When the call for auditions went out in November 2015, 1,346 boys sent in their head shots and resumes hoping to land what could be a life-changing role as the titular lead in a Japanese production of "Billy Elliot."

The competition was fierce — around 900 couldn't even get through the door — but why wouldn't it be? The musical is based on the award-winning film of the same name that made a star out of its young lead, Jamie Bell. A hugely successful musical in London's West End that ran for 11 years followed. It received four Olivier Awards before closing in April last year after 4,600 performances.

The Japanese staging is the second one in Asia. There was a production in Seoul in 2010, and the play has also graced theaters in Brazil, Australia and the United States among others. Wherever "Billy Elliot" turns up, representatives of the original London team are always in tow. In Japan they're working with Horipro Corp., and they've been involved in the auditions to find Japan's Billy.