David Alvarez (actor)
David Alvarez | |
|---|---|
| Born | David Álvarez |
| Years active | 2008–present |
David Álvarez (born May 11, 1994) is a Canadian dancer and actor, best known as being one of the original Billy's in the Broadway production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
Early Years
Álvarez was born in Montreal, Canada, to Cuban parents. His first languages were French and Spanish. He moved to San Diego when his Dad, a college professor, took a job there. He began taking classical ballet more seriously in California. In 2005 Álvarez received a full scholarship to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre, and his family relocated to New York [1]. While at ABT, Álvarez danced feature roles in The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty [2].
Billy Elliot
Álvarez was announced as one of the three boys to play Billy at a press launch for the Broadway production of Billy Elliot the Musical on April 22, 2008. [3]. David needed to learn tap, acrobatics, voice, and acting for the role. He spent July 2007 through March 2008 preparing for the role. Billy Elliot the Musical began previews in New York on October 1 and officially opened on November 13, 2008. His first preview performance was on October 2, 2008. [4]. Alvarez's portrayal of Billy Elliot has been highly praised by the critics, including The New York Times's Ben Brantley[5], and Los Angeles Times's Charles McNulty[6].
He is hailed as perhaps the most endearing of the young “Billy Elliot” stars[7].
He has been featured on The View, Sunday Morning on CBS News, The Today Show, and at the 62nd Tony Awards [8].
He lives with his family in the Upper East Side, and takes private tutoring for ninth grade.
References
- ^ http://www.nydailynews.com/latino/2008/11/12/2008-11-12_david_lvarez_14_goes_broadway_in_billy_e.html
- ^ http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/whoswho/biography/18003
- ^ http://www.billyelliotthemusical.com/news/archive/Broadway_billys_announced.php
- ^ http://www.playbill.com/news/article/123267.html
- ^ http://theater2.nytimes.com/2008/11/14/theater/reviews/14bill.html
- ^ http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2008/11/theater-review.html
- ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/arts/dance/27ceda.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Organizations/A/Ailey,%20Alvin,%20American%20Dance%20Theater
- ^ http://spanish.imdb.de/name/nm3174725]