Tony Award-winning musical coming to Modesto stage. When to catch it
Modesto Performing Arts will open its 55th anniversary summer with the musical “Billy Elliot.”
The Broadway production garnered 14 Tony Award nominations and was named Best Musical in 2009.
The show will play June 17-25 at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto.
“Billy Elliot” features dancing, from ballet to tap. The score was composed by Elton John, according to a press release from MPA.
“Billy Elliot” is the story of a 13-year-old boy in a family of miners in Scotland. When he reluctantly must accompany his sister to ballet class, the ballet mistress, frustrated with her students, “asks Billy to get up and show the girls how ballet should be done,” the release said. “He’s skeptical, but he does a series of dance steps that are spectacular - leaving the ballet mistress in awe.”
Billy realizes he enjoys dance and wants to go professional. But he’s supposed to be studying to be a boxer and his father and brother don’t approve, according to the release. But Billy secretly continues dancing, hoping to get into the Royal Ballet of London.
Choreographing the MPA production is Isabella Duran-Soriano of Central West Ballet.
Billy will be played by Trent Brouillette. Others in the cast include Blake Shuler, Larry Zabel, Ziggie Garcia, Patricia Jannay, Falina Van Lewen and Alison Collins.
While the story and music may not be familiar to many, the release said, “there is the advantage not knowing what to expect next on stage. And the music and dance surprises adds to the fun and enjoyment of the show.”
“Billy Elliot” plays at 7:30 p.m. on June 17 and June 23-24; 2 p.m. on June 18 and June 25 at the Gallo Center, 1000 I St., Modesto. Tickets are $24-$45, available at www.galloarts.org.
The press release promises “Audiences will leave the theatre having had one of the most memorable theatrical experiences ever.”
