BILLY ELLIOT, THE MUSICAL LEADS 2009 TONY AWARD NOMINEES WITH 15 NOMINATIONS!
Billy Elliot, The Musical leads the 2009 Tony nominees with 15 nominations, tying the record for most nods previously set by The Producers in 2001. Nominations include Best Musical, Best Score (Elton John and Lee Hall) and Best Leading Actor in a Musical (David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish). Based on the beloved film, the new musical Billy Elliot is New York’s hottest ticket, playing to sold-out houses and reaching wide acclaim from critics and theatre-goers alike since its 2008 move to Broadway. Decca Broadway’s release of Billy Elliot is the original cast recording plus a bonus disc featuring solo performances by Elton John. Included in the 2-CD set are complete lyrics and exclusive photos of the original production. The 63rd annual Tony Awards will be presented on June 7 at New York's Radio City Music Hall.
Ben Brantley of the New York Times says that Billy Elliot “Sends audiences into a mass swoon!” Time Out says it’s “The most electric and passionate show in years.” The Daily News calls Billy “So exhilarating that you feel like leaping!” The New York Post says Billy Elliot is “The best show you will ever see!” Liz Smith calls the show “Absolutely awesome,” The New York Observer raves that Billy is “The best thing to happen to Broadway in a long while,” and WOR’s Dave Richardson cheers, “All I can say is WOW!”
Billy Elliot has won universal praise for its powerful and theatrical score, unlike any Elton John has ever written. The songwriter has himself expressed having an emotional attachment to the story since seeing the film, and has called this work one of his most heartfelt. His uplifting orchestrations run a wide gamut of genres including influences of rock, show music and pop ballads. From the jazzy hooks of the catchy “Solidarity” to the enchanting theatrics of the cast of children singing and tap dancing in “Expressing Yourself”, the music reaches beyond the standard Broadway fare. Elton John’s solo renditions of key tracks are the icing on the cake, further proving the super-star’s status as one of the foremost singer-songwriters of our time. The original cast recording for Billy Elliot was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone and includes a book and lyrics by Lee Hall, who wrote the original screenplay for the film.
Set in the mid 1980s in northeastern England, Billy Elliot tells the emotional story of an 11-year- old miner's son and his quest to win a spot at the Royal Ballet School. Billy dreams of a life of dancing amidst the challenge of breaking away from his small town’s conformity and traditions. It is an inspirational tale of perseverance with a universal message of triumph over strife.
5/21/2009
Ben Brantley of the New York Times says that Billy Elliot “Sends audiences into a mass swoon!” Time Out says it’s “The most electric and passionate show in years.” The Daily News calls Billy “So exhilarating that you feel like leaping!” The New York Post says Billy Elliot is “The best show you will ever see!” Liz Smith calls the show “Absolutely awesome,” The New York Observer raves that Billy is “The best thing to happen to Broadway in a long while,” and WOR’s Dave Richardson cheers, “All I can say is WOW!”
Billy Elliot has won universal praise for its powerful and theatrical score, unlike any Elton John has ever written. The songwriter has himself expressed having an emotional attachment to the story since seeing the film, and has called this work one of his most heartfelt. His uplifting orchestrations run a wide gamut of genres including influences of rock, show music and pop ballads. From the jazzy hooks of the catchy “Solidarity” to the enchanting theatrics of the cast of children singing and tap dancing in “Expressing Yourself”, the music reaches beyond the standard Broadway fare. Elton John’s solo renditions of key tracks are the icing on the cake, further proving the super-star’s status as one of the foremost singer-songwriters of our time. The original cast recording for Billy Elliot was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone and includes a book and lyrics by Lee Hall, who wrote the original screenplay for the film.
Set in the mid 1980s in northeastern England, Billy Elliot tells the emotional story of an 11-year- old miner's son and his quest to win a spot at the Royal Ballet School. Billy dreams of a life of dancing amidst the challenge of breaking away from his small town’s conformity and traditions. It is an inspirational tale of perseverance with a universal message of triumph over strife.
5/21/2009
