Billy Elliot the Musical Opens at the Ordway - Theatre News - Theatre In Minneapolis - Minneapolis
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Billy Elliot the Musical Opens at the Ordway


Billy Elliot The Musical in MinneapolisThe multi-award-winning "Billy Elliot the Musical" is coming to the Ordway stage in Saint Paul for a one-week run opening October 9. Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, "Billy Elliot the Musical" has earned critical acclaim around the world and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

"Billy Elliot the Musical" is the joyous celebration of one boy's journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever.

Currently alternating in the title role are Ben Cook, Kylend Hetherington, Zach Manske and Noah Parets. Manske is from Woodbury, Minn., where he has danced competitively with Woodbury Dance Center and has received numerous top scores and judges' choice awards. He received the junior national champion title at Starquest (2010) and Masquerade (2011) National dance competitions.

Also featured are Janet Dickinson (Mrs. Wilkinson), a native of Bemidji, Minn.; Rich Hebert (Dad); Patti Perkins (Grandma); Cullen Titmas (Tony); Joel Blum (George); Jake Kitchin and Sam Poon (Michael); and Samantha Blaire Cutler (Debbie).

Ben Brantley of the New York Times says that Billy Elliot "Sends audiences into a mass swoon!" Time Out says it's "The most electric and passionate show in years." The Daily News calls Billy "So exhilarating that you feel like leaping!" Liz Smith calls the show "Absolutely awesome," The New York Observer raves that Billy is "The best thing to happen to Broadway in a long while," and WOR's Dave Richardson cheers, "All I can say is WOW!"

The production has been awarded 81 national and international awards including ten Tony Awards, Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle.

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