West Coast Premiere of BILLY ELLIOT Begins

Billy Elliot the Musical begins its San Francisco engagement tonight at the Orpheum Theatre (1192 Market Street at 8th). This multi-award winning smash hit musical concludes the 2010- 2011 Best of Broadway series under the direction of Carole Shorenstein Hays. Billy Elliot the Musical, produced by Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions, is based on the international smash-hit film.

The show featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry 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.

Casting for this national tour of Billy Elliot the Musical features Tony Award-winner Faith Prince starring as Mrs. Wilkinson along with Giuseppe Bausilio, Kylend Hetherington, Lex Ishimoto and Daniel Russell in the role of ‘Billy.'

Also featured are Rich Hebert (Dad); Patti Perkins (Grandma); Jeff KreadyJoel Blum (George); Griffin Birney and Jacob Zelonky (Michael); and Rachel Mracna (Debbie).

The critics unanimously celebrated Billy Elliot the Musical when it opened on Broadway: Ben Brantley of the New York Times said that Billy Elliot "Sends audiences into a mass swoon!" Time Out described it as "The most electric and passionate show in years." The Daily News called Billy Elliot "So exhilarating that you feel like leaping!" Liz Smith exclaimed "Absolutely awesome," The New York Observer raved that Billy Elliot is "The best thing to happen to Broadway in a long while," and WOR's Dave Richardson cheered, "All I can say is WOW!

The production has been awarded 73 national and international awards including 10 Tony Awards, Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle.

The show is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn and Sally Greene. Angela Morrison and David Furnish are Executive Producers. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, the associate director is 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.

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

Tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical begin at $35, and may be purchased online at shnsf.com or by calling SHN Audience Services at 888 SHN 1799 (888 746 1799). Groups of 15 or more may order now by calling Group Sales at 888 SHN 1799.

(Tony); Please Note: Visit our website for Theatre Box Office hours: http://shnsf.com/tickets/boxoffice

June 27 - September 17
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Tuesday - Saturday at 8 PM
Saturday & Sunday at 2 PM
Select Wednesdays at 2 PM
Select Sundays at 7:30 PM
ADDED PERF: Monday, June 27 at 8 PM
NO PERF: Sunday, July 3

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To experience what goes on backstage at SHN shows, go to http://shnsf.com/podcast/index.asp and listen to Backstage, the SHN podcast series, to hear interviews with members of the creative teams or actors for all SHN productions.

SHN is the pre-eminent theatrical entertainment company in San Francisco and owns and operates the Curran, Orpheum and Golden Gate Theatres-San Francisco's premier theatrical venues. SHN's Best of Broadway theater series has presented Bay Area audiences with pre-Broadway world premieres, original Broadway cast productions, the launch of national tours, award-winning plays and current hits fresh from Broadway. For information on all SHN shows, please visit www.shnsf.com.

 

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