Tickets are $29 for VocalEye users, while they last. Please call the Box Office to purchase tickets and reserve your headsets at 604-687-1644.
Running time is 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission.
VocalEye Members may reserve a Theatre Buddy at least 48 hours in advance by email or phone 604-364-5949.
Described by Eileen Barrett.
Based on the acclaimed film, and supported with music by Elton John, Billy Elliot is an inspiring tale of courage, ambition, and overcoming adversity. It’s 1984 and County Durham’s coal miners are set to go on strike when 11-year-old Billy finds his way into Mrs. Wilkinson’s ballet class following his boxing lesson. Enthralled with dance and showing inherent ability, Billy is encouraged to audition for the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London, but he fears the reactions of his father and brother, who are both wrapped up in the escalating strike situation. The astounding winner of 10 Tony Awards, this global musical phenomenon is a theatre experience that will stay with you forever.
Book and Lyrics by Lee Hall
Music by Elton John
Directed by Bill Millerd
Choreography by Valerie Easton
MAIN CHARACTERS
Billy Elliot is an 11-year-old boy, who lives with his father, older brother, and grandmother in the mining community of Everington Village, County Durham, England.
Jackie Elliot is Billy’s father, a coal miner and a widower.
Tony Elliot is Billy’s hot-headed older brother, who works alongside his father in the local mine.
Grandma is Billy’s somewhat senile grandmother.
Mum is the ghost of Billy’s mother, who periodically appears to her son.
Michael is Billy’s closest friend.
Mrs. Wilkinson is the local ballet instructor.
Debbie is a girl Billy’s age, Mrs. Wilkinson’s daughter and one of the participants in the ballet class.
George is a miner and the local boxing coach.
Big Davey is a miner and friend to Jackie and Tony.
Mr. Braithwaite is a local musician, who provides piano accompaniment at Mrs. Wilkinson’s ballet classes.
Other characters include coal miners, policemen, ballet students and boxing students portrayed by additional members of the ensemble. This cast of 20 features 10 adults and 10 young people.
The story is set in Everington Village, Northern England and begins on the eve of a coal-miners’ strike in 1984. Most of the action takes place in the Community Hall and the Elliot home over the course of one year.
PREVIEWS AND REVIEWS
“Five Reasons to See Billy Elliot” –The Vancouver Sun
“I’d describe Billy Elliot as a feel-good/feel-terrible/feel-great musical. But however you describe it, it’s going to be a huge hit for the Arts Club this spring and summer, and rightly so. Bill Millerd’s production features a breakout performance from young Nolan Fahey in the title role, terrific choreography from Valerie Easton, a wonderful cast of veterans and cute kids, and a very strong story.” –VancouverPlays
“As Billy, Nolan Fahey has the audience in the palm of his hand the entire production. He also brings with him an age well beyond his years as he transports the theatre into his juvenile journal of sorts, running the gauntlet of human emotion several times before the performance is finished. You root for Fahey’s Billy and his down to earth, humble energy as much as his wild, deluxe dreams of running away to ballet school despite all odds … Arts Club doesn’t leave anything out in this detailed, revitalized treatment of a contemporary British classic. The touching notions of humanity in both individual journeys as well as larger, socially important movements are explored here in a heavily artful display.” -Lords of Dogwood
“The Arts Club production of Billy Elliot is a family musical that is funny, entertaining and poignant without being cloying … While it is ultimately about following your dreams, the show also has a surprising amount of depth. There remains a genuine sense of reverence for the struggle of the miners, and respect for the tragic fact that the price of Billy’s rise is to be severed forever from the community that raised him.” –The Vancouver Sun
“Billy Elliot is undeniably and unabashedly heart-warming —seeing these young performers on the cusp of their careers tugs at the heartstrings.” –Vancourier
“Sometimes you want to cry because moments are so moving … This mainstream entertainment dares to embrace the struggle—and beauty—of a boy who would once have been derided as a sissy.” –The Georgia Straight
“I was astounded by the production. Billy Elliot very well may be my favorite Arts Club production of the 2015-16 season.” –CITRdiscorder
SUPPORT MATERIALS
BILLY ELLIOT – Plot Synopsis (Word doc)
BILLY ELLIOT – Song List (Word doc)
BILLY ELLIOT – Show Trailer (video)
Interview with 2 Billy’s, Nolan Fahey who plays Billy now and Matthew Cluff who plays future Billy (video)
Interview with Billy’s Dad (Warren Kimmel) and Billy’s Ballet Teacher (Caitriona Murphy) (video)
VocalEye at The Arts Club (video)
