General Chat - Liam Redhead

[rtm2008]

14 year old Liam Redhead, from North Bay, Ontario, Canada, has earned the role of Billy Elliot on Broadway after auditioning in Toronto. Liam is currently in training and is reported to be beginning performances around November. Liam began attending the Canadian National Ballet School at age 11, and later, at age 13, performed in the National Ballet of Canada's Nutcracker in 2008 (and in 2007) along with Cesar Corrales, a Chicago Billy. Liam also attended Barbara Treleaven School of Dancing in North Bay. Liam placed 1st in the Ballet Demi-Pointe Solos, 12 and under at the North Bay Kiwanis Festival of Music and Dance on May 9th, 2008. Liam has also won a number of awards in competitions in both New York and Las Vegas. We will have some more information on Liam in the near future.

One article about Liam earning the role can be found on a local radio station here: Liam Article
His role in Nutcracker is also mentioned here: http://www.national.ballet.ca/pdf/media ... YoungD.pdf
And his role in Billy is also announced at his dance school website: http://www.btsdance.com/default.aspx?content_id=466

[LadyMcK]

Does he have red hair?????

[Brad]

Does he have red hair?????

Ya just couldn't help yaself could ya

[tapman]

Sounds like he'll be a perfect 'match' for the new Michael.
They might even strike up a great friendship.

[Yanks1153]

Congratulations to him and he seems he will replacing Tommy.

[deebeeeff]

Congratulations to him and he seems he will replacing Tommy.

Oh I think more likely he will be David A's replacement! I could be wrong, of course, but I think it will be David's time to go before Tommy heads off to Chicago!

[kat27]

Starting in November hey?? I know of a little anniversary show that's in nov.. dare we start rumouring now, or oh no.. sorry not allowed

[BErox10]

Speaking of the Anniversity show, I certainly hope Kiril can at least be a part of some of the festivities. He was an original Broadway Billy after all. If his schedule allows, I hope he has some part in it or can at least be there.

Or would that be awkward for him, having left so recently? His voice may have broken, but he can still dance like no one else! Do you all have any other thoughts/ideas?

It's likely that I'm reading way too much into things. I sometimes do that when I get excited.

[bigc23]

yeah that would be epic if kiril was at the anniversary and he has every right to be. and i think that liam will replace tommy because there has yet to be an announcement for another one of the original Billys to be departing. The only Billy set to depart is Tommy because of the Chicago show as we all know.

and no i don't think liam has red hair =P

[rtm2008]

Does he have red hair?????

Not going by this picture of him

http://friendsofbilly.com/BETMGallery/d ... ?pos=-3796

[bobz]

Another NBS dancer tapped for Elliot

Canada's National Ballet School is proving to be a bit of a mother-lode for producers of various productions of Billy Elliot the Musical, who have dipped into the assembled talent pool twice in the past few months.

Officials at the NBS announced yesterday that 14-year-old Liam Redhead -- a native of North Bay, Ont. and a student since '07 -- has been tapped to share the title role in the Broadway production of the show, featuring music by Elton John. Yesterday's announcement follows a September announcement that fellow NBS student Ceasar Corrales has been cast in the title role in the soon-to-be opened Chicago production of the show.

[teachygreen]

Kate Hennig updated her blog today and included this beautiful passage on Liam:

And bit by bit he learns to move these enormous dances from solo sessions in the rehearsal hall, to the raked stage, the company, and all lighting, sound, set and costume elements. Undaunted. With his gorgeous hair, and winning smile, and this great unconscious habit of standing on pointe in his tap shoes.


CAN. NOT. WAIT.

[rorygilmo5]

I really want to see his Billy for some reason.

[Cindy]

Has a first performance date been 100% confirmed? I've heard December 8 being bounced around ... is that still true?

[rorygilmo5]

I bet he would be a good Michael, too.

[tapman]

Hmmm...I'm having an Anagram moment.......anagram for Liam Redhead........
I Held a Dream

[CJ-Rochester]

Has a first performance date been 100% confirmed? I've heard December 8 being bounced around ... is that still true?

Liam is now officially listed per this pic taken Monday. The rumor is his first performance will be this week. Break-a-leg Liam!
http://twitpic.com/qopft

[porschesrule]

As was announced on Good Morning America, Liam will be making his Broadway debut tomorrow evening (Dec. 23).

Congratulations and Break a Leg, Liam!!

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=9399266

[Michael]

Well done, Liam - break a leg!

[BillyAddict]

Have a great debut Liam