Excited
Thirteen year old Alex Ko has been named to be the new Billy Elliot on Broadway. A gifted dancer and half Chinese-American, Alex Ko is set to become the first Asian-American Billy Elliot in the Broadway production of the Elton John musical. Yes, even Asian boys can dream of being Billy Elliot!
When Stephen Daldry, the director of the musical and movie, was asked about colorblind casting the role of Billy Elliot with a black or Asian Billy, he was quoted as saying, “It’s an interesting question. I hope audiences aren’t taken aback. Given the talents of these kids, any doubts about their right to be in the show would be swept away.”
The London production of Billy Elliot was first played by its first non-white Billy by Matthew Koon, whose family is originally from Hong Kong.
I’m excited to hear the reviews of Alex Ko’s performance starting at the beginning of October. Meanwhile, check out his YouTube video of a beautiful solo he dedicates to his father, Sam Ko, who died from liver cancer several years ago.
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nixxnutz
I wonder what the general reaction would be if the upcoming revival of Porgy & Bess starred a white man in the leading role.
AJ12
When can I expect to see a blonde-haired, blue-eyed "Miss Saigon"?
What about a bone-white Celie in "The Colour Purple"?
As a community, Asians, especially actors, have long lamented the plight of our forbearers in this industry for loosing Asian roles to Caucasians. I feel no better now that the pendulum has swung the other way.
Just enjoy the show....
merde! thanks for commenting, alex!
Thank you so much for your comments! I can't wait for everyone to see the show. All my best, Alex.
I'm glad that colorblind casting is more commonplace these days, but sad that it's still considered a new and progressive idea. It also seems fitting that Billy Elliot would cast a half-Chinese boy as Billy - the storyline of dance not being a career path for a boy may resonate keenly (uncomfortably) with Asian audiences.
I'm excited as well..kudos to Alex and other AA pioneers!
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[...] October 2009, thirteen-year old Alex Ko made his debut as the star in Broadway’s Billy Elliot, the first Asian-American Billy on Broadway. I had the good fortune to speak to him about his new [...]