Billy Elliot introduces two new Broadway 'Billys'

Dayton Tavares and Liam Redhead will join the cast of the 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot - The Musical both in the role of 'Billy.'

Tavares, 13, who previously played 'Billy' in the Sydney and Melbourne productions of Billy Elliot - The Musical, will be the 6th boy to perform the role on Broadway. Redhead, 14, a student at Toronto's prestigious National Ballet School, will be the 7th boy to make his Broadway debut as 'Billy.' First performance dates for both boys will be announced soon.

Tommy Batchelor will play his final performance as Billy on Broadway on 11 Dec 2009. As previously announced, Batchelor will star as 'Billy' in the Chicago production of Billy Elliot. The production will begin performances on 18 Mar 2010 at Chicago's Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre before embarking on a multi-city tour

Billy Elliot - The Musical currently features David Alvarez, Tommy Batchelor, Trent Kowalik and Alex Ko (alternating) the role of 'Billy,' Kate Hennig (Mrs. Wilkinson), Gregory Jbara (Dad), Carole Shelley (Grandma), Will Chase (Tony), Trevor Braun and Keean Johnson (alternating the role of Billy's friend Michael), Stephen Hanna (Billy's older self), Joel Hatch (George), Leah Hocking (Mum), Thommie Retter (Mr. Braithwaite) and Erin Whyland (Debbie).

Billy Elliot - The Musical opened at the Imperial Theatre on 13 Nov 2008, following previews from 1 Oct, where it is currently selling tickets through to 3 Jul 2010.

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.