Merry Christmas (Maggie Thatcher)

Happy holiday everybody!

I got some really cool stuff for Christmas, and finally mastered solving the Rubik's cube. (Check out the pictures.) It makes the scene where I bring some "stuff" to create a dance for the audition even funnier now!


I did the show on Christmas night, and had 80 family and friends in the audience! It was amazing! (I may have some photos to share soon.)

Hope you all had a great holiday, too. I have a show tonight, so gotta run!

Trent

On my time off...

A lot of people write in to ask what I do in my free time when I'm not on stage or rehearsing. Well, here's the answer . . .

I play Rock Band 2! (I'm totally obsessed and can't wait to get it!!)


. . .And hang out with Mary Poppins!



This is my friend Scarlett who plays Mary Poppins on Broadway. (She wears a wig as Mary!) You might remember her from this old post.

Trent

Anyone spot me?

I'm taking over New York City!! Kinda.

Apparently I was projected onto a huge screen in the middle of Times Square yesterday at 5:55 pm! Check it out:



You can do it too. Find out how to be Time magazine's "Person of the Year" here.

Congrats to Layton

Layton Williams, my old roommate and friend from the Billy House in London, just had his final performance in BETM in England.

Here's a cool shot from the curtain call I found:


But . . . it looks like Layton won't be away from the stage for very long. Rumor has it that he'll be in Thriller Live as young Michael Jackson.

How awesome is that?! One more excuse to visit the UK . . . when I have the time!! Congrats!!

Trent

Tune In: WOR Radio, "The Joan Hamburg Show"

On Wednesday, December 3rd at 10 am et, Trent Kowalik will be live on WOR Radio's "The Joan Hamburg Show" alongside his Billy grandmother, actress Carole Shelley.

Tune in to your radio, or listen live on the web at wor710.com.

TV Tune-In: WNET Channel 13 on Monday, December 1 at 8 pm et/pt

Billy Elliot Casting Documentary to Air on Channel 13 on December 1
Source: Theatermania.com

Finding Billy, a new documentary on the casting of the Broadway musical Billy Elliot will debut on WNET/Channel 13 on Monday, December 1 at 8 pm.

The program will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the nationwide search for the three actors who play the lead role in Billy Elliot the Musical on Broadway. During the broadcast, stars David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish (who share the title role) and Carole Shelley (who plays Grandma) will be present in the Thirteen studio to talk about the show.

Based on the 2000 film of the same name, the show tells the tale of a young boy with a dream of being a dancer. The musical features music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, direction by Stephen Daldry, and choreography by Peter Darling.

For more information, visit www.billyelliotbroadway.com or www.wnet.org.

Billy Elliot: the Musical Opening Night Party Pictures

Trent Kowalik and Family With Kevin Spacey, originally uploaded by trentkowalikblog.

Check out these amazing snapshots of Broadway's Trent Kowalik posing with A-list fans of Billy Elliot: the Musical, including Kevin Spacey, "Mad Men" star Bryan Batt, and Billy creator Sir Elton John.

Weekends

I try to make the most of my time off at home with my family and friends, so here's some photos of what I did last weekend (this weekend I saw Madagascar 2!), and some other shots of me and David Alvarez on a dinner break earlier this week . . . to prove I eat more than Reese's Puffs!

Trent

Last weekend: At Celtic Thunder

With David: Chicken wraps, phones and playing hockey on my iPod

TV Tune-In: CBS "Sunday Morning," November 9 at 10 am et

On Sunday, November 9th, Billy Elliot the Musical will be featured on CBS "Sunday Morning." Composer Elton John, director Stephen Daldry and stars David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish sat down with CBS' Katie Couric to discuss the new musical. "Sunday Morning" airs locally on channel 2 – WCBS in the tri-state area.

Trent Featured in Newsday

Newsday: "Leaping onto Broadway," November 9, 2008


Trent Kowalik of Wantagh bounds into New York, where he puts his best feet forward as the star of 'Billy Elliot'

More Photos: Flip through the Newsday Billy Elliot photo gallery here.

Trent Featured on Playbill.com's "Cue & A"

David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish — who alternate in the title role of Billy Elliot—The Musical — fill out Playbill.com's questionnaire with random facts, backstage trivia and pop culture tidbits.

Trent Featured In Dance Spirit Magazine

Trent is featured in this month's Dance Spirit Magazine. Read on below.

Click to enlarge

Thanks to Ellen Rolland.

A Very Billy Halloween

The Ballet Girls dressed up as Billys on Halloween:

Heather in character as yours truly


Me, in costume thanks to my sister's artistic skills

Happy Halloween!

Trent

Trent Featured In Dance Magazine

Gwynne and Kowalik work on a choreographed boxing battle, in which Mrs. Wilkinson tries to trick Billy into dancing. “I think you’re tempting him,” Darling tells Gwynne. “You’re saying I don’t care if you join in, but I know you will.” The movements are simple, at times pedestrian. Darling has a childlike quality while he creates movement. When Kowalik attempts to play air guitar as part of the choreography, Darling jumps in to demonstrate. He shows Kowalik how to strum, how to play invisible frets, and how to look like a rock star while leaping across the stage and wailing on the imaginary instrument. When asked if he sees himself in Billy, Darling says, “No, but other people do.

Read the full article from Dance Magazine here, and, while you're there, why don't you enter to win tickets to see Billy Elliot the Musical on Broadway?

Mary Poppins & Billy Elliot

Here's a funny bit of trivia for you...

When I lived in London for BETM, all of the Billys lived in the "Billy House," which was chaperoned, of course. One of my chaperones while I was there was an amazing woman named Cherida. Her daughter, Scarlett Strallen, is Broadway's newest Mary Poppins.

Oddly enough, both of us were supposed to open on Broadway on the same day, but because of all the changes I told you about earlier, that date was pushed back, so luckily Cherida got to see my Broadway debut, as well as Scarlett's the next night.

So, there you have it . . . Billy Elliot and Mary Poppins lived under the same roof in London with the same "mum"! Imagine THAT musical?!

Trent

The Peter Pans of Broadway | New York Magazine

For three boys (and their mothers), Billy Elliot is the role of a lifetime. Provided they don’t grow out of it too fast.

Snapshot: Sleepy Billys

Here's a funny picture of me and Billy Elliot cast member Tommy Batchelor totally out cold on the train after a weekend of bowling, Wii and lots of other video games, on our way back into the city. Even when I'm asleep, I'm listening to my iPod!

Trent

Trent on NBC's "TODAY": Part 2

Trent on NBC's "TODAY": Part 1

TV Appearance: Catch Trent on NBC's "TODAY" Show, Monday, October 20th

Don't miss Trent Kowalik on NBC's "TODAY," alongside Sir Elton John and fellow Broadway Billys David Alvarez and Kiril Kulish on Monday, October 20th.

Check your local listings for station information. "TODAY" airs Monday — Friday (7am - 11am) on NBC.

Outside of the States? Visit TrentKowalik.com for video clips from their "TODAY" segments.

Perez Hilton: "Billy Elliot Is One of the Best Musicals Ever"

Blogger extraordinaire Perez Hilton cannot wait to see Billy Elliot on Broadway . . . and we don't blame him!

Read more about his excitement and his love of all things Great White Way, over on Broadwayworld.com.


More on Billy and Perez:

• Perez Hilton: A Latino Billy!
• One & 1/3 Shows!

Trent's Opening Night of Previews in Billy Elliot the Musical

Trent Kowalik and David Bologna of Billy Elliot, originally uploaded by trentkowalikblog.

Check out this picture of Trent Kowalik and David Bologna and much more from his opening night last week on Broadway.

If you have pictures of Trent to contribute, please e-mail them to trentkowalikblog [at] gmail.com.

Performance Tonight: 10/9

Catch Trent tonight as "Billy" at 8 pm!

Performance update ... and pics

As promised (and to prove rumors that my voice has magically changed overnight wrong! :) I will be definitely performing this week -- twice! I'll post the times and stuff when I'm allowed.

To hold you over ... here's some pictures of me, Kiril and my friend Carly goofing around NYC:

Dancers on the streets of NYC

Something was pretty funny ... I guess

Outside the stage door of the Imperial

Trent

P.S. I'm SO excited for my family and friends to finally see me in my hometown!!

First week

This week has been a roller coaster of excitement!!

During previews shows can go through a lot of changes and so can schedules, so you'll be able to catch me on stage later this week.

I can tell you already that Kiril and David are kicking some major butt on that stage.

If I can give you a heads up, I'll post what night I am performing.

Gotta run!

Trent

Trent's First Broadway Performance

Update: Please check back for updated information on Trent's first performance.

Click here to purchase tickets to previews of Billy Elliot the Musical and peek into Billy's world before the big show!

Meet Trent

From billyelliotbroadway.com:

Tune in to "Meet the Billys," a series of webisodes focusing on the three boys selected in a nationwide search of over 1500 hopefuls to play Billy Elliot on Broadway: David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish. Get an exclusive, behind the scenes look on nycvisit.com to learn about the boys and their road to Broadway, and see how each will tackle a role unlike any in the history of musical theatre. First up is Trent Kowalik. See what this native New Yorker thinks about tapping his heart out in front of a hometown crowd.

Click here to meet Trent Kowalik.

Spore

Spore is my new favorite game. I bought it the day it came out. If you don't know what it is, I'll fill you in:

You start as a cell and then you have to build a colony. (BTW - You can name them, so my spores' name is "Bla.")

Right now I'm in my spaceship and I'm trying to build my empire. You can go to war with other planets or borrow other planet's ships.

You can also do stuff like make creatures, buildings, creature's spaceships or airplanes. You can even test your creatures by walking with them and see how they work.



The game gets better as you go along as you go along. Since the show is coming up (!!!) I haven't had a lot of time to play lately. But, when I do, I'll stretch while I'm playing it and I'll play for a half hour before bed.

I'll post more when things are less busy. If you're in NY this week, go see BETM! (If you're not in NY . . . come to NY!)

Trent

New haircuts

We're getting closer to previews, and you know what that means. . .

Haircuts!



(It'll grow back in a week.)

Trent

BETM at "Broadway on Broadway"

We had so much fun today! 4 of us cast kids took the train in to the city, then walked up to Times Square to watch Broadway on Broadway.

The very last act was BETM, and it was pretty cool to be singing on stage in front of 50,000 people! Here's some pics my dad took:



Trent

Behind-the-Scenes: Times Square Photo Shoot

Trent, Kiril and David pose in their "Billy" tees in Times Square
New York City | September 4, 2008

Trent Featured In October's Issue of Vanity Fair

Check out this sneak peek of October's issue of Vanity Fair, featuring Kiril, David and Trent with the ballet girls of "Billy Elliot the Musical" on Broadway:

Vanity Fair is available on newsstands now.

Rosie Meets Billy

The boys of Billy Elliot met Broadway's #1 fan, Rosie O'Donnell, earlier this week!
Read her blog to find out what Rosie had to say about the show.

Pictures!

Sorry for being so quiet, but school has started back up for us Billys and rehearsal is also keeping me away from the computer!

Here's some pictures I have to share...

We've Been Spotted! Mom Takes a Pic During School

Three Ts: Tessa, Trent & Tommy After Class

Corey Catches Up With Me & Kiril For Pizza

More soon!!

(Busy) Trent

Vogue.com: "Flights of Fancy"

Here's a new video clip from Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish and David Alvarez's VOGUE photoshoot with Caroline Trentini in fall's ballet-inspired dresses, courtesy of Vogue.com:

Trent Kowalik of "Billy Elliot" on Facebook's "Stage Door"

As we mentioned way back in March, Facebook has a fun application for all you theatre geeks out there called "Stage Door." It's the online destination to show off your theatrical ticket stub collection!

Trent is the current profiled actor in their "Favorite Things" feature! Read Trent's interview with "Stage Door" where he reveals his favorite moments from "Billy" and experiences at the theatre. (You must be logged into your Facebook account and subscribe to the "Stage Door" app.)

Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish and David Alvarez of "Billy Elliot" featured in VOGUE

Check out this sneak preview of Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish and David Alvarez of "Billy Elliot" featured in September's issue of VOGUE, featuring photography by the legendary Arthur Elgort and model Caroline Trentini, available this week at newsstands:

Visit Vogue.com for more pictures from their Arthur Elgort photo shoot and behind-the-scenes video of the "Billy Elliot" trio.

Flying!

Hi! Since I've been rehearsing all my flying recently, I thought I'd answer all the flying questions I could find:

After spinning to the ceiling in Swan lake does it effect your balance at all. How long did it take you to master the fear of spinning so far off the ground, or are you not afraid of heights at all?

BA
May 28, 2008 11:17 PM

After spinning in "Swan Lake," it can make you dizzy and affect your balance. I found if i hit my heels to the floor when I came down, it grounded me.

While practicing Swan Lake have you ever got stuck on the harness?

June 3, 2008 8:27 AM

One time I did get stuck up at the top and they had to close the curtain! It took a few minutes to get me down so they could reopen the curtain :)

do you ever get dizzy after you spin in your dances?

when we saw you in billy elliot, I was amazed at how you could spin (and go up on the rope thing) and then stop without stumbling over!

how do you do it!?

Laura
June 3, 2008 3:24 PM

Spinning in on-ground dance does not make me dizzy. As for flying, find out how we Billys do it in Layton's video! (You can spot me in the background.)





Trent

Catching up

It's been over a year since I spent a day with my best Irish dance friend, Ian Luebbers. He came up from PA this weekend and we had a great time.


Here we are playing Guitar Hero in my den and in and out of the pool at my cousins' house. My Uncle Patrick drove us all by boat to my Uncle Tommy's bayhouse, which is a really cool little cottage on a small island in Great South Bay.



We ended the day with a late night swim . . . until our moms dragged us out of the pool!

Trent

Pop Quiz with Three Broadway 'Billys'

Watch Trent answer more of your burning questions from here on the blog with a little help from fellow "Billy" castmates, Kiril Kulish and David Alvarez:

Go Adina!

A big congratulations to my friend Adina!


She's been selected for the Tap Attack Youth Company's team of 15 dancers who will represent England in the World Tap Dancing Championships held in Germany this December.

Hey, Adina, you probably WON'T be tapping in a tutu!

"Born to Boogie": Billy Elliot Readies for Broadway

Long Island native Trent Kowalik, who was performing the title role in Billy Elliot in London, said, "I think the biggest difference [between London and Broadway] is the actors and actresses [are] different people . . . And, [on Broadway], I have to make my accent a little bit more clear so that the people in America can understand it."

Read more of the article from Playbill.com here: "Born to Boogie": Billy Elliot Readies for Broadway

Last Day of July!

A lot going on yesterday: Liam Mower paid a visit to the rehearsal and it was cool to have an original Billy in our midst! Liam will be coming to see our NY show this November.



Tommy and I both had a break and our moms took us to Dave & Busters (I guess Billy people go there a lot!) where we played in the arcade along with my friend Andy Richardson from the cast of Gypsy. We had a blast and wracked up a lot of points!


I got to see Young Frankenstein last night at the Hilton Theatre and it was hilarious! The sets were awesome, the costumes were cool, the dance numbers were a lot of fun and the voices were terrific. We laughed non stop through the show and hit the souvenir counter afterwards!



Trent

First Look At Broadway's Dancing Billy Elliots

Broadwayworld.com posted a great behind-the-scenes peek at the boys of "Billy" at dance rehearsal!

Check them out now: Photo Flash: First Look At Broadway's Dancing Billy Elliots

Photo: Carol Rosegg for Broadwayworld.com

Full Cast of Billy Elliot The Musical Meets the Press

The full Broadway cast and creative team of Billy Elliot the Musical posed for the press today.

Check out pictures of Trent and company from the Billy Elliot event held at the Little Shubert Theatre in New York City here.

Photo: Aubrey Reuben for Playbill.com

Billy Elliot rehearsals, "The Dark Knight," Billy reunion and totally partied out!

Hi again. A lot was happening this week!

We worked on many different scenes in addition to all our dance work. Tomorrow the full cast will do a read-through and we get to see a model of the set.

My sister took me to see "The Dark Knight" and I LOVED the movie so much that my uncle took me and my cousins to see it again! Heath Ledger was amazing in the role of Joker.

I also got a surprise visit in the middle of the week from Corey Snide! He and his dad popped into the theatre one day at lunch break and I got to introduce Corey to some of the NY cast kids.

Lots of birthday parties this week. . . my sister, Siobhan, my mom and my cousin Drew. I've had enough cake! (Pass the popcorn, please.)

Trent

P.S. Here's a cool pic of all 3 of us Billys:

A quick update

As you probably heard, the adult cast of BETM has been announced for Broadway and they are some pretty cool people and so fun to work with!

We've started our flying lessons (for Dream Ballet) and the apparatus they hook me up to seems even better than the one at VPT in London I was flying around on!

I also finally got an American cellphone. It's the enV2...my first phone ever here in the States! I can text and IM people, and I love it!!

More soon...

Trent

Billy BBQ

Yesterday I had a Billy party. The Billys, Michaels and my dance friends came. Even Colin (one of the older Billys was there) and we got to have the party at my cousin's HUGE house.

We went out on their boat and all got soaked at certain parts when we went over a wave.

My cousins have a huge pool, so we all got to go in the pool also!!

Check out some of the pictures from yesterday:

Making a big splash with a boat entrance!

Playing in the pool.


Dodge ball!


Billy cookies (made by my sister).

My dance friends!!

Colin Bates water skiing.

It was over 100 degrees in this hot tub!!

I'll post a video later that we filmed that day where I answer more of your 4 billion questions ;-) (...with some help!)

Trent