BILLY ELLIOT Opens at the Ordway, Oct 9

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC bring the multi-award-winning "Billy Elliot the Musical" 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).

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.

The show is produced by Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films, Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, associate direction by Julian Webber, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch. The touring production features direction by Justin Martin and choreography by Kathryn Dunn.

Additional information about "Billy Elliot the Musical" is available at www.BillyElliotTour.com.

The Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway's Music Theater and McKnight stages attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway's mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve more than 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also serves as authorizer for the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances.

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