Billy Elliot: Gregory Jbara returns as Billy's Dad

Gregory Jbara returns to his Tony Award-winning role as 'Dad' in the 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot - The Musical. Jbara temporarily left the show on 24 Jan 2010, during his absence the role was played by Philip Whitchurch who previously played 'Dad' in the UK production of the musical.

Jbara's Broadway credits include 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,' 'Chicago,' 'Victor / Victoria,' 'Damn Yankees,' 'Born Yesterday' and 'Serious Money.'

Billy Elliot - The Musical now features Mike Dameski, Alex Ko, Liam Redhead and Dayton Tavares who alternate the role of 'Billy,' Kate Hennig (Mrs. Wilkinson), Gregory Jbara (Dad), Carole Shelley (Grandma), Will Chase (Tony) and, Trevor Braun and Jake Evan Schwencke who alternate the role of Billy's friend 'Michael'.

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 30 Jan 2011.

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.