Amelia Community Theatre opens “Billy Elliot: The Musical” on Feb. 9 at 207 Cedar St. With music by Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall, this heartwarming coming-of-age story of a boy hanging up his boxing gloves and putting on ballet shoes is based on the 2000 film, “Billy Elliot.” ACT’s large cast includes 28 adults and youth.
The show is set in a mining town in northern England during the 1984-85 miners’ strike, where Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is seen as the enemy. Billy’s father and older brother are both striking miners in a struggling community. Billy’s mother has died, and his own struggles are being ignored. When he watches a ballet class for the first time, Billy is attracted to the gracefulness of the dancing. His father forbids him to take classes, but Billy studies privately with a teacher who recognizes his potential, and who encourages him to audition for the Royal Ballet School. With both rousing upbeat songs and tender, emotional ballads, Billy’s desires and goals are eventually recognized by his family and supported by the community.
“Billy Elliot: The Musical” premiered in London’s West End in 2005, winning four Olivier Awards, and then opened on Broadway in 2008, earning 10 Tony Awards. In 2010, Time Magazine named the show the best musical of the decade for its passion, heart, and humor.
Performances at ACT are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 9-10, 15-17, 22-24, and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 11, 18, and 25. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students, available at AmeliaCommunityTheatre.org and by calling 904-261-6749. Walk-up box office hours are 11 a.m-1 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays. The production is rated PG-13 for adult themes; ACT was permitted to remove or modify adult language.
I think Billy Elliot was only 11 or 12 years old when he realized who he was and where he needed to be. What an incredible feat for anyone facing his life challenges at the time. This is definitely an inspirational “must-see.”