Montreal's Billy Elliot star among Tony Award contenders

After winning over British theatregoers, Elton John's stage musical Billy Elliot is now revelling in accolades on this side of the Atlantic, dominating Tuesday's Tony Award nominations, including one for young Canadian star David Alvarez.

The musical has followed its raves from London's West End by also becoming a hit on Broadway.

It scored a leading 15 nominations at Tuesday morning's announcement, made in New York by past Tony recipients Cynthia Nixon (Rabbit Hole) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights).

Billy Elliot, based on the 2000film of the same name, stars Montreal teen Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish. The young trio take turns in the titular role of a coal miner's son who dreams of becoming a dancer.

Alvarez, Kowalik and Kulish share a nomination for best actor in a musical, competing against Gavin Creel (Hair), Brian d'Arcy James (Shrek the Musical), Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages)and J. Robert Spencer (Next to Normal ).

"When I heard my name, it was really incredible. I wasn't expecting it at all," Alvarez told CBC News on Tuesday morning.

"The first thing I did was smile and look at everyone crying."

Smash in Britain

Debuting in London in 2005, Billy Elliot won the U.K.'s prestigious Olivier Award for best new musical in 2006, with the three teen actors who led the original West End run alsosharing inthe best actor trophy.

Alvarez and his colleagues are already set to receive a special achievement award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards on May 21 for their shared role.

The 14-year-old performer, however, is taking the kudos in stride.

"I wouldn't get too excited because anything can happen," he said. "Hopefully, it goes on like this."

Billy Elliot also nabbed Tony nominations for pop icon John and lyricist Lee Hall (for best original score), directorStephen Daldry as well as further acting nods for David Bologna, Gregory Jbara, Haydn Gwynne and Carole Shelley.

The production is a strong contender in the best musical category, vying for the coveted honour against Next to Normal (second overall with 11 nominations), Rock of Ages (five nominations) and Shrek the Musical (eight nominations).

Other notable musical nominees include 9 to 5 (vying for four categories, including best original score for Dolly Parton) and the revivals of Hair (eight nominations), West Side Story (four nominations), Pal Joey (four nominations) and Guys and Dolls (two nominations).

Tough battle for play trophies

Competition among the play categories was closer, with Dividing the Estate, God of Carnage, reasons to be pretty and33 Variations all vying for the Tony for best play.

However, Mary Stuart and The Norman Conquests are the leading play nominees, with each production fetching seven nominationsoverall.

Both are nominated for best play revival, along with Joe Turner's Come and Gone and Waiting for Godot.

The category for best special theatrical eventfeatures an eclectic mix of finalists:LizaMinelli for herrecent showLiza's at The Palace;the martial arts-inspired Soul of Shaolin, offbeat clown production Slava's Snowshow as well as Saturday Night Live alumni Will Ferrell's satire You're Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush.

Tony organizers announced on Monday the list of special award winners for the upcoming ceremony, including a lifetime achievement honour for Hello Dolly! and La Cage aux Folles composer Jerry Herman and the regional theatre award for Signature Theatre of Arlington, Va.

The 63rd annual Tony Awards take place June7 at New York's Radio City Music Hall.