Alex Ko: From Iowa to Broadway, My Billy Elliot Story

Alex Ko’s moving autobiography will inspire tweens to dare to dream big.

Alex Ko: From Iowa to Broadway, My Billy Elliot Story follows Alex’s journey from small town Iowa to becoming a famous Broadway performer in New York City. Despite all the odds he had to overcome—facing his father’s tragic death from cancer, financial difficulties, countless auditions, and serious injuries, Alex triumphantly lands the starring role in the musical Billy Elliot at age thirteen.

For theater fans who want an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the world of backstage Broadway to kids determined to achieve dreams of their own, Alex Ko’s story, told in his own words, is powerful and personal.

A collection of black-and-white photos from both Billy Elliot productions and Alex’s childhood brings his world vividly to life.

How does a boy from Iowa end up starring on Broadway against all odds?

• A Broadway Dream: Follow Alex from his first dance classes in Iowa City to the bright lights of New York’s biggest stage.
• Against the Odds: Discover how Alex faced his father’s tragic death, serious injuries, and financial hardship without ever giving up.
• The Real-Life Billy Elliot: A must-read for fans of the musical, this is the true story of a young ballet dancer whose own life mirrored the famous role he would play.
• Behind the Curtain: Get an exclusive look at the world of auditions, rehearsals, and backstage life, brought to life with Alex’s personal photos.

He could be a star for all we know
We don't know how far he can go
He could go and he could shine
Not just stay here counting time,
Son, we've got the chance to let him live.

These are lyrics from Billy Elliot, the show that made young Alex Ko's incredible dream of performing come true. And just like the character of Billy, Alex beat all the odds to land the starring role in Billy Elliot on Broadway at age thirteen.This is his powerful true story.

Alex's personal firsthand tale of his journey from small-town Iowa to New York City is passionate and moving. With extraordinary drive and rare tenacity, Alex makes the unthinkable real, determined to hold on to his dream of performing despite all that he had to overcome—his dad's death from cancer, financial struggles, countless auditions to finally land the part of Billy, only to suffer a crushing injury, but ultimately making his triumphant return to the stage.

Alex's inspiring story is an exciting exclusive look at the world of backstage Broadway, told through the eyes of a kid from Iowa fresh off the plane, without money or famous connections, who simply dared to dream big.