By Della Hasselle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN — The first-ever Tony Award Documentary Film Series, debuting in Times Square Monday, promises to give theater-goers a glimpse of what life is like backstage on Broadway.
The series, shown as part of the 2011 Tony Awards Showcase at the Times Square Visitor Center and Mini-Museum, on Broadway and West 47th Street, features the performers and producers behind the creation of three Tony-eligible musicals that made it to the Great White Way.
Unveiling everything from the heartwrenching audition process to grueling dance rehearsals, the series promises to give viewers new insight into how magic is made onstage in Broadway theaters.
After the films, cast members from the show will be on hand for panel discussions.
Debuting Monday is "Finding Billy," a documentary that takes viewers behind-the-scenes in the search for the tiny dancer who starred in famed musical "Billy Elliot."
The panelists will include the three boys who made it into the final casts — Tade Biesinger, Jacob Clemente and Stephen Hanna.
The series will also include "Every Little Step" on May 16, about the dance rehearsals for "A Chorus Line," and "Show Business: The Road to Broadway," on May 23, a behind-the-scenes look at a Broadway season.
The museum showcases Tony memorabilia from the past 65 years including costumes on loan from Theatre Development Fund's Costume Collection, Tony playbills, gala invites and awards.
The exhibit also features video footage from current Tony-nominated plays and musicals, as well as interviews with the 2011 Tony Nominees.
The films, like the musicals, are an important part of preserving the Tony legacy during their 65th anniversary, said Charlotte St. Martin, the executive director of the Broadway League.
"We are thrilled to share these pieces of Tony history with everyone," Martin said.
Each of the screenings begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free to the public. Tickets are distributed on a first come, first, serve basis.
