'Billy Elliot' musical coming to Pantages in Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES

"Billy Elliot" became a big screen hit in 2000. In 2005, a musical version of the story hit the London stage. It went to Broadway in 2008. It finally dances its way to Hollywood next week.

"Dancing, singing and acting is pretty much my life," Ty said. "I do it all of the time so I know I never really want to stop."

On Broadway, about 30 kids have now danced in Billy Elliot's shoes.

"We're like brothers and sisters," Ty said of the cast. "Even with the adults in our show, we're one big family."

"Billy Elliot: The Musical" tells the story of a boy who wants to dance in a place where it's just not the norm. If there's a message to take home if you see the show, Ty has it.

"Follow your dreams no matter what," Ty said. "It's sort of what the moral of the story is because everyone is pretty much saying "no" to Billy, saying, 'Don't do ballet.' It's weird for a guy to do ballet, but he just perseveres. When I first saw it, it was really motivating."

The roles are demanding. Billy, for instance, is played alternately by four different boys.

The show opens at the Pantages Theatre on Tuesday for a five-week run.

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