus optional.

TV: BILLY ELLIOT Plays Broadway in Bryant Park 2011!
by Jessica Lewis - July 21, 2011


BroadwayWorld TV brings you the performances from Billy Elliot at Broadway in Bryant Park, 2011!

Photo Flash: Vinny Buzzetta Makes Cake for BILLY ELLIOT's 1000 Performance
by Nicole Rosky - June 30, 2011


Twenty-one-year-old pastry prodigy Vinny Buzzetta creates a masterpiece for the 1,000th performance of the hit Broadway musical Billy Elliot in episode three of WE tv's ‘Staten Island Cakes' airing Tuesday, July 5 at 9PM ET/PT. Pasted above and attached is a photo of chef Vinny Buzzetta with the cast and his cake creation. Check out a photo from the big event below!

TV: BILLY ELLIOT Honors Dougherty as 1.5Mth Audience Member!
by Jessica Lewis - June 23, 2011


Yesterday, June 22, Billy Elliot welcomed their 1,500,000th audience member at matinee performance. As patrons entered the theatre, tickets were scanned and the lucky, 1.5Mth audience member was revealed during the curtain call. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the celebration and brings you the curtain call speech below!

Photo Coverage: BILLY ELLIOT Welcomes 1.5 Millionth Audience Member!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - June 23, 2011


Yesterday, June 22, Billy Elliot welcomed their 1,500,000th audience member at matinee performance. As patrons entered the theatre, tickets were scanned and the lucky, 1.5Mth audience member was revealed during the curtain call. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the celebration and brings you photo coverage below!

Patrick Mulvey to Replace Will Chase in BILLY ELLIOT, 7/15
by Nicole Rosky - June 22, 2011


Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that Patrick Mulvey will join the cast of the 10-time Tony Award winning Billy Elliot the Musical in the role of ‘Tony.' Mulvey began his journey as the original ‘Tony' in the Chicago production of Billy Elliot. He comes to the Broadway company direct from the Toronto production of Billy Elliot. Current ‘Tony' Will Chase will play his final performance Sunday, July 10, 2011 at 7:30pm. Mulvey's first performance is scheduled for Friday, July 15 at 7:30pm.

BWW Interviews BILLY ELLIOT's 'Coach' Joel Blum
by Linda Hodges - June 16, 2011


Billy Elliot's Joel Blum shares his excitement at being home again (in San Francisco),thoughts about the show and the life of an actor and finally, what's next for him.

BILLY ELLIOT Begins New Performance Schedule, 5/30
by BWW News Desk - May 30, 2011


Billy Elliot the Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy's journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever.

Billy Elliot Stars Hit 92YTribeca Today
by BWW News Desk - May 24, 2011


Two stars of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Billy Elliot talk about what it's like to bring to life the story of a young man who stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that changes his life forever. The actors playing Billy and his teacher sing some of the tunes that inspired The New York Post to call Billy Elliot Elton John's 'best score yet.'

Giuseppe Bausilio Joins Broadway Cast of BILLY ELLIOT
by Nicole Rosky - May 23, 2011


Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that Giuseppe Bausilio will join the cast of the 10-time Tony Award winning Billy Elliot the Musical in the role of ‘Billy'. Bausilio started his journey as one of the original ‘Billys' in the Chicago production of Billy Elliot. He went on to join the national touring production and has played 'Billy' in 10 cities across the country since the tour began in October 2010. Bausilio will be the fourteenth ‘Billy' to perform on Broadway. Current ‘Billy' Jacob Clemente will play his final performance Sunday, June 5, 2011 at 7:30pm. Bausilio's first performance will be announced soon.

BILLY ELLIOT Begins New Performance Schedule, 5/30
by Nicole Rosky - May 16, 2011


Billy Elliot the Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy's journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever.

TV: Tony Documentary Film Talkback Series Presents FINDING BILLY
by Jessica Lewis - May 13, 2011


The first ever Tony Award Documentary Film Series launched this week, May 9, as part of the 2011 Tony Awards Showcase at the Times Square Visitors Center and Mini-Museum. The Tony Award Documentary Films Series features three films that examine what it's like to be behind-the-scenes on a Tony-eligible Broadway musical. The first film to be screened was Finding Billy, taking viewers on the journey in the search for the young male leads in Billy Elliot the Musical. The screening was immediately followed by a panel discussion comprised of moderator Nora Brennan (Children's Casting Director for Billy Elliot), and Broadway cast members Tade Biesinger (Billy), Jacob Clemente (Billy), Stephen Hanna (Older Billy), and Joel Hatch (George). BroadwayWorld was on hand for the special event and brings you the panel disussion below.

Billy Elliot Stars Hit 92YTribeca, 5/24
by Kelsey Denette - May 10, 2011


Two stars of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Billy Elliot talk about what it's like to bring to life the story of a young man who stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that changes his life forever. The actors playing Billy and his teacher sing some of the tunes that inspired The New York Post to call Billy Elliot Elton John's 'best score yet.'

92nd Street Y Tribeca Hosts BILLY ELLIOT in Concert and Conversation, 5/24
by Jessica Lewis - May 10, 2011


On Tuesday May 24, the 92nd Street Y Tribeca will host BILLY ELLIOT: SONGS AND TALK-BACK WITH THE CAST from 12-1pm. Two stars of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Billy Elliot will talk about what it's like to bring to life the story of a young man who stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that changes his life forever. The actors playing Billy and his teacher sing some of the tunes that inspired The New York Post to call Billy Elliot Elton John's 'best score yet.'

Photo Flash: Billy's Celebrate BILLY ELLIOT-Inspired Dessert
by Jessica Lewis - April 28, 2011


In celebration of the Royal Wedding, and all things British, English chocolatier Charbonnel et Walker has teamed up with another British export, Billy Elliott the musical to create a delicious and unique dessert; Billy Elliott's Butterscotch Bread & Butter Pudding, to be sold exclusively and for a limited time at the Charbonnel et Walker Chocolate Café, Saks Fifth Avenue, New York. BroadwayWorld brings you photo coverage below!

Tade Biesinger is Broadway's Newest BILLY ELLIOT!
by Nicole Rosky - April 20, 2011


Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that Tade Biesinger will join the cast of the 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical, in the role of ‘Billy.' The production which recently celebrated its 1,000 performance at the Imperial Theatre welcomes Biesinger as the thirteenth ‘Billy' to perform on Broadway. Current ‘Billy' Alex Ko will play his final performance May 15, 2011 at 7:30pm.

Photo Coverage: BILLY ELLIOT Celebrates 1000th Performance on Broadway!
by Kevin Thomas Garcia - April 11, 2011


The 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical celebrated 1,000 performances on Broadway on Friday, April 8th, 7:30pm at the Imperial Theatre. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the moment and brings you photo coverage below.

BILLY ELLIOT Celebrates 1000 Broadway Performances, 4/8
by BWW News Desk - April 8, 2011


The 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical will celebrate 1,000 performances on Broadway this Friday, April 8th, 7:30pm at the Imperial Theatre (246 West 45th Street).

Billy Elliot History

Other Productions of Billy Elliot

2005   West End Original London Production
West End
2008   Australian Production
2008   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2010   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
2010   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour

Billy Elliot - 2008 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2009 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Book of a Musical Lee Hall
2009 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Choreography Peter Darling
2009 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Direction of a Musical Stephen Daldry
2009 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Featured Actor in a Musical Gregory Jbara
2009 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Featured Actress in a Musical Haydn Gwynne
2009 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Leading Actor in a Musical Kiril Kulish
2009 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Leading Actor in a Musical Trent Kowalik
2009 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Leading Actor in a Musical David Alvarez
2009 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Musical Billy Elliot
2009 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Orchestrations Martin Koch
2009 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Original Score Elton John
2009 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Sound Design Paul Arditti
2009 Drama League Awards Distinguished Production of a Musical 0
2009 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Lee Hall
2009 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Elton John
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Choreography Peter Darling
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Costume Design Nicky Gillibrand
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Director of a Musical Stephen Daldry
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Director of a Musical Stephen Daldry
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Gregory Jbara
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Haydn Gwynne
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Carole Shelley
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Rick Fisher
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway Musical 0
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Score 0
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Set Design Ian MacNeil
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Special Achievement Award Trent Kowalik
2009 Outer Critics Circle Awards Special Achievement Award Kiril Kulish
2009 Theatre World Awards Performance Haydn Gwynne
2009 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Lee Hall
2009 Tony Awards Best Choreography Peter Darling
2009 Tony Awards Best Costume Design of a Musical Nicky Gillibrand
2009 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Stephen Daldry
2009 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design of a Musical Rick Fisher
2009 Tony Awards Best Musical Weinstein Live Entertainment
2009 Tony Awards Best Musical Old Vic Productions
2009 Tony Awards Best Musical Working Title Films
2009 Tony Awards Best Musical Universal Pictures Stage Productions
2009 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations Martin Koch
2009 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Elton John
2009 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Lee Hall
2009 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Gregory Jbara
2009 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical David Bologna
2009 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Kiril Kulish
2009 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Trent Kowalik
2009 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical David Alvarez
2009 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Haydn Gwynne
2009 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Carole Shelley
2009 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design of a Musical Ian MacNeil
2009 Tony Awards Best Sound Design of a Musical Paul Arditti
2008 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Book of a Musical Lee Hall
2008 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Choreography Peter Darling
2008 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director of a Musical Stephen Daldry
2008 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design in a Musical Rick Fisher
2008 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Elton John
2008 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestrations Martin Koch
2008 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Sound Design Paul Arditti

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