Breckenridge Backstage Theatre Ignites the Stage with BILLY ELLIOT

The international smash-hit musical Billy Elliot The Musical makes its Colorado mountain premiere courtesy of Breckenridge Backstage Theatre performing at the Riverwalk Center August 25 - September 3, 2017. Billy Elliot follows a boy as he trades in his boxing gloves for dancing shoes. In an unforgettable story set in a small mining town in Northeast England, a dance teacher finds a diamond in the rough when she discovers Billy - a young boy with a passion for dance who inspires the whole community.

Billy Elliot The Musical is directed by BBT's award-winning Artistic Director Christopher Willard (BBT's Shrek The Musical, The Jungle Book, The Lion King Jr), with musical direction by Michael Bowerman (BBT's Hairspray). One of the most celebrated musicals on stage today, Billy Elliot dazzled London's West End and on Broadway ever since it first premiered in 2005. The show was the winner of 10 Tony Awards and 10 Drama Desk Awards, including Best Musical. Set to an explosive score by Elton John (The Lion King), celebrating Billy's journey against the odds to make his dreams come true, the show features book and lyrics by Lee Hall who wrote the screenplay for the Academy Award-nominated film that inspired the musical.

"Billy Elliot is more relevant today than it ever has been as a story about a community in crisis, a politically shifting country, a lingering state of inequality, and the need for people to support and invest in their own diversity," says Director Christopher Willard. "The show is an emotional journey of a boy's struggle to find his place in the world and to learn how to be himself."

After an extensive search, BBT found its "Billy" in Lucas Moir, a fourteen year-old dancing and singing sensation from Greeley who was recently seen as Ralphie in the MidTown Arts production of A Christmas Story, The Musical. For the past eight months, Moir has honed his skills in all aspects of dance, not to mention acting and vocal lessons. "Billy Elliots aren't found - they are made," says Willard. "There's a huge amount of raw talent that goes into the formation of this character that has to be cultivated in order to serve the enormous demands of the show. Lucas delivers on all fronts!"

Also starring in the production is Megan Van de Hey as Billy's beleaguered dance instructor, Mrs. Wilkinson. Van De Hey is a multiple CTG Henry Award-winner, most recently winning for her role in the BBT cult hilt, The Toxic Avenger. Equity actor Robert Michael Sanders (Arvada Center's Ragtime) stars as Billy's gruff buT Loving "Dad." Sanders also recently directed BBT's smash hit musical, The Producers. Debbie Minter (Evergreen's The Addams Family) plays Billy's "Grandma." Caleb Reed (Aurora Fox's The Wedding Singer) is Billy's socially-awakened brother, Tony. Rachel Van Scoy (multiple Phamaly and Town Hall productions) plays Billy's ever-watchful "Mum." Brody Lineaweaver (BBT's The Witches and Jungle Book) is Billy's best friend, the fashion forward-thinking "Michael." Summer Krueger (BBT's School of Rock) plays the ballet teacher's sour but flirtatious daughter, "Debbie." Jared Mazurek (featured Ballet Ariel performer) plays "Older Billy." Richard Meyer (BBT's Epic Proportions) is the boxing teacher, "George," Andrew Baites (Performance Now's The Music Man) is closet pianist "Mr. Braithwaite," and Jon Hans (BBT's The 10th) is the union leader, "Big Davey." The "Ballet Girls" who populate Mrs. Wilkinson's class are played by Lukin Ascher, Saskia Martin-Williams, Mimi Mocatta, Hailey Pfeifer, Melanie Walker, Nicole Walker, and Leah Wilson.

Rpunding out the cast are Mikaela Clark, Dave Cope, Beth Fisk, Maggie Fisk, Randi Garber, Grant Gonzalez, Ian Hans, Lisa Hans, Foster Krueger, Cole Mitchell, Addison Olson, Tara Olson, BranDon Phelps, Augie Reichert, Dunie Righter, Lauren Russell, and James Williard.

The artistic team for the show also features Gina Eslinger (BBT's Backstage to Hollywood) as primary choreographer and Andrew Bates as tap choreographer. Music direction and tracks by Michael Bowerman (BBT's Hairspray). Lighting design is by Sean Mallary (BBT's Chicago). Costume design is by Susan Rahmsdorff-Terry (BBT's She Loves Me). Sound Design is by Chris Gavin. Jeffrey Parker is dialect coach. The show is presented by special permission from Music Theatre International. The original Broadway production was directed by Stephen Daldry. Sponsors for the show are Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate and US Bank.

Billy Elliot The Musical plays at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge at 7 PM on August 25, 26, September 1, and 2. August 27 is a 2 PM matinee. The final performance on September 3 is at 6 PM. Tickets are on sale now and available by calling the Breck Create box office at 970.547.3100, online at breckcreate.org, or by visiting the Riverwalk Center box office. Tiered ticket pricing is available. Family Four Packs start at $60

For questions or to learn more about Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, call Kim Lineaweaver at 970.485.2164 or visit backstagetheatre.org.

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