Billy Elliot to welcome Alex Ko as 'Billy' and Kate Hennig as 'Mrs. Wilkinson'

Alex Ko and Kate Hennig will join the cast of the 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot - The Musical in the roles of 'Billy' and 'Mrs. Wilkinson,' respectively

Ko, a regional and national dance champion, will make his Broadway debut in Billy Elliot. He will be the 5th boy to play the role of 'Billy' on Broadway. He will begin performances in the rotation the week of 5 Oct 2009. Hennig, a Canadian stage actress who is also making her Broadway debut, will begin performances on 6 Oct 2009.

Ko (Billy) was the youngest student admitted to the University of Iowa Dance Department at age 12 and has been guided by ballet masters Eloy Barrag�n & George de la Pe�a. He is the winner of national and regional dance titles under Michael Kohli, National Dance Academy, & gymnastics champion coached by Dmitri Trouch & Brad Virkler.

Henning (Mrs. Wilkinson) was nominated for a Dora Award for her performance as 'Agnete' in the world premiere pf 'The Danish Play'(Dora Award Nom., international tour). She has also stareed in the world premieres of 'The Blue Light' and 'The Penelopiad.' She has won Betty Mitchell awards for her performances in 'Cabaret' and 'Beauty Queen of Leenane,' and a Dolce Award for her work in 'Ratbag.'

Kiril Kulish, one of the original three Billys who won a Tony award for his performance will play his final performance as 'Billy' on3 Oct 2009. Haydn Gwynne, who originated the role of 'Mrs. Wilkinson' in the UK production and went on to earn a Tony nomination for her performance on Broadway, will play her final performance on 4 Oct 2009.

Additionally, Tony-nominee David Bologna will play his final performance as 'Michael' on 27 Sep 2009. Keean Johnson, previously an understudy in the role of 'Michael,' will join the rotation in the role of 'Michael' with Trevor Braun.

Billy Elliot - The Musical now features David Alvarez, Tommy Batchelor, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish alternate the role of 'Billy,' Haydn Gwynne (Mrs. Wilkinson), Gregory Jbara (Dad), Carole Shelley (Grandma), Will Chase (Tony), David Bologna and Trevor Braun (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 opened at the Imperial Theatre on 13 Nov 2008, following previews from 1 Oct, where it is currently selling tickets through to 4 Apr 2010.

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)

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

Billy Elliot 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 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. A production of the show opened in sydney in Dec 2007.

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.