Billy Elliot the Forum

Today's edition of Thommie Retter's periodic newsletter "In The Spotlight" features Alex Dreier. There probably isn't much new here, but it's nice to see all of this info about Alex in one place. It's also a great reminder of the awesome talents of Alex and so many of the other lesser known cast members.

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com ... ae52a2cb52

CJ-Rochester wrote:Today's edition of Thommie Retter's periodic newsletter "In The Spotlight" features Alex Dreier. There probably isn't much new here, but it's nice to see all of this info about Alex in one place. It's also a great reminder of the awesome talents of Alex and so many of the other lesser known cast members.

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com ... ae52a2cb52

You're right, Chris, there isn't a whole lot new there for those Forum members who've lived through the BETM Broadway days to the present. But you are also right that it's great to be reminded of the talents Alex possesses. He's a budding star for sure. I also think Thommie deserves kudos for the fantastic job he does with these "spotlights" of his. Well written and great pictures/videos and presented with the obvious pride of a teacher but, more than that, someone who very obviously cares about his students beyond just how well they can tap dance.

Best wishes to both Alex and Thommie going forward. They're two wonderful people who deserve all the good things life brings them.

Alex Dreier will be heading to Boston to play the role of Michael in the musical FINDING NEVERLAND at the American Repertory Theater, per this post on Shirley Grant Management's public Facebook. The show is directed by Diane Paulus, who won a 2013 Tony for directing PIPPIN.

I always knew Alex would play Michael someday. Congrats Alex!

Here is a photo of Alex signing his contract:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... 216&type=1

"Finding Neverland" begins performances at ART in the Boston area in July.
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/18 ... -15-Season

Paulus has a great track record of late, as her productions of "Porgy and Bess" and "Pippin" both moved to Broadway and won multiple Tonys.

Alex will be in very good company in FINDING NEVERLAND at American Repertory Theatre this summer. The cast also includes these high powered stars: Jeremy Jordan, Laura Michelle Kelly, Roger Bart, and Carolee Carmello!

http://www.broadway.com/buzz/176166/jer ... y-theater/

I'm moving to Boston in August - really look forward to catching Alex in the show!

Has anyone seen FINDING NEVERLAND yet? I saw it last week and all I can say is it needs a LOT of work.

It has been reviewed under its own thread:

http://www.billyelliottheforum.me.uk/fo ... 141&t=5094

This Youtube video shows the clip from the Tony Awards, which gave FN a preview (introduced by Tina Fey).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzLQmZETrZ4#t=32

Here's an article featuring Alex Drier as one of the four boys in Finding Neverland:

http://bostonherald.com/entertainment/a ... _neverland

Here's a new video of Alex Dreier doing a song & dance number, "Name in Lights", at a school talent show on Friday, November 14. Way to go Alex!!!

http://youtu.be/Lrc5y9pYYZo