Elton John to write book about the AIDS crisis

http://www.bhpioneer.com/a_and_e/article_41eaeb17-aa4e-5d8e-9d9b-3045bd4c3355.html 

 

Elton John is writing his first book, a personal account of the AIDS crisis.

The musician says "Love is the Cure: Ending the Global Aids Epidemic" will include memories of friends who died of AIDS-related illnesses, including Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.

British publisher Hodder & Stoughton says the book will be published in July along with an audio book read by the British pop star. The U.S. publisher is Little, Brown.

Proceeds will go to the Elton John's AIDS Foundation.

John said Monday the book would ask why more is not being done to cure the disease.

He said AIDS "is a disease that must be cured not by a miraculous vaccine, but by changing hearts and minds, and through a collective effort to break down social barriers."

 

BWW TV: Goodbye BILLY! BILLY ELLIOT Takes Final Bow on Broadway

http://broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-TV-Goodbye-BILLY-BILLY-ELLIOT-Takes-Final-Bow-on-Broadway-20120109 

BILLY ELLIOT played its final performance on Broadway last night, January 8, 2012 after three fantastic years and countless memories. For the final show, the current cast of Billys (and Michaels) alternated scenes in the show. The audience was filled with fans, family members, alumni of the cast and other special guests, and BroadwayWorld was there to capture the final emotional curtain call. Click below for video highlights from the final farewell!

The production recouped its $18 million investment in only 14 months over 492 performances and on Broadway, the show has been seen by 1,659,867 theatergoers to date. Featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreographed by Peter Darling and directed by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot began previews Wednesday, October 1 and opened to critical acclaim on November 13, 2008.

Billy Elliot the Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy's journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever.

"I've said it before and it remains true today, Billy Elliot has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life - seeing this show produced on Broadway is a dream fulfilled," composer Elton John said in October. "I'm so proud of the brilliant young performers who have mastered the role of Billy on Broadway - their commitment and sheer talent has been the backbone of this production."

So long, BILLY.  You will be missed!