Ty Forhan, Lex Ishimoto, J.P. Viernes, Kylend Hetherington Lead BILLY ELLIOT In Philly 11/16-27

NETworks Presentations, LLC brings the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical to Philadelphia's Academy of Music from Nov. 16 - 27, part of the Broadway Season, presented by The Kimmel Center and The Shubert Organization. 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 on Broadway including 10 Tony Awards.

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.

Billy Elliot the Musical features Ty Forhan, Kylend Hetherington, Lex Ishimoto and J.P. Viernes in the role of ‘Billy.'

Also featured are Leah Hocking (Mrs. Wilkinson); Rich Hebert (Dad); Patti Perkins (Grandma); Cullen Titmas (Tony); Joel Blum (George); Ben Cook and Jacob Zelonky (Michael); and Samantha Blaire Cutler (Debbie). All cast bios are below.

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 features original direction by Stephen Daldry, choreography by Peter Darling, 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. Touring production direction by Justin Martin and choreography Kathryn Dunn. The show was originally produced by Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions.

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.

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

Tickets ranging in price from $20 to $150 are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Sts. (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Sts. (open during performances only). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Performances include: Tuesday - Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm; Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm; and matinees Saturday at 2:00 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm. Weekday matinees include Thurs. Nov. 17 and Fri. Nov. 25 at 2:00 pm. No performances are scheduled for Thurs. Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day.

The Broadway Season is presented by the Kimmel Center and The Shubert Organization with productions at the Academy of Music, Forrest Theatre and Merriam Theater. Subscription packages for the new Broadway Season are still available by calling 215-893-1955 or online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway1112.

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