Iowa City native dances into 'Billy Elliot' role on Broadway

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions, in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment, announced today that Ko will join the cast in the title role.

Ko, a regional and national dance champion who now lives in New York City, will make his Broadway debut in "Billy Elliot."  He will be the fifth boy to play the role of  Billy on Broadway and will begin performances in the rotation the week of Oct. 5.

Ko was the youngest student admitted to the University of Iowa Dance Department at age 12 and has been guided by ballet masters Eloy Barragán and George de la Peña.  He is the winner of national and regional dance titles under Michael Kohli, National Dance Academy and gymnastics champion coached by Dmitri Trouch & Brad Virkler.  www.alex-ko.com

Kiril Kulish, one of the original three Billys who won a Tony award, will play his final performance as Billy on Oct. 3.

"Billy Elliot the Musical" is the tale of a young boy with a dream, and a celebration of his triumph against the odds.  Set against the historic British miners' strike of the 1980s, the story follows Billy's journey as a boy in a small mining town who, after stumbling across a ballet class while on his way to a boxing lesson, realizes that his future lies not in the boxing ring but on stage as a dancer.

Tickets range from $41.50 to $136.50, and can be purchased at the Imperial Theatre Box Office (240 W. 45 St.) or by calling Telecharge.com at (212) 239-6200 or at www.Telecharge.com

Show times are Tuesdays at 7 p.m.; Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m.; and Sundays at 3 p.m.

For information, go to www.billyelliotbroadway.com