Billy Elliot: D. Bologna to re-join cast on 16 Jun
David Bologna, who received a 2009 Tony nomination for his performance as 'Michael," in the 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot - The Musical, returns to the role on 16 Jun 2010 for a limted engagement through to 8 Aug. He assumes the role from Kylend Heatherington who played his final performance on 13 Jun 2010.
Billy Elliot - The Musical now features Jacob Clemente, Mike Dameski, Alex Ko, Liam Redhead and Dayton Tavares who alternate the role of 'Billy,' Kate Hennig (Mrs. Wilkinson), Gregory Jbara (Dad), Carole Shelley (Grandma), Will Chase (Tony). David Bologna and Jake Evan Schwencke alternate the role of Billy's friend 'Michael'.
Billy Elliot - The Musical opened at the Imperial Theatre on 13 Nov 2008, following previews from 1 Oct 2008.
The show opened to excellent reviews: "everything about this production is remarkable." (newyorktheatreguide.com); "enduring appeal" (NY Times); "irresistible new show " (NY Daily News); "head and toe-shoes above every other show this season" (NY Post); "as seriously thrilling as it is deeply lovable" (NewsDay); "Tough, intelligent, exuberant, electric, politically savvy, and fun" (Back Stage)
Set in England's North East against the background of the miners' strike - Billy Elliot is the tale of a motherless boy whose father wants him to take up boxing. Instead, the boy discovers a love for ballet that leads him from secret lessons to a place at the Royal Ballet School.
Billy Elliot is created by the same team that made the multi-Oscar-nominated film: writer Lee Hall, director Stephen Daldry, and choreographer Peter Darling. The musical's score is by Elton John, who also composed the music for 'The Lion King,' 'Aida' and 'Lestat.'
Billy Elliot - The Musical was a London hit when it opened at the Victoria Palace Theatre on 11 May 2005 and has been a box office hit ever since.
The London production won Three Olivier Awards: Best New Musical, Best Actor and Choreographer. It also won the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical. A production of the show opened in sydney in Dec 2007.
The Broadway production features the same creative team as the London production: Ian MacNeil (sets), Nicky Gillibrand (costumes), Rick Fisher (lighting) and Paul Arditti (sound).
The musical is produced on Broadway by Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment.
David Bologna as MichaelOriginally published on