Billy Elliot, 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Time Magazine’s “Best Musical of the Decade” Electrifies Minneapolis from December 16, 2010–January 9, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS—Billy Elliot The Musical, winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical, debuts in Minnesota at Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Orpheum Theatre December 16, 2010 to January 9, 2011. Billy Elliot is based on the international smash-hit film and features music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry. It is presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust as part of its 2010/11 Broadway Across America-Minneapolis season. Tickets for Billy Elliot are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.HennepinTheatreTrust.org or call 1.800.982.2787.

Billy Elliot the Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever.

Casting for the second national tour of Billy Elliot the Musical features Tony Award-winner Faith Prince starring as Mrs. Wilkinson along with Giuseppe Bausilio, Michael Dameski, Kylend Hetherington, Lex Ishimoto and Daniel Russell who share the role of ‘Billy.’ Also featured are Rich Hebert (Dad), Patti Perkins (Grandma), Jeff Kready (Tony), Joel Blum (George), Griffin Birney and Jacob Zelonky (Michael) and Rachel Mracna (Debbie).

Ben Brantley of the New York Times says that Billy Elliot “Sends audiences into a mass swoon!” and Time Out says it’s “The most electric and passionate show in years.” The Daily News calls Billy “So exhilarating that you feel like leaping!” Liz Smith calls the show “Absolutely awesome,” The New York Observer raves that Billy is “The best thing to happen to Broadway in a long while” and WOR’s Dave Richardson cheers, “All I can say is WOW!

The production has been awarded 73 national and international awards including ten Tony Awards, Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle. The show is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn and Sally Greene. Angela Morrison and David Furnish are executive producers. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, the associate director is Julian Webber, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch. Additional information about Billy Elliot the Musical is available at www.BillyElliotTour.com.

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for Billy Elliot are on sale now and range from $33 to $133.50 depending on performance time and seating preference. All prices include applicable facility fees. Additional charges may apply. Tickets may be purchased in person at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 55402), online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org, or through Ticketmaster by calling 1.800.982.2787 or visiting a Ticketmaster Ticket Center. Groups of 15 or more should call 612.373.5665 for information and reservations.

Performance dates for Billy Elliot The Musical are Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010 through Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011 at the Orpheum Theatre (910 Hennepin Avenue, Mpls., 55403).

Show times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There will be an additional performance on Monday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m., no performance on Friday, Dec. 24 and a single performance at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 25. There will also be 2 p.m. matinee performances on Thursday, Dec. 23, Dec. 30 and Jan. 6, no matinee performance on Saturday, Jan. 1 and no 6:30 p.m. performance on Sunday, Jan. 9.

*Some adult language, may be inappropriate for children under age 8.

HENNEPIN THEATRE TRUST, owner of the historic State, Orpheum and Pantages Theatres, is a non-profit organization devoted to enriching the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the Twin Cities. The Trust’s activities include Broadway touring productions, concerts, comedy, speakers and other variety entertainment plus educational initiatives including the SpotLight Musical Theatre Program for high schools, Critical View student reviewer program, Teen Ushers, the Access Program and Kids’ Night. For more information, go to HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA (Producer) is owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman). Broadway Across America presents first-class touring musicals and plays across 40 North American cities. Under the supervision of Beth Williams (COO & Head of Production), Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre. Recent productions include Hair, West Side Story, Memphis, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and the West End production of Breakfast At Tiffany’s. Broadway productions include Promises, Promises, Million Dollar Quartet and Minsky’s. Touring productions include Dreamgirls and Nickelodeon's Storytime Live. Please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.