Photo Flash: First Look at Greg Graham, Nic Dantes & More in Rehearsal for Maltz Jupiter Theatre's BILLY ELLIOT

Set to soar through December 20 at the award-winning not-for-profit theatre, Maltz Jupiter, the electrifying blockbuster follows the story of Billy, the youngest child of a blue-collar family who discovers his unlikely and extraordinary gift for ballet. Juxtaposed against the backdrop of the UK miners' strike of 1984, Billy's only escape may be the prestigious Royal Ballet School, a place no working-class boy has ever gone.

"We are ecstatic to be the first regional theatre in Florida to produce the Tony Award-winning Broadway smash hit Billy Elliot The Musical," said Andrew Kato, the Theatre's producing artistic director and chief executive. "The Maltz Jupiter Theatre's production is a completely reimagined Billy Elliot, with reconceived choreography, a newly-conceptualized design and one of our largest and most joyous casts to date."

Directed by Matt Lenz - The New York-based director who helmed the Theatre's Carbonell Award-winning 2014 production of The Foreigner - the production will feature all-new ballet, jazz and tap choreography by Greg Graham (who served as dance captain and later the resident choreographer for the Broadway production of the musical) and a set designed by Carbonell-nominated scenic designer Rob Odorisio.

Now celebrating ten extraordinary years, Billy Elliot the Musical has won the hearts of millions since it opened in London's West End in 2005. Based on the 2000 film Billy Elliot, the international sensation features a timeless score by Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall. The musical's success in London (including four Laurence OlivierAwards and five additional nominations) led to a hit 2008 Broadway production in New York that won ten Tony Awards and ten Drama Desk Awards.

Seen by over 10 million people worldwide, there's never been a better time to see Billy Elliot The Musical. Called "a triumph" by Time magazine, the Los Angeles Times christened the show "a global theatrical phenomenon" and The New York Daily News raved that it's "so exhilarating that at times you feel like leaping!"

Featuring a 37-member cast, the role of Billy will be shared by two young performers: Nicholas Dantes (who earned a Jeff Award for his performance as Billy in a production in Chicago) and Jamie Mann, with Shane Treloar portraying the role of Billy's friend Michael. Broadway veteran Leslie Becker (Amazing Grace, Bonnie and Clyde, Anything Goes) will portray the role of Mrs. Wilkinson, while Billy's father will be portrayed by Broadway's Joe Cassidy (If/Then, Catch Me If You Can, Next To Normal). The production will feature 21 Florida actors, including 15 local young performers cast through the Theatre's annual First Step to Stardom auditions.

The musical will feature lighting design by Paul Miller (known for his work on Broadway and the Theatre's productions of The Foreigner, Fiddler On The Roof, Dial M For Murder, Hello, Dolly! and Lost in Yonkers), costume design by Carbonell nominee Robin L. McGee (known for her work across the country and for the Theatre's productions of Glengarry Glen Ross and Dial M for Murder), and the work of three South Florida artists: music direction by Miami-based Ana Flavia Zuim, sound design by multiple Carbonell nominee Marty Metz and dialect coaching by Jennifer Burke, also of Miami.

For younger fans, the Theatre has Dancers' Show Time on Friday, December 18, in which young dancers may purchase $25 tickets through their dance studios in groups of 20 or more, including the chance to win a free master class with the show's dance captain. Please note that Billy Elliot The Musical contains strong language and scenes that may not be suitable for some children; parental discretion is advised.

Both 2015/16 season tickets and single tickets are currently on sale. Season tickets begin at $198, with two convenient purchasing options: the four-play and the five-play. Season ticket holders save 10 percent to 15 percent on single ticket prices, and also get one fee-free ticket exchange per ticket per show and advance notice and ability to purchase tickets to limited engagements and other special events. Patrons may upgrade to the Green Room Club Level Lounge and seating area, and groups of 20 or more receive an additional discount.

Photos by Brian Padgett

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