Billy Elliot the Musical is a production of high standards. The story was written by Academy Award nominated writer Lee Hall and the music by Grammy winner Elton John.
As the story opens, Billy Elliot is an 11-year old boy in a northern English community that is battling a miner?s strike. Without a mother, Billy watches as his father, family and friends struggle with the forces controlling the mines. On a whim, Billy joins a ballet class, after training to become a boxer. Initially, his only confidant his is grandmother, who turns out to be a great lover of dance, as well as a former dancer herself.
The boxing coach informs Billy?s dad that he has not been practicing. The frustrated father storms into the class and informs Billy that he is forbidden to return. Without the financial backing of his father, Billy is without means to pay. Mrs. Wilkinson, the dance instructor, steps forward and offers free lessons.
Aware of his talent, Mrs. Wilkinson arranges for Billy to audition at the Royal Ballet School. On audition day, she is forced to explain their intentions and that she has been giving Billy lessons for free. Billy?s dad becomes irate and begins to verbally and physically abuse his son. This forces the younger Elliot to give up ballet.
During a Christmas presentation, almost a year later, Billy?s friend, Michael Caffrey expresses his feelings for Billy. Michael had been coming to terms with his homosexuality as Billy first began to dance. Billy allows a kiss on the cheek but rebuffs his friend?s intentions. Once left alone Billy begins to dance unaware that he is being watched by his father. After, Billy?s father goes to meet Mrs. Wilkinson to discuss Billy?s future.
Due to the high cost of Billy?s tuition, his father decides to cross the picket line to give his son a chance. An argument ensues and Billy is hit on accident. The miners then offer to pay for Billy?s tuition in order to give him a chance.
In London, Billy auditions and feels that he has not made the grade. He returns so broken that when the letter arrives to announce the school?s decision, he throws it away, unopened. His brother retrieves it, opens it and announces Billy?s acceptance. Billy then thanks those who supported him and returns to London as the miners give up their strike and return to work.
