Toronto actress to bring Broadway Billy Elliot role home

Toronto native Kate Hennig is bringing her Billy Elliotrole from Broadway to her home city.

Producers of Billy Elliot the Musical say Hennig, who plays Mrs. Wilkinson in the New York show, will reprise the role for the Toronto production that kicks off at the Canon Theatre Jan. 28.

Emily Skinner, who plays Mrs. Wilkinson in the national tour that's in Chicago, will replace Hennig in the Broadway show Oct. 2.

Hennig has worked across Canada and has been nominated for a Dora Award and a Genie.

Billy Elliot the Musical is based on the acclaimed 2000 film about a British boy who longs to dance. The music is by Elton John and the book and lyrics are from Lee Hall.

Last year, the Broadway production won 10 Tony Awards, one of which was shared by Montreal native David Alvarez and two other boys who played the lead role.

Mirvish Productions hasn't announced who will play the starring role in the Toronto production, but Montreal's Cesar Corrales has been sharing the part in the Chicago run.