"Billy" Stars Elated Over Tony Nods

It was high fives and ear-to-ear grins this morning for the three young stars of Browadway's "Billy Elliot, The Musical."

But they had a lot to celebrate on The Early Show on Tuesday as the nominations for the 63rd Annual Tony Awards were announced.

The Broadway show about a coal miner's son who dreams of becoming a dancer garnered 15 nominations to tie the record with "The Producers," set in 2001.

"I couldn't believe it. It's so amazing a bit of a shock now to me now, really," said Trent Kowalik, who plays one of the Billys in the show.

And the boys had another surprise when Elton John -- also a nominee for the show's music -- called in.

"I can't think of three people who deserve it more," John said. "They worked so hard. I mean the amount of work to rehearse this and the amount of stress on their body and their mind, it's unbelievable."

John added, "It's been an amazing experience because you watch these boys come in and it changes their lives, and it changes my life...Every time I go see the show, I get so moved that I end up in tears."

Maggie Rodriguez, co-anchor of The Early Show, asked whether boys if they feel as if they've been missing out on a regular life while playing Billy Elliot.

All three said 'no.'

David Alvarez, who also is one of three young actors who alternate in the title role, said he loves what he's doing.

"As long as you do what you want," he said, "then that's your life."

Kowalik agreed, "This is where I want to be...It's such an inspiring role..it's really inspiring for all the kids out there who want to start dancing."