Lauren's Locales: "Billy Elliot the Musical"

Lauren Bonney
Associate Reporter

While it is always great to head into the city for a night of Broadway-worthy theater, it is often more convenient to stay closer to Santa Clara. Luckily, Broadway San Jose offers fantastic shows straight from Broadway.

Currently, the theater is hosting the cast and crew of "Billy Elliot the Musical." This particular production of "Billy Elliot the Musical" won 10 Tony Awards in 2009 and has been touring around the globe ever since. This show is a fabulous, high-energy musical and a definite must-see for musical theater fans.

"Billy Elliot the Musical" is based on the 2000 film "Billy Elliot." The music is by Elton John, and the book and lyrics are by Lee Hall, who wrote the film's screenplay.

The plot revolves around Elliot, a motherless boy who just can't seem to fit in. The audience follows Elliot as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class. He discovers a surprising talent that inspires his family and community, changing his life forever. The story of his personal struggle and fulfillment are based off a counterstory of family and community strife caused by the U.K. miners' strike in 1984 in North East England.

The U.K. miners' strike was a major historical event in industrial action that affected the British coal mining industry. The strike was an important moment in British industrial relations, and its ultimate defeat weakened the trade union movement. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher quashed the rebellion, and her actions were seen as a major political victory.

Elliot's struggle to cope with this tumultuous time demonstrates the effects of the strike not just politically, but also on small communities. His struggle only makes his success that much more triumphant, and his achievements are some of the most poignant moments of show.

The musical has been heralded as one of the most inspiring and thrilling shows in modern musical theater and is sure to leave you entertained and in awe.

"Billy Elliot the Musical" is only in San Jose for a short time, so buy a ticket soon and don't be late for the show.

Contact Lauren Bonney at lbonney@scu.edu.