"Billy Elliot" Leaps to Beck Center Stage

Seth Judice plays Billy and Maurice Kimball plays his best friend.

Beck Center for the Arts is pleased to present the locally produced premiere of "Billy Elliot the Musical," July 8 through August 14, in the Mackey Theater. Showtimes are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Please note this production contains strong language. 

Based on the Academy Award® nominated film and winner of 10 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, "Billy Elliot" is the story of a young boy in a depressed mining town in England. Featuring music by Elton John with book and lyrics by Lee Hall, the show follows Billy as he discovers his unlikely and extraordinary gift for ballet. While his family takes to the picket lines of the 1984 miners’ strike, Billy secretly begins to study dance. He soon realizes his only escape is the Royal Ballet School, a place no working-class boy has ever gone before. 

Directed by Scott Spence, "Billy Elliot the Musical" features a talented cast of 35 actors. After holding a national casting call, Beck Center is thrilled to welcome Seth Judice of Houston, Texas as Billy, and Maurice Kimball of Vancouver, British Columbia as his best friend Michael. The cast also includes Katherine DeBoer and Allen O’Reilly.

“It is nothing short of an honor and a privilege to work on this piece. The synthesis of story, music, character, and dance has perhaps never been richer in the musical theater canon,” remarked Spence. “Everyone has their very favorite musical. This is mine."

Tickets are $31 for adults, $27 for seniors, and $12 for students. Preview Night is Thursday, July 7, with $10 general admission tickets. A $3 service fee per ticket is applied at purchase. Tickets are available online at beckcenter.org or call Customer Service at 216-521-2540 x10. Beck Center is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood.