London's Billy Elliot: The Musical Delays Start Date Until March 31

Billy Elliot: The Musical is once again being delayed. The show, which was last scheduled to start on March 24, is now expected to begin performances at the Victoria Palace Theatre on March 31.

Billy Elliot tells the tale of a boy torn between his love of dance and his family. The movie was nominated for three Golden Globes, three Oscars and 13 Bafta Awards. The film's major creative forces--director Stephen Daldry, writer Lee Hall and choreographer Peter Darling--are all working on the stage show, which features a score by Elton John.

The show features three different Billy Elliots--James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower--alternating performances in the musical. The cast also includes Haydn Gwyyn, Tim Healey, Anne Emery who recently replaced originally announced cast member Anne Rogers as Grandma, Joe Caffrey and Steve Elias.

Despite the delay, producers will keep to their originally announced reduced playing schedule during the preview period. During this time, the show will primarily play Thursday through Saturday with a few Monday and Wednesday performances. This schedule will last until May 9, when a more traditional playing schedule will be followed.

Billy Elliot: The Musical is scheduled to officially open on May 12.