Billy Elliot -- a Musical by Elton John

Billy Elliot is a musical based on a movie that was made back in 2000. The lyrics were written by Elton John who also wrote the screenplay for the movie. The main theme is about Billy who was meant to be a boxer but instead wants to be a ballet dancer. The story is all about Billy's experiences of growing up in Northern England where a boys desire to dance is a tough choice.

The musical opened in 2005 in March in the West End of London at Victoria Palace Theatre. The choreography is of course the core of the musical. Peter Darling did the choreography. The director for the musical production was Stephen Daldry. The primary characters in the original production were the roles of family, Billy Elliott, Billy's father and some supporting actors. Three actors in the original production alternated the role of Billy Elliot.

Those actors were James Wallace, George Require and Liam Mower. Ian McNeil designed the set for the original London production. The costume designer was Nikky Gillibrand. Rick Fisher created the lighting. This original London production won several awards that year. One of those awards was the Critics Circle Award. This is extremely hard to achieve in London and is considered a great honor.

The musical went on to Australia where it premiered in their best theater on November 13, 2007. When it opened at the Capital Theater was a smashing success with director the Daltrey in charge. Julian Weber also assisted. The choreographer remained the same as at the London production. Peter darling is one of the best choreographers in the business. His work simply could not be replaced by anyone else.

Billy Elliott the Musical went to Broadway and opened on October 1, 2008. It was a smashing success at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway. Since its opening is has become one of the more famous musicals of modern time. Billy Elliot the musical is engaging, entertaining, and a wonderful depiction of the desires of a young boy that wanted to dance and ballet.