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“Billy Elliot The Musical” Pirouettes onto the Axelrod Stage

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Braden Allen King dancing (Photo Credit: Todd King)

When the son of a coal miner in Northern England discovers that he was born to pirouette—soaring high in “Swan Lake” instead of descending below ground with his father and brother—a gritty, sometimes glitzy, show-biz fairy tale unfolds. The boy Billy Elliot’s longing to dance, to express himself, to reveal his soul, is at the center of this heart-tugging story, set to an electric score by Sir Elton John, with book and lyrics by Lee Hall. On Broadway, director Stephen Daldry, the original director of the much-loved film upon which the musical is based, created an imaginative integrated musical that received unanimous raves from the press and ran for over four years. “Billy Elliot The Musical” tied “The Producers” for most Tony nominations (it was a pre-“Hamilton” world) and won ten awards, including Best Musical. The original London production ran for over 11 years and won 4 Olivier Awards. The LA Times called “Billy Elliot” a global theatrical phenomenon.” Popular NY critic Liz Smith called the show “absolutely, unequivocally awesome,” the NY Times raved about Elton John’s “triumph.”

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center opens “Billy Elliot The Musical” on Friday, November 4, 2016, directed and choreographed by Liz Piccoli and starring Braden Allen King as Billy Elliot, Jack Richman as his friend Michael Caffrey, Heather Brown Varley as the jaded dance instructor Mrs. Wilkinson, and Mary Ellen Ashley as Grandma.

APAC discovered Braden Allen King, a resident of Fairfax Station, Va., at an open audition call in Manhattan. Braden turned 13 in October and has been training as a dancer since the age of 4. In his short career, he has won awards for his dancing at the World Dance Pageant, Believe Talent, Starpower Talent, NYCDA and JUMP.

Broadway actress Mary Ellen Ashley, playing Grandma, has been treading the boards for seven decades, and her Broadway credits include the original “Annie Get Your Gun” with Ethel Merman and the play Yentl. She also can be seen in the film “Mel Brooks’ The Producers” among the army of Old Ladies with Walkers!

Director-choreographer Liz Piccoli, whose outstanding work has been seen Off Broadway and in NY theater festivals, is thrilled to be working with Braden in the title role. “The young man is obviously a star who spins on his axis like a planet! At 13 he already has a phenomenal work ethic, an electric personality and a fantastic dance technique. At his audition he showed us six perfectly executed pirouettes: he is simply awe-inspiring!”

Among the cast are Rutledge Varley as Billy’s dad, Sean Tivenan as brother Tony, Emily Nielson as Billy’s mum, Victoria Csatay as Debbie Wilkinson, Jonathan Wells as boxing coach George, Ryan John Sabatos as pianist Mr. Braithwaite.

“Billy Elliot” is being produced at APAC by Andrew De Prisco and Jess Levy, with Dr. Jeff Unger, musical director leading the on-stage band, set design by Fred Sorrentino, stage management by Dennis Tolentino, sound design by Gerry Gironda, lighting design by Ioannis Papadopoulos, costume design by Fred Mayo and Debra Thime, and properties by Susan Bloir.

“Billy Elliot The Musical” will be performed seven times at APAC on November 4, 5, 12 and 19 at 8 PM and November 6, 13, 20 at 3 PM.

Tickets prices range from $34 for premium seats, seniors $29 and students $25. Inquire about group pricing as well. Call box office at 732-531-9106, ext 14 or go online to www.axelrodartscenter.com. Located at 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park (Ocean Township), APAC provides ample, free parking and is completely handicap accessible. Hearing assistive devices available.

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