"Billy Elliot The Musical" Named "Best Musical" At 63rd Tony Awards Ceremony

Billy Elliot The Musical was the toast of Broadway when it won 10 Tonys at the annual 63rd Tony Awards ceremony held at the Radio City Music Hall in New York, USA on June 7. Billy Elliot was voted Best Musical, and the three teenage actors who play the title role - David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish, were all named Best Actor in a musical, the first time three actors have shared an award. "We want to say to all the kids out there who might want to dance, never give up" Kulish remarked after receiving the award. The musical is based on the critically acclaimed movie about the trials and tribulations of a miner's ballet-dancing son in a coal mining town in Northeast England. Singer and composer Sir Elton John, who suggested the film be adapted for theatre, wrote the music for the production.

Billy Elliot is the triumphant tale of one young boy who reaches beyond his place in the world to follow his heart's desire. It is the heartwarming story of eleven-year-old Billy Elliot from a working-class family who discovers a passion that will change his life forever. Billy is being taken by his miner father for boxing lessons when he stumbles upon a ballet class. Billy secretly joins the class and his raw talent takes flight under the guidance of his teacher Mrs Wilkinson. But when his father discovers his son's ambitions, Billy must fight for his dreams and destiny. Billy Elliot is a joyous, exciting and feel-good celebration of one boy following his heart and making his dreams come true. I especially like the tagline of the movie - "Inside every one of us is a special talent waiting to come out. The trick is finding it!"

The Tony Awards were established in 1947 and are named for Antoinette Perry, whose nickname was Toni. Perry who passed away in 1946 was an actress, stage director, philanthropist, and a founder of the American Theatre Wing. The Tonys are presented by The Broadway League (formerly known as the League of American Theatres and Producers) and the American Theatre Wing and are voted by around 750 people from the entertainment and press industries - from actors to producers, directors and journalists. There are presently 27 categories of awards plus, several special awards. The Broadway League estimates that the 39 theatres in the famous district contribute about $5.1 billion (RM18 billion) per year, on top of ticket sales to the economy of New York and support 44,000 jobs.

Best Wishes As Usual,

Dance Aficionado
Dancesport Malaysia