Montreal teen tackles 'intense' role of Broadway's Billy Elliot

Montreal teen David Alvarez is taking on Broadway this week as one of the three young stars of the musical Billy Elliot.

The stage musical, based on the 2000 film of the same name, has its New York premiere Thursday evening at the Imperial Theatre.

Alvarez is one of three actors performing the title role on a rotating basis for the Broadway production. More than 1,500 boys auditioned for the coveted, but exhausting role.

"The show is very intense and very hard for a boy to do because you have to be on stage for two hours and a half, completely. You have to act, sing, dance and crazy things like that. You need two other boys to support you and help you out," the 14-year-old told CBC News from New York on Thursday morning.

Though Alvarez is not dancing the lead role tonight, "there will be a small dance with all the Billys at the end."

A hit in London since 2005 (and winner of the U.K.'s Olivier Award for best new musical in 2006), the Thatcher-era tale tells the story of a coal miner's son who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer.

The musical is directed by Stephen Daldry, who also helmed the film version, while original screenwriter Lee Hall adapted the book and wrote lyrics to accompany the songs by British music icon Elton John.

John met with the three Billys this spring for a launch event, where he played the piano while the trio of young actors danced.

"He is a really nice guy and he's just really concentrated on what he does," Alvarez said. John's dedication to his career is a good example of "how to go through all of this," he said.

While the New York show has already garnered buzz during its previews, Alvarez says he is not thinking about possible accolades down the road, like a Tony nomination.

"I'm not worried about that because it's a long way from now. All I'm worried about is to give the best I can to the audience, who pays and watches the show, and hope they like it."