Ben Cook News

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films, Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC announced today that Ben Cook and Noah Parets will join the national touring cast of the 10-time Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical, in the role of 'Billy.' Cook and Parets will become the 10th and 11th young actors to perform as 'Billy' in the national tour; their debuts will also mark the 65th and 66th boys to play 'Billy' on stage worldwide and the 26th and 27th boys to play 'Billy' in North America since the show opened on Broadway. Their first performance dates will be announced soon.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation presented its annual Born for Broadway benefit, which will take place at the American Airlines Theatre, last night, May 21, 2012. Tony nominated director Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Ragtime) directed alongside Lawrence Yurman (On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, Grey Gardens), who musical directed. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the red carpet and brings you photo coverage below.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation previously announced that theater and film stars Julie White ("Transformers," "Little Dog Laughed") and Tony Goldwyn ("Ghost," ABC's new hit series "Scandal") would host the third annual Born for Broadway benefit, which takes place at the American Airlines Theatre, 227 West 42nd Street, tonight, May 21, 2012 at 8 PM.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation has announced that theater and film stars Julie White ("Transformers," "Little Dog Laughed") and Tony Goldwyn ("Ghost," ABC's new hit series "Scandal") will host the third annual Born for Broadway benefit, which will take place at the American Airlines Theatre, 227 West 42nd Street, on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 8 PM.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation has announced the cast for the third annual Born for Broadway benefit, which will take place at the American Airlines Theatre, 227 West 42nd Street, on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 8 PM. Tony nominated director Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Ragtime) will direct; Lawrence Yurman (On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, Grey Gardens) is the Musical Director.

Last night before a crowd of 200 theatre makers and theatre lovers, theatreWashington announced the nominees for the 28th Helen Hayes Awards. The National Theatre's Helen Hayes Gallery set the scene for the announcement of nominees in 26 categories for artistic excellence and the announcement of the recipient of the 2012 John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company. The Helen Hayes Awards is one of the most prestigious honors for artists and theatre companies in Washington's vibrant theatre scene.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh announce that NETworks Presentations, LLC will bring the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical to Pittsburgh's Benedum Center from January 31 through February 12, 2012.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh announce that NETworks Presentations, LLC will bring the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical to Pittsburgh's Benedum Center from January 31 through February 12, 2012.

The Kennedy Center in association with NETworks Presentations, LLC presents the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical in the Kennedy Center Opera House from December 13, 2011 to January 15, 2012.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh announce that NETworks Presentations, LLC will bring the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical to Pittsburgh's Benedum Center from January 31 through February 12, 2012.

Billy Elliot on tour will come to the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Orlando, FL, from February 15 2012 to February 26 2012.

Do not miss this dance musical based on the film of the same name.

The Kennedy Center in association with NETworks Presentations, LLC presents the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical in the Kennedy Center Opera House from December 13, 2011 to January 15, 2012.

The touring company of Billy Elliot the Musical celebrated their opening night in St. Louis on November 2, 2011 with a cast party following the performance. Check out photos from the big event below!

The Kennedy Center in association with NETworks Presentations, LLC presents the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical in the Kennedy Center Opera House from December 13, 2011 to January 15, 2012.

The stage continues to mine the movies for product, and sometimes it strikes gold (High Fidelity-although not hugely successful was, for me a better musical than a movie) and sometimes it strikes tin. The hugely acclaimed and multi-awarded BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL falls into the latter category, taking a gloriously fine and moving film and turning it into a bloated, tuneless production that's only saved by the winning performance of its lead (which rotates between four young lads) and some dazzling choreography Unfortunately, it tries too hard to cram into far too many plot elements, clocking in at almost three hours. And, it features a legendary pop tunesmith's worst work to date, leaving its audience with nary a hummable song in its score. It's a real shame because there are absolutely electric moments to be found here and there. But, too often, what worked on the big screen doesn't make the transition to the stage in smooth fashion.

NETworks Presentations, LLC brings the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical to Philadelphia's Academy of Music from Nov. 16 - 27, part of the Broadway Season, presented by The Kimmel Center and The Shubert Organization.

NETworks Presentations, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions bring the 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Billy Elliot the Musical to St. Louis' Fabulous Fox Theatre from November 1-13. Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical has earned critical acclaim on Broadway including 10 Tony Awards.

NETworks Presentations, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions bring the 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Billy Elliot the Musical to St. Louis' Fabulous Fox Theatre from November 1-13. Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical has earned critical acclaim on Broadway including 10 Tony Awards.

Mercedes Ellington, Joann Hunter, Mary Macleod, Jerry Mitchell, Judine Somerville and the Career Transition for Dancers hosted a 'between shows' get together yesterday, May 4, 2011. BroadwayWorld was on hand to celebrate the dance community yesterday and brings you photo coverage below.