BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL tells the captivating story of a young boy's love of dance and his hope to become a professional ballet dancer. Currently playing on Broadway and nominated for 15 Tony Awards including Best Musical, director Stephen Daldry is nominated for his second Tony Award, having received his first in 1994 for the play AN INSPECTOR CALLS. Daldry also received an Oscar-nomination as Best Director for his first three movies: ‘Billy Elliot’ (2000), ‘The Hours’ (2002) and ‘The Reader’ (2008). He is currently the first and only person ever to accomplish this spectacular recognition.

"We were all amazed and delighted with the response from Broadway in the first place," said Daldry. "It’s been an extraordinary journey. We’ve never taken anything for granted on this show. The fact it’s gotten such a warm reception here, it’s just fantastic. We’re over the moon. The idea of being here and nominated for so many Tony Awards is a genuine thrill. So excited, it’s great."

So what is uber-director Daldry doing just days before the Tony Awards? Working! "I'm in New York rehearsing BILLY ELLIOT, we're working with new Michaels for next year," said Daldry. "We're rehearsing a new boy who will be taking over as Billy. Once you get to the end, you just go back to the beginning and start all over again."

Starting at the beginning of this endeavor meant the director could voyage back to his beginnings in the theatre. "Theatre is where I come from, I was brought up in the theatre," said Daldry. "I sort of say I moonlight in the movies, it’s like a little holiday for me. I’ve really enjoyed making the movies I have done, but theatre is my first love."

With successful runs in London and Australia, heading to Broadway was a dream. "I’ve always loved New York City, there’s something about having a show on Broadway, it's a unique experience," said Daldry. "The town is so welcoming and congratulatory and so embracing. This show wasn’t necessarily going to be a success. The fact that it’s been embraced is a joy. I genuinely love being in New York and love being on Broadway, it’s fantastic."

Audiences and critics are continually electrified by the young cast and spectacular show. Daldry finds joy in young audiences making a correlation to their own journey within the show’s messages. "I love it particularly when young people see the show and they make the simple connection," said Daldry. "Hopefully they understand the Billy story is, in fact, a metaphor for so many other people’s stories. Whatever the struggle or whatever the endeavor, usually artistic, whatever the person is engaged in…it doesn’t have to be dancing, it can music or writing or singing or acting. Coming from opposition and keeping that passion going. When people make the connection of ‘Oh I see, this is a story about me.’ I find that incredibly moving."

Daldry thoroughy enjoyed this season's assortment of theatre in New York. "I’m fantastically un-judgemental when it comes to my theatregoing," said Daldry. "What’s great about this season is, of course, it’s great to see a lot of British shows and the old classics. It feels very rich and exuberant and is a unique season which I don’t think we’ve seen for some time."

So would Daldry come back to his theatre beginnings and direct a musical again? “I would love to,” said Daldry. “I’ve had a great time doing this. I wouldn’t hesitate. The thing about them is, they take a long time. I can say, it’s been one of the most stressful, demanding and difficult as well as, of course, rewarding experiences of my life. It’s not just the casting and getting the show up. I think everyone that comes into contact with us realizes how much work it takes.”

Having attended both the Academy Awards and the Tony Awards, which does Daldry prefer? “You know, they are both as stressful as each other,” said Daldry. “What is fun about them is the sharing and the being together with all of the people and the community and the ongoing experience.”

Break a leg at the Tony Awards, Stephen. We’ll be watching this Sunday at 8pm EST on CBS.

To view a video of BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL, visit www.billyelliotbroadway.com/land/show

By: Allison Thomas