Billy Elliot Names Its Trio of Young Leading Men

Broadway's upcoming production of the hit London musical Billy Elliot has announced its title role stars: David Alvarez, Kiril Kulish and Trent Kowalik, who will share the part due to its physical and vocal demands. Billy Elliot is set to begin previews October 1 at the Imperial Theatre and will open on November 13. Stephen Daldry, who directed both the original 2000 film and the London stage production, will direct.

David Alvarez, 13, began training with the American Ballet Theatre shortly after his parents, Cuban immigrants who originally relocated to Montreal, moved the family to the West Coast. Alvarez, who will be learning tap for the production, is also classically trained in piano and speaks three languages.

Trent Kowalik, 13, from Wantagh, NY, appeared in the London cast of Billy Elliot. A World Irish Dancing Champion by age 11 and skilled tap dancer, he began dance training at age three-and-a-half.

Kiril Kulish, 14, relocated with his family from the Ukraine to California at a young age and began dance training at age 8. A prize winning ballet and ballroom dancer, Kulish has danced with the American Ballet Theatre.

The castings are a result of a nearly three years of scouting and auditions for the role.

Set in an English Northeastern blue-collar town during the struggles of a mining strike, the musical tells the story of Billy, a working-class boy who abandons boxing to follow dreams of becoming a ballet dancer.

The smash London production of Billy Elliot won the 2006 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Best Theatre Choreographer and Best Actor in a Musical shared by James Lomas, George Maguire and Liam Mower, who originated the West End's Billy. The show has sold over a million tickets since its March 2005 opening, and currently has productions in both London and Sydney, Australia.

Creative team includes music by Sir Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall who wrote the original screenplay, choreography by Peter Darling who also choreographed the film, costumes by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti.