BILLY ELLIOT Closes at PlayhouseSquare 12/12

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions bring the 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Billy Elliot the Musical to PlayhouseSquare from November 19 through December 12. 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, winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, is the joyous and exciting celebration of one boy's triumph against the odds. The story follows Billy's journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class and discovers his dream to dance. Full of life, laughter, award-winning choreography and unforgettable music, this uplifting show will stay with you forever. Based on the international smash-hit film, Billy Elliot the Musical is brought to life by the Tony-winning creative team - director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall - along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York Post calls "His Best Score Yet!"

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

Also featured in the second national tour of Billy Elliot the Musical are Rich Hebert (Dad); Patti Perkins (Grandma); Jeff Kready (Tony); Joel Blum (George); Griffin Birney and Jacob Zelonky (Michael); and Rachel Mracna (Debbie).

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 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.billyelliotthemusical.com

Billy Elliot the Musical will play November 19 through December 12 in the State Theatre at PlayhouseSquare. Performance times are Tuesday through Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Sundays at 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm. PLEASE NOTE: There is a special Holiday performance of Billy Elliot the Musical on Monday, November 22 (replaces performance on Thanksgiving Day, November 25). Tickets to Billy Elliot the Musical are on sale now at The PlayhouseSquare Ticket Office, via phone at 216-241-6000 or online at www.playhousesquare.org. Ticket prices range from $35.00 to $130. Groups of 15 or more call group sales at 216-664-6050.

Billy Elliot the Musical is a part of the KeyBank Broadway Series. Subscriptions are available to the 2010-2011 KeyBank Broadway Series by calling 216-830-7221 or at www.playhousesquare.org/broadway. For more information on KeyBank visit www.key.com.

PlayhouseSquare encourages all guests to "Plan Your Visit" ahead of time by visiting playhousesquare.org and clicking the "Plan Your Visit" tab where directions, parking information, dining options, lodging, ticketing policies and other helpful information designed to enhance guest experiences at PlayhouseSquare exist. Whether their visit is the first or one hundred and first, PlayhouseSquare is committed to making guest experiences both as memorable and hassle free as possible.

To enrich the experience of the theatergoers, The PlayhouseSquare Community Engagement & Education Department creates an in-depth online newsletter, the Buzz Extra, and presents free Broadway Buzz events to complement KeyBank Broadway Series shows. Broadway Buzz Pre-Show Talks, providing behind-the-scenes insight, are held in the Idea Center at PlayhouseSquare one hour prior to certain performances of Billy Elliot the Musical. Visit www.playhousesquare.org/broadway buzz for a schedule. On December 2 and December 9, guests are invited to stay in the theater for a post-show chat with members of the cast. Broadway Buzz events are made possible by the generous donors and sponsors that support PlayhouseSquare's not-for-profit mission.

The Buzz Extra newsletter and more information about Broadway Buzz events and activities can be found online at www.playhousesquare.org/broadwaybuzz.

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