Ogunquit Playhouse to Shine the Spotlight on Creators of BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL, Today

The Ogunquit Playhouse, America's Foremost Summer Theatre, is pleased to present the first installment of a new post-show discussion series featuring the dynamic creators of Billy Elliot the Musical following the Saturday matinee on June 28 at 6PM. The one-hour discussion from the stage, moderated by Associate Producer Jayme McDaniel, will shine the spotlight on director BT McNicholl and choreographer Adam Pelty.

Hear first-hand how this magnificent and inspirational show was interpreted for the Ogunquit Playhouse stage by members of the original creative teams. Mr. Pelty served as resident choreographer for the original Broadway touring company and Mr. McNicholl was the resident director for the Broadway production. Topics will include their personal experiences with the show, stories of how the young dancers train for their roles, inside scoop on the special effects, and a behind-the-scenes look at the show's journey from film to the West End to Broadway, and now to the Ogunquit Playhouse, which is one of the first regional theatres in the U.S. to stage the show.

The second installment of the series will be with the creative team for The Witches of Eastwick on
September 6 at 5:30pm.

Tickets for each talk are $10 per person and free to all members of the Ogunquit Playhouse. Show tickets for the matinee or evening performances are not required to participate. To purchase tickets visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org, call the Box Office at 207-646-5511 or visit the new "Downtown Box Office" located at 102 Main Street (Route 1) just south of the Ogunquit village center. Members may contact Kelly Thayer at 207-646-2402 x 218 or kthayer@ogunquitplayhouse.org to reserve seats.

Billy Elliot is one of the most celebrated and award winning musicals of its time. It has dazzled audiences around the world with its astounding dance performances, Elton John's spectacular score and powerful story set against the background of the bitter, and sometimes violent, miner's strike that economically devastated northern England in 1984. While Billy's father and older brother struggle with the strike, 11 year-old Billy discovers his talents and passion lie in ballet class. His struggle begins when he tries to convince his family and community the only hope for his dream to come true is to audition for the Royal Ballet.

Broadway veteran BT McNicholl directed the critically acclaimed production of West Side Story in 2013 for Ogunquit as well as Cabaret, La Cage aux Folles and Fiddler on the Roof. On Broadway he has directed for the Roundabout Theater Company and has worked with Mike Nichols, David Hare, Stephen Daldry, Sam Mendes, Jerry Zaks, James Lapine and Rob Marshall on a dozen Tony Award winning shows including Cabaret, Passion, Spamalot and Billy Elliot. He has worked in Hollywood as an acting coach for the Oscar-nominated film Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock, and as development consultant for MGM's theatrical division. Mr. McNicholl produced Sunday in the Park with George: In Concert on Broadway with Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin. Working with Stephen Sondheim, he adapted and directed A Little Night Music for the concert stage. His Off-Broadway credits include author and lyricist for the musical The IT Girl and director for Billion Dollar Baby with Kristin Chenoweth.

Choreographer Adam Pelty has worked as dancer and actor on national and European tours, as well as on Broadway, working with industry standouts including Susan Stroman, Frank Galati, Ann Reinking, Terrence McNally, Chita Rivera, Kander and Ebb, Frank Wildhorn, John Rando and Mike Ockrent. As a choreographer, he has staged dances for film, television specials and commercials.

Next on stage is Mary Poppins flying over the rooftops of London and into the Ogunquit Playhouse from July 30 to August 30. This beloved family musical features the delightful songs from the popular Disney film including "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "Chim Chim Cher-ee." The Ogunquit Playhouse was selected by Cameron Mackintosh to be the American Northeast premiere of his hit musical stage adaptation of The Witches of Eastwick, on stage September 3 to 27. This sexy new musical comedy is based on the Warner Brothers hit motion picture starring Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon and Cher about small-town New England women who wish for the man of their dreams ? and get far more than they bargain for when the devil incarnate arrives to liven things up! "They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky,they're altogether ooky!" The Addams Family closes the Ogunquit season October 1 through 26. Single ticket prices start at just $39 per show and ticket packages are still available starting at $99 for a three-show subscription.

About the Ogunquit Playhouse:
The Ogunquit Playhouse is America's Foremost Summer Theatre, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, producing the finest Broadway musicals each season, with performances Tuesday through Sunday, from mid-May to mid-October. Follow the Ogunquit Playhouse on Twitter (@OgunquitPH) and become our fan on Facebook (facebook.com/OgunquitPlayhouse) for behind-the-scenes info, photos and fun throughout the season. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.