Twirl your tutus! Billy Elliot the Musical will jete from stage to screen later this month.
Billy Elliot the Musical Live, a filmed version of Elton John and Lee Hall's hit musical in London's West End, will screen at more than 300 U.S. movie theatres for three showings on November 12, 15, and 18. Fathom Events, a leader in alternative entertainment, will present the exclusive limited engagement.
The special performance was filmed at West End's Victoria Palace Theatre, where Billy Elliot, which is still running, opened in 2005 and won four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. Directed by Stephen Daldry and choreographed by Peter Darling, the musical, which has since played around the world, opened on Broadway in 2008 and won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
"Set in a mining town in the north of England against the background of the 1984-85 miners' strike, Billy Elliot is the inspirational story of a young boy's struggle against the odds to make his dream come true," according to press notes about the musical, which is based on the 2000 film of the same name. "Follow Billy's journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever."
Billy Elliot the Musical Live will include a special welcome from John, the show's composer, and a five-minute backstage tour led by Elliott Hanna, who plays Billy Elliot. As another bonus, 25 current and former Billy Elliots -- including original Billys James Lomas, George Maguire, and Liam Mower -- will unite on stage in a specially choreographed mash-up finale.
Mower, the first actor to ever play Billy on stage in 2005, returns to the show in the role of Older Billy. The cast also includes Zach Atkinson, Ann Emery, Chris Grahamson, Ruthie Henshall, and Deka Walmsley.
"Bringing this stage show to cinemas will give dance, music, and theater fans from around the country the chance to experience this astounding show right in their home town," said Fathom Events CEO John Rubey in a statement. "The gathering of the 25 talented young men who have played Billy makes this an extra special event and we are committed to bringing more of the best of stage productions to local cinemas."
For screening locations and show times in your area visit FathomEvents.com.
Elliott Hanna and the Ballet Girls in Billy Elliot the Musical Live
