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London's Billy Elliot to Welcome Two New Billys in September
By Andrew Gans
28 Aug 2008
Twelve-year-old Tom Holland from Kingston-upon-Thames and 13-year-old Tanner Pflueger from Norfolk, NE, will join the London cast of Billy Elliot the Musical in September.
Holland will join the company at the Victoria Palace Theatre Sept. 8; Pflueger is scheduled to begin performances Sept. 29.
The young actors will join a cast that currently includes Billys Joshua Fedrick (13 years old from Saltash, Cornwall), Fox Jackson-Keen (13 years old from Hornsey, London) and Layton Williams (14 years old from Manchester) as well as Jackie Clune (Mrs. Wilkinson), Phil Whitchurch (Dad), Chris Lennon (Tony), Ann Emery (Grandma), Trevor Fox (George), Alex Delamere (Mr. Braithwaite), Sara Poyzer (Mum) and Barnaby Meredith (Older Billy).
In a statement new Billy Holland said, "I am 12 years old and I live in Kingston-upon-Thames with my Mum, Dad and three brothers, Sam, Harry and Paddy. I started dancing at Lynne Paige's Nifty Feet Dance School in Wimbledon taking hip hop class on Saturdays. Lynne also trained Jamie Bell who played Billy Elliot in the film! I was spotted at a local showcase and was asked to audition for Billy Elliot the Musical. I started to take ballet classes at home in our garage and two years later, after a lot of hard work, I was so excited to be cast as Billy. I have loved my training and would like to thank all my amazing teachers who have taught me everything I know. I can't wait for all my friends from Donhead Wimbledon College Preparatory School to come and see me on stage. My Mum and Dad joke about who I take after - I've seen them both dance and I have to say, there must have been a mix up at the hospital!"
The American Billy, Pflueger, said, "I am 13 years old and I live in Norfolk, Nebraska with my Mom Jan, my Dad Marty, my big brother Tyler and my dog Charlie. I love to dance. It all started when I was 7 years old and my cousin Brandi asked me if I wanted to join her classes rather than watch her. Going along to the class was the best decision I ever made. I first danced at Broadway and Main Street Dance Studio followed by four years at Nebraska Dance. I enjoyed my lessons so much I took classes in a wide range of styles from tap to lyrical. In 2006/07 I was crowned the West Coast Dance Elite Junior Dance Champion as well as being placed first in the Modern category with my solo at the Youth America Grand Prix competition. I have to thank my Mom and Dad who drove me back and forth to my dance lessons which took 2 hours each time, and I also have to thank my big brother Tyler who put up with it! A big thanks also to all my dance teachers - Brandi, Kathy, Stephanie, Tricia, Sally, Sarah, Mary Clare and Kelly - who have all helped me along the way to becoming Billy Elliot!"
Billy Elliot the Musical, according to press notes, "is set in the North East and is a funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy's dreams." Elton John composed the music, and Lee Hall wrote lyrics and the book, the latter based on the hit film of the same name. Stephen Daldry directed, and Peter Darling choreographed. Designs are by Ian MacNeil with sound by Paul Arditti and lighting by Rick Fisher.
The Victoria Palace Theatre is located on Victoria Street in London. For more information visit www.billyelliotthemusical.com.
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Billy Elliot–The Musical will greet American audiences at the Imperial Theatre Oct. 1 with an official opening scheduled for Nov. 13.
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