Photo Flash: First Look at BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL at Maltz Jupiter Theatre
By: BWW News Desk Dec. 04, 2015
This December, get excited for the biggest event of the season: the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's much-anticipated Florida regional premiere of BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL! Soaring now through December 20 at the award-winning not-for-profit theatre, the electrifying blockbuster follows the story of Billy, the youngest child of a blue-collar family who discovers his unlikely and extraordinary gift for ballet. Juxtaposed against the backdrop of the UK miners' strike of 1984, Billy's only escape may be the prestigious Royal Ballet School, a place no working-class boy has ever gone. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
Directed by Matt Lenz - The New York-based director who helmed the Theatre's Carbonell Award-winning 2014 production of The Foreigner - the production features all-new ballet, jazz and tap choreography by Greg Graham (who served as dance captain and later the resident choreographer for the Broadway production of the musical) and a set designed by Carbonell-nominated scenic designer Rob Odorisio.
Now celebrating ten extraordinary years, BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL has won the hearts of millions since it opened in London's West End in 2005. Based on the 2000 film Billy Elliot, the international sensation features a timeless score by Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall. The musical's success in London (including four Laurence Olivier Awards and five additional nominations) led to a hit 2008 Broadway production in New York that won ten Tony Awards and ten Drama Desk Awards.
Featuring a 37-member cast, the role of Billy will be shared by two young performers: Nicholas Dantes (who earned a Jeff Award for his performance as Billy in a production in Chicago) and Jamie Mann, with Shane Treloar portraying the role of Billy's friend Michael. Broadway veteran Leslie Becker (Amazing Grace, Bonnie and Clyde, Anything Goes) will portray the role of Mrs. Wilkinson, while Billy's father will be portrayed by Broadway's Joe Cassidy (If/Then, Catch Me If You Can, Next To Normal). The production features 21 Florida actors, including 15 local young performers cast through the Theatre's annual First Step to Stardom auditions.
The musical features lighting design by Paul Miller (known for his work on Broadway and the Theatre's productions of The Foreigner, Fiddler On The Roof, Dial M For Murder, Hello, Dolly! and Lost in Yonkers), costume design by Carbonell nominee Robin L. McGee (known for her work across the country and for the Theatre's productions of Glengarry Glen Ross and Dial M for Murder), and the work of three South Florida artists: music direction by Miami-based Ana Flavia Zuim, sound design by multiple Carbonell nominee Marty Metz and dialect coaching by Jennifer Burke, also of Miami.
Single tickets start at $55. For tickets, call (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org. For more information on bringing your group to the Theatre, contact group concierge Shannon Murphy at (561) 972-6117.
Set against the backdrop of the UK miners' strike of 1984, the Florida regional premiere of the Tony Award-winning blockbuster BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL is onstage now through December 20 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Photo by Alicia Donelan.
The Broadway blockbuster BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL tells the story of Billy, the youngest child of a blue-collar family who discovers his unlikely and extraordinary gift for ballet. Photo by Alicia Donelan.
Broadway's Leslie Becker, center, stars as ballet teacher Mrs. Wilkinson. Photo by Jen Vasbinder.
Tension looms between Billy (Nicholas Dantes, center right) and his father (Joe Cassidy, center left) as his father discovers Billy in ballet class. Photo by Alicia Donelan.
Set against the backdrop of the UK miners' strike of 1984, police tension is high in BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL. Encounters with Billy (portrayed by Nicholas Dantes, right) are no exception. Photo by Alicia Donelan.
Grandma (portrayed by Elizabeth Dimon, left) and Billy (Nicholas Dantes, right) share a moment. Photo by Alicia Donelan.
Billy (portrayed by Nicholas Dantes, front) fights to get beyond his blue-collar world and pursue his true passion of dance. Photo by Jen Vasbinder.
Set against the backdrop of the UK miners' strike of 1984, protest tension is high in BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL. Photo by Alicia Donelan.
Billy (portrayed by Nicholas Dantes, center) fights to get beyond his blue-collar world and pursue his true passion of dance. Photo by Alicia Donelan.
Billy (portrayed by Nicholas Dantes, front) fights to get beyond his blue-collar world and pursue his true passion of dance. Photo by Alicia Donelan.
Billy (portrayed by Nicholas Dantes, left) fights to get beyond his blue-collar world and pursue his true passion of dance. Photo by Jen Vasbinder.
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