Billy Elliot recoups $18 million investment

The 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot The Musical has recouped its $18 million investment in 14 months (492 performances).

The production began previews on October 1, 2008 and opened to critical acclaim on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the Imperial Theatre, where it has repeatedly broken the house record for highest weekly gross. The show is currently booking through to 30 Jan 2011.

"It is very satisfying to have recouped on Billy Elliot so soon in the run. Despite its setting being in the North of England, Broadway audiences accept it on a universal level. It seems to be a story that anyone can identify with and be inspired by. This result, the ten Tony awards and the warm critical acclaim are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the entire creative team," said Eric Fellner, lead producer.

Set in England's North East against the background of the miners' strike - Billy Elliot The Musical 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.

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)

Billy Elliot The Musical 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 features Trent Kowalik, Liam Redhead, Dayton Tavares and Alex Ko alternate 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 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.

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.