STAGE TUBE: First Look at Highlights of Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's BILLY ELLIOT

BILLY ELLIOT leaps into the Civic Center Music Hall August 4 through 8. Produced by Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, this amazing story of a boy pursuing his dreams in the face of adversity will inspire and delight audiences. This award winning musical stars Brooks Landegger as the 12 year old title character, Christopher Bloch as Billy's father, and Lyn Cramer as Mrs. Wilkinson. Check out a first look below!

BILLY ELLIOT tells the story of Billy, a young British boy who stumbles into a ballet class by accident during the 1984 Coal Miners's Strike. Despite the bleak conditions and hardship surrounding him, Billy discovers his passion and talent for dance. His persistence and passion for his dreams inspires his entire family and community.

Based on the 2000 movie of the same name, BILLY ELLIOT features music by superstar Elton John and a book and lyrics by screenwriter Lee Hall. The title character will be played by Brooks Landegger, a New York City native who has performed with the New York City Ballet and the Metropolitan Opera. Brooks is currently a student of the School of American Ballet. Joining Brooks on the Civic Center stage are Christopher Bloch and Lyn Cramer. Bloch has been seen in Lyric's 2013 and 2014 productions of LYRIC'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL as Scrooge.

Lyric favorite Cramer is a Weitzenhofer endowed professor of musical theatre at the University of Oklahoma, and recently choreographed Lyric's production of BIG FISH. Other members of the cast include Brenda Williams as Grandma, Evan Lennon as Michael Caffrey, Vince Leseney as George, Hannah Hunt as Debbie Wilkinson, Tim Rogan as Tony, John B. Williford as Big Davey, Darren Drone as Mr. Braitewaite, and Rachael Barry as Dead Mum. The cast also includes a chorus of 10 local girls as Billy's ballet classmates. Ashley Wells directs, and Amy Reynolds-Reed choreographs. Music direction is by David Andrews Rogers. Other members of the creative team include Kimberly Powers as set designer, Jeffrey Meek as costume designer, Helena Kuukka as lighting designer, Eileen Smitheimer as sound designer, and Courtney Strong as props designer. Julie Meyer is production stage manager for this show.

Tickets to all of Lyric's 2015 shows are now on sale, and start at $25. To buy tickets, visit Lyric's box office at 1727 NW 16th Street, call (405) 524-9312 or visit LyricTheatreOKC.com. Performances will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m.

Lyric's production of BILLY ELLIOT is sponsored by Chesapeake Energy, The Chickasaw Nation, The Oklahoman, AT&T, Orthopedic Associates, and the O.K. Detrick Foundation. Annual support is provided by Allied Arts, Inasmuch Foundation, Kirkpatrick Foundation, the Shubert Foundation and the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Founded in 1963, Lyric is Oklahoma's leading professional theatre company. For over 50 years, Lyric has produced classic and contemporary musicals and plays featuring both nationally known Broadway stars and local favorites. Lyric produces four large-scale, fully orchestrated musicals at the Civic Center Music Hall each summer, as well as four smaller works at the Plaza Theatre during the spring, fall and winter. Lyric's Thelma Gaylord Academy is a professional training ground for students ages 5-18 offering classes in all aspects of musical theatre. Academy students have the opportunity to perform in two full-scale productions each year on the Plaza Theatre stage. For more information visit LyricTheatreOKC.com.

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