Elton John Celebrates His "Billy Elliot" Opening

NEW YORK — Elton John still can't believe he's a Broadway hitmaker.

The 61-year-old musician marveled at his success Thursday night at the opening of "Billy Elliot." He composed the score for that show, "Aida" and "The Lion King," which is still playing on the Great White Way.

"I'm looking up at the street and I'm seeing the sign for `The Lion King,' and I'm standing here and I'm thinking, `I had never thought in a million years I'd ever be standing in Broadway and talking about something I'd written for the stage," said John, beaming with pride.

John, accompanied by partner David Furnish, said he'd rather write a musical than record an album because he likes having a story line and characters.

"I love it _ but I've got a lot to learn," he said. "I'm a novice at this."

"Billy Elliot," at the Imperial Theater, is based on the popular 2000 movie about a young boy who longs to dance but lives in the bleak coal-mining area of Northern England. His story is set against the backdrop of a bitter miners' strike.

"It's a triumph over adversity. It's something beautiful coming out of something tragic," John mused about the show, which has had successful runs in London and Sydney, Australia.

The role of Billy has been cast with three actors _ David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish _ rotating the physically demanding part.

Joining John at Thursday's performance: Barbara Walters, Rosie O'Donnell, Ron Howard, Rachel Weisz, Kevin Spacey, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and tennis legend Billie Jean King.

Comments

[Trickywoo]

Congratulations to Elton and the whole crew associated with the show. I was 14 years old when "Your Song" and the "Elton John" album came out, and to this day, he and his music have never disappointed me. I've hung in through all these years and through some challenging times for him musically, and I'm glad I did. I'll never be able to repay him for the many hundreds (thousands?) of happy hours I've spent listening to him. We should all be as talented a "novice" as he is. Thanks, Elton. Thanks a million.

[brooklynsarah]

So true! I've been an Elton fan since 1974. He's my true-blue and a major part of my growing up. I agree, Trickywoo -- imagine the thousands of hours spent listening to his music, seeing his shows, and the excitement and joy he's brought. To be such a "novice," huh? Oh, to meet him one day...!!!

[vandegrasse]

Good job Elton. You're talented and you still have a sense of wonder about it all.

[LMPE]

I'd like to bombard the Bible-belt people with this news, just to irk them.

[Agentlady007]

I think it's time for a song.............................................tbc,...

[Agentlady007]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3ppoX4bVTQ&feature=related

[Agentlady007]

and another...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkNDPQ4UfeU

[hellothere]

I'm sorry but Jamie Bell is THE ONLY Billy Elliot there ever needs to be.

[UWSDave24]

Elton John writing music for a show about an underage boy. Perfect. Celebrating his "Billy Elliott opening"? Do tell.

[AngryAmish]

Oh, I get it. Your comment is allegedly funny because it hinges on the long-standing bigoted assumption that gays are child molestors. I broke a rib laughing at that one. Kind of like the time a redneck homophobe broke a beer bottle over my head as I was walking through the parking lot of a gay bar. Only your stuff is much funnier!!!!!!

[Rockwell]

"Elton John celebrates his Billy Elliot opening". Is that what they're calling it these days? Good for him! ; )

[JohnnyVentura]

Good for Elton. After all his success in Broadway, on his recording career with soundtracks and regular studio albums, an impressive Las Vegas stint, as well as his live shows from the last
38 years, he considers himself a novice at writing for the stage even after achieving success at it.
You can't beat Elton's heart.

[vandegrasse]

Nice comment.