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Home , Billy Elliot the Musical, Lee Hall (playwright), Liam Mower, Peter Darling, The Me Nobody Knows

Rated: PG-13

Study Guide

February 10-15, 2015

PNC pulls back the curtain of the 2014-15 NC Theatre season to share a series of behind the scenes experiences with audience members of all ages. The PNC In the Director’s Chair is a window into the creative process, helping to broaden the way audiences engage with musicals and their regional theatre , NC Theatre, giving patrons a deeper apprecia- tion for the art form beyond simply their own experience in the moment, and ultimately en- hancing their theatre-going experience.

PNC and NC Theatre are proud to work together to give patrons a brand new perspective – In the Director’s Chair.

2 is made possible by

3 NC Theatre: Your Broadway Connection

Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts | Doug Van de Zande Photography

North Carolina Theatre is Raleigh’s regional professional company. In 1983 Raleigh's City Manager, Mr. L.P. Zachary, invited Carolina Regional Theatre, with the deft di- rection of De Ann Jones, to make its permanent home in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium under contract with the City. The Theatre debuted with the musical Camelot in Spring of the follow- ing year. Opening with 825 season tickets sold and a total audience of 24,000, Camelot marked the beginning of the Theatre's new direction. With this new direction as inspiration, in May of 1984 the name was changed to North Carolina Theatre. Today, North Carolina Theatre serves as the home of quality musical theatre productions in central North Carolina, drawing more than 60,000 visitors to Raleigh Memorial Auditorium each year. Our Mission

Culture: Feed the spirit of local citizens by providing exceptional theatre productions, using the best national, regional and local talent.

Community: Fortify the cultural vitality of the region by offering broad access to live theatre, while strengthening economic growth.

Citizenship: Foster the next generation of artists and leaders who will become future patrons of the arts through training, performance, and outreach programs.

4 PreviewPreview

Show Information 7-8 Artist Bios 10-11 Show Activities 15-16 NC Theatre Conservatory 18

One Sensational Season!

Peter and the Star Catcher March 10-15, 2015 Rated PG

Next to Normal May 1-10, 2015 Rated PG-13

The Buddy Holly Story July 21-26, 2015 Rated PG

5 dddddfasdf 1984 Miners’ Strike

Billy Elliot, The Musical takes place against the backdrop of the British coal miners’ strike of 1984. Prime Minister, , had plans for major economic change in Britain, including significantly reducing the power of trade unions. She aimed to privatize Britain’s core industries in the hopes of making it a more competitive and efficient econom- ic world power. The impending closure of 23 coal pits in 1981 created tension between the govern- ment and mineworkers. At the time, the threat of a strike was enough to make the govern- ment back down. For the moment a strike was averted, but its resurgence was inevitable. In 1984, the National Coal Board proposed closing 20 of 174 British coal pits, cut- ting mining jobs by over 10%. After losing 3 previous ballots on the strike, Arthur Scargill, leader of the National Union of Mineworkers, bypassed the ballot and led an illegal strike. Because no ballot was held, many miners did not observe the strike and armed police were sent to disperse those who did. Relations between police and strikers were hostile and often violent, but relations between miners also deteriorated. Many miners who chose not to observe the strike were also treated with hostility by their peers, causing many to leave the industry. The government took advantage of increased productivity leading up to the strike to stockpile coal, essentially allowing the miners’ strike to occur without devastating conse- quences to the nation. After nearly a year, there was still no sign of compromise in sight. Hardships for the working class only increased and with many miners facing foreclosures and/or unable to support their families (such as in ), the strike ended in bitter defeat for the miners.

Photograph: AFP/Getty Images (South Yorkshire Police grapple with picketers. 1984).

6 Content

Thrilling audiences worldwide and winning TEN ® including Best Musical, features a spectacular score by and is the inspirational story 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, changing his life forever.

Characters

Billy Elliot: an 11 year old boy who discovers a pas-

sion for ballet.

Dad: Jackie Elliot, Billy’s father. A coal miner.

Tony: Billy’s older brother, also a coal miner.

Grandma: Billy’s grandmother, who lives at home

with Billy and his family.

Mrs. Wilkinson: The local ballet teacher who en- Parental Guidelines Rated PG-13 courages Billy to pursue dance. For further parental guidelines in detail, Mr. Braithwaite: Accompanist at the ballet school. see next page.

George: Coal miner and local boxing coach.

Mum: Billy’s mother, who has been dead for 2

years. She appears to Billy throughout the show.

Michael: Billy’s best friend.

Debbie: Mrs. Wilkinson’s daughter.

7 Parental Guidelines Breakdown

Language Dialogue and throughout the show in- clude mature language. Billy Elliot takes place in a northern Eng- land mining community where many of its residents are poor and have little education. The words shit, bastard, hell, pissed, ass, bloody and crap are all used frequently, sometimes spoken by young characters.

Violence Billy’s boxing teacher is physically rough with him and another boy. The miners’ strike becomes violent on sev- Drugs/Alcohol eral occasions. In one instance, Billy puts himself in the middle of a fight between his Beer and cigarettes are used. dad and other miners on strike, getting hit. Sexual References Some dialogue and lyrics contain sexual in- nuendo.

Mature Themes Class conflict and social inequality is a reoccurring theme throughout the miners’ strike. Some dialogue and lyrics reference cross-dressing and homosexuality. In “Expressing Your- self,” Billy’s friend Michael persuades Billy to have fun with him by dressing up in wom- en's clothing and disdaining the restrictive inhibitions of their working class community. Michael kisses Billy in friendship.

8 Synopsis

Act I feelings and asks to be left alone. For the first The show begins in during time in over a year, Billy feels inspired to the 1984 miners’ strike. An 11 year old boy, dance again. Unknown to Billy, his father Billy Elliot, lives with his father (Jackie El- watches him dance and is amazed by his tal- liot), older brother (Tony), and Grandmother. ent. He goes to Mrs. Wilkinson to revisit the Jackie and Tony are participating in the strike, possibility of Billy auditioning for the Royal so Billy must stay late after his boxing lessons. Ballet School. Jackie Elliot soon realizes he He finds his way into a ballet studio and joins will not be able to help his son unless he re- the class. turns to work. As he crosses the picket line, Tony is outraged and the two fight about what Billy keeps his ballet dancing a secret from his is more important, the miners’ mission or family, but Billy’s father soon finds out and Billy’s future. Billy is struck in the scuffle. forbids Billy from going. Mrs. Wilkinson, the The community comes together around Billy ballet teacher, recognizes Billy’s natural ability and the miners give what they can to pay his and gives him private lessons secretly. Her fair to . Tony, who still feels bitter, hopes are that Billy can audition at the Royal leaves. Ballet School in London. Billy makes pro- gress, but on the day of the audition does not Billy’s father comes with him to London for come to be picked up. Mrs. Wilkinson finds his audition. Billy feels his audition went Billy at his home and tries to convince his fa- poorly and strikes one of his fellow audi- ther to let Billy audition. tionees who tries to comfort him. The commit- tee remind Billy of the school’s rules. He does not accept Billy’s . Billy ar- gues that his mother (who died 2 years prior) back at home, the miners’ strike has end- would have let him dance. His father denies it, ed and things are returning to normal. Billy leaving Billy crushed. gets a letter from the Royal Ballet School in the mail and is terrified. He tells his family

that he was rejected, but Tony takes the letter Act II from the trash and sees that Billy has actually Billy has given up ballet and has not danced been accepted. Billy decides to study in Lon- for over a year. The scene opens on the miners’ don. Before leaving he thanks Mrs. Wilkinson annual Christmas show. After the show Mi- for her help. He packs his bags and says good- chael, Billy’s best friend, reveals that he has bye to the community who has supported him. feelings for Billy. Billy does not return his

9 Inspiration behind Billy Elliot

Author of the screenplay, Billy Elliot, as well as lyricist of Billy Elliot The Musical, has credited several sources as inspirations behind Billy’s story.

A.J. Cronin’s novel, “,” details the lives of several men in a mining town who have aspirations be- yond mining during wartime. Hall pays cred- it to Cronin in the opening sequence of Billy Elliot, The Musical with a song entitled “The Stars Look Down.” A.J. Cronin

Acclaimed operatic baritone, Sir , born and raised in the mining town Seaham Harbour, County Durham, was another inspiration for Billy’s story. Allen sang in a church choir, but was hesitant to pursue anything that involved stage acting. Allen’s physics teacher, Denis Weatherly (also a baritone), recognized Allen’s natural talent and became his first voice tutor, training him during lunch breaks. Sir Thomas Al- len was able to secure an interview with the Royal College of and was ultimately admitted.

However, it was the incongruous image of a boy in a tutu Sir Thomas Allen plays Figaro Photo Credit: Clive Barda against a harsh landscape that ultimately gripped Hall’s imagination. Dancing was a compelling visual that told Cronin and Allen’s stories, as well as Hall’s own. Hall developed as a writer amid a devastating period of civil unrest and Billy’s story, in many ways, depicts Hall’s own journey as a writer.

Photo: Corkery/News.

10 Billy Elliot Creative Team

Lee Hall (Lyricist): Lee Hall was born in Newcastle Up- on Tyne in 1966 and studied English Literature at Cam- bridge University. He has worked as a writer in theatre, TV, radio and film. He has been writer in residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Live Theatre, Newcas- tle Upon Tyne. Hall is best know for his screenplay, Billy Elliot.

Elton John (Composer): International music icon, El- ton John, has released 31 studio albums over the span of his fifty year career. Also active in film scoring, Elton John wrote music for Disney’s , which led to his collaboration in the Broadway musical version in 1997. Since Lion King, John has written scores to Broad- way’s , Billy Elliot, and .

Peter Darling (Choreographer): is both dancer and choreographer. He is best known for his origi- nal choreography of Billy Elliot, The Musical for which he won a Tony Award for Best Choreography. Darling al- so choreographed Broadway’s , the Musical.

11 NC Theatre Creative Team

Casey Hushion (Artistic Director) is proud to be the Artistic Direc- tor of North Carolina Theatre, where she has directed 18 produc- tions. Casey was the Associate Director of Elf (2012, 2010). She was also was the Assistant Director of , both on Broadway and the National Tour. She had the pleasure of Assistant Directing the Broadway, West End and the National Tour produc- tions of . Other Broadway credits in- clude: To Be or Not To Be (Manhattan Theatre Club) and Good Vi- brations. She also directed the Off-Broadway run of Fat Camp last spring. Casey has worked as the Associate Director on Anyone Can Whistle at City Center Encores, as well as on Minsky’s at the Ah- manson Theatre. A graduate of New York University, Casey has worked at regional theatres such as North Shore Music Theatre, , Papermill Playhouse, Casa Manana, Music Theatre of Wichita and Goodspeed Opera House, where she was al- so on staff as their New Works Scout. Active in the development of new musicals, she has directed for festivals such as the New York Music Theatre Festival and the National Alliance for Musical Thea- tre. With the Boston Pops, Casey has directed concert versions of Carousel and of . Casey just finished direct- ing a production of How To Succeed In Business at both Riverside Theatre and Walnut Street Theatre. She is the director of the new musical NERDS, which is expected to open on Broadway this year.

Eric Woodall (Director): Directing the show will be Eric Woodall who previously directed NC Theatre's Driving Miss Daisy and Steel Magnolias. Directing credits include (Casa Manana), Pa- rade, August Osage County and Violet (Theatre Raleigh), Amadeus (’ Playhouse on the Square), and Hay Fever (Playmakers Repertory). He is a Resident Director of Broadway’s Mamma Mia! and a casting director with Tara Rubin Casting. Eric is a drama graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, and originally hails from Benson, NC. 12 NC Theatre Creative Team

ADAM PELTY (Choreographer) Broadway credits as actor include Steel Pier, , A Christmas Carol, Cyrano-The Musical, Joseph..., and The Scarlet Pimpernel, for which he also created the original choreog- raphy. Most recently, he served as resident choreographer for the Broad- way touring company of Billy Elliot the Musical and choreographed the first regional production for Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine last Summer. His production of Tick Tick Boom in 2012 for was critically acclaimed. Since 2010, he was seen as “Santa” in the national touring company of A Christmas Story, “Aldolpho” in The Drowsy Chaperone (Jeff nomination, supporting actor) at Marriott’s Lin- colnshire Theatre, “Sir Lancelot” in at Pittsburgh Civic Light and Putting It Together for Porchlight (Jeff nomination, actor in a revue). Other regional directing and choreography credits include Syncopation for Merrimac, Five Course Love for Capital Rep, and Kenny Rogers’ Christ- mas From The Heart at the Beacon Theatre in . From 2000 to 2004, Mr. Pelty served as Director of Musical Theatre at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan and was the founding creative director for “Summer Stars” in Rochester, New York. He has also served on the facul- ties of Ithaca College and NYU. Adam is currently a professor of Musical Theatre at Coastal Carolina University and divides his time between Myr- tle Beach, home-town Chicago and New York City. His proudest achieve- ment is being the father of teenage up-start, Noah Pelty.

Meet the cast!

Ira David Wood, III (Jackie Elliot): Ira David Wood III is Founder and Executive Director of Theatre in the Park and a leader in the Ra- leigh Arts Community. On November 13th, Wood received the state’s highest civilian honor, “The North Carolina Award”, in recognition of his contributions to fine arts in the state. On stage, he is best known as “Scrooge” in his own musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which celebrated its 40th year of consecutive production in December. Wood has previously appeared at NC Theatre in , Funny Girl, Peter Pan, La Cage aux Folles, Oliver, The Wizard of Oz, The Full Monty, Grease, and . 13 Meet the cast!

JANET DICKINSON* (Mrs. Wilkinson) Recent: Little Dancer (Mary Cassatt) World premier at the Kennedy Center in DC. Broadway: Bullets Over Broadway u/s (Helen Sinclair & Eden); How The Grinch Stolen Christ- mas; Happiness at Lincoln Center. Tours: Mrs. Wilkinson in Billy Elliot; 9 to 5 The Musical. Off-Broadway: “Sandy” in Fat Camp; Forbidden Broadway's Rude Awakening and 2008 ; Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know. 2011 NYMF Award for Best Individual Per- formance in Madame X; Citizen Ruth role of “Diane” (2009 Best Musical at the NY Fringe Festival). Janet is originally from Bemidji, MN. Thanks to Doug, my family and friends and my agents at Carson/Kolker for all of their support! Sam Faulkner (Billy Elliot): Stepping into the role of “Billy” will be Char- lotte native, Sam Faulkner. Faulkner appeared as “Billy” this past summer at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Recently, Faulkner was seen in NYC readings of the Broadway-bound revival of The Nobody Knows and appeared as “Ralphie” in A Christmas Story the Musical in Chicago. Faulkner began dancing at age , winning many awards including the title of Teen Mr. Dance of North Carolina 2013-2014.

Ira David Wood, IV (Tony): Son of Ira David Wood III, Ira David Wood IV plays Jackie Elliot’s son, Tony in our production of Billy Elliot, The Mu- sical. He made his first stage appearance as an infant in his father’s beloved A Christmas Carol in 1984. Since then he has been seen in television mini- series, television programs (including as an accomplice on Punk’d) as well as feature films. He taught acting at the prestigious acting studio “The Shop” in North Hollywood, California.

Shari Jordan (Dead Mum/Ensemble) Raleigh native, is thrilled to be home! Broadway National tours: ' (Ulla u/s, Dance Capt.), Crazy For Y ou (Tess), Steel Pier. Other: Radio City Rockette, The Little Mermaid (Ursula u/s), Wizard of Oz ( Witch u/s), resident Dance Captain at Tuacahn. Assistant choreographer: The Producers at The Hollywood Bowl, PCLO, NCT, NSMT and Mel Brooks' AFI Lifetime achievement award. Film: The Producers. Magna Cum Laude graduate of NCSU. For my boys, Jordan and Hudson. AEA Member.

14 Billy Elliot Fun Facts

 6 degrees of Ira David Wood

Real-life father and son, Ira David Wood III and Ira David Wood IV, will play father

and son (Jackie and Tony Elliot) in our Jamie Bell plays Billy Elliot in the 2000 film. production of Billy Elliot, The Musical Ira David Wood III’s daughter, Evan Rachel Wood, has a son with Jamie Bell, who played Billy in More Fun Facts the 2000 film, Billy Elliot

, who starred in the original cast of Billy Elliot, The Musical, recently debuted the role of the Prince in ’s . At the end of the film Billy Elliot, Billy takes the stage in this very produc- tion.

 Billy Elliot, The Musical has won 81 awards worldwide, including the Laurence Olivier Best Musical Award (London), the Helpmann Award for Best Musical (Australia) and 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical (Broadway) as well as multiple Dora Awards () and Liam Mower as the Prince with Christopher Korea Trenfield as The Swan .

© 2014 Helen Maybanks Photography

 On Billy Elliot, The Musical’s one year anniversary, each of the 3 boys who originated the role played Billy in alternate scenes. Elton John made an appearance in a tutu during the curtain calls. 15 Photo by David Scheinmann Billy Elliot Timeline

A.J. Cronin’s “The Stars Look Down” is 1935 published.

British coal miners’ strike 1984

2000 Lee Hall’s film, Billy Elliot is released.

2005 Billy Elliot, The Musical premieres in London.

Billy Elliot, The Musical premieres on 2008 Broadway.

Billy Elliot, The Musical wins TEN Tony 2009 Awards. 2015 NCT premieres Billy Elliot, The Musical.

16 Student Activities Compare and Contrast

Compare and Contrast Watch Lee Hall’s award-winning film Billy Elliot and compare it to the musical he scripted 5 years later. What has changed? What has evolved? What has stayed the same?

Billy Elliot film NC Theatre production

17 Student Activities Billy Elliot Trivia!

1.) Who was the British Prime Minister during the 1984 miners’ strike? A. Tony Blair B. Margaret Thatcher C. John Major D. Winston Churchill 2.) How many Tony Awards did Billy Elliot, The Musical win? A. 5 B. 8 C. 10 D. 11 3.) In what year did Billy Elliot, The Musical premiere on Broadway? A. 2005 B. 2006 C. 2007 D. 2008 4.) Billy Elliot, The Musical tied with ______(also featured in NCT’s 2014/15 season) for a Tony for Best Musical Orchestration in 2009. A. Next to Normal B. The Buddy Holly Story C. Peter and the Starcatcher

D.

A 4.) D, 3.) C, 2.) B, 1.) Key: Answer

18 NC Theatre and Beyond Making a Musical: Index of Terms

Actor’s Equity Association - a labor union that represents American theatre actors and stage managers. Founded in 1913, the union provides a variety of benefits and protections for members, including health insurance, a mini- mum salary and many others. Under an agreement with the Actors' Equity Association, NC Theatre is committed to hiring a significant number of Equity performers for each production. Broadway - located in the Manhattan borough of New York City, Broadway is considered the highest level of commercial, or for-profit, theatre in addition to the West End in London. includes any theatrical performance presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500+ seats that is located in the Theatre District. The Broadway League is a trade organization that works with theatrical unions such as Actor’s Equity Assoc. (see above) to negotiate contracts and promote Broadway theatre. Most Broadway theatre houses are owned and man- aged by the Shubert Organization (17 theatres), the Nederlander Organization (9 theatres), and Jujamcyn (5 thea- tres). Non-Profit Theatre - holds the tax-exempt 501(c)3 status and exists for the greater good of the community. They have a mission, vision, or goal regarding their artistic objectives for the theatre or their education department. Many non-profit theatres have an educational component which serves the community, such as NCT’s year-around Conservatory and its “Theatre4Change” workshop in the “Stage2School” program. North Carolina Theatre is a professional non-profit theatre. There are three non-profit Broadway theatre companies: Lincoln Center Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, and Roundabout Theatre Company.

A musical takes a ton of people working together. Just a few of them are listed below!

Composer - writes or composes the musical score. Elton John composed Billy Elliot, The Musical. Lyricist - writes the lyrics, or puts words to the songs of the musical score. Lee Hall wrote the lyrics for Billy El- liot, The Musical. Dramaturg - does research on a play or musical, such as references to historical background, research of other pro- ductions of the show, or anything else that helps the director and actor understand the script better. Artistic Director - oversees the aspects of production, maintains the overall artistic vision and goals of the theatre, has overarching control of the theatre’s season line-up of productions, and is the primary director of the shows. There may also be Associate or Assistant Artistic Directors. Director - develops a vision for a particular show and ensures its quality by unifying the artistic and production side of the show. The director typically works with actors to stage or “block” the show. The director also works closely with designers and the technical director to ensure that the production’s technical aspects are unified with his or her artistic vision. There may be Assistant Directors. Producer - the producer raises and provides financial backing for productions and oversees all aspects of putting up a theatre production. The producer also handles managerial functions and hires artistic personnel, such as the director. There may also be Associate Producers. Music Director - directs musical aspects of the show, such as the vocalists and the orchestra. Choreographer - choreographs or comes up with the dance or movement component of a musical, called choreog- raphy. Conductor - the person who conducts the musicians in the orchestra pit. Rehearsal Pianist - the person that accompanies vocalists during the rehearsal process until rehearsals with the pit orchestra begin. Production Stage Manager - in charge of coordinating many aspects of a theatrical production. They are often the go-between communicator for the director and actors and the director and technical production personnel. They ensure the smooth execution of a production. There may be Assistant Stage Managers. Technical Director - responsible for the overall organization of the technical production process, including over- seeing the implementation of the designers’ visions, developing and working within a production budget, schedul- ing and supervising build crews, communicating with the director, and organizing the strike or clean-up of a pro- duction following the closing performance.

19 Dream of being the next Billy?

North Carolina Theatre Conservatory Broadway veterans teaching future Broadway stars. Classes offered for all ages! Visit www.nctheatreconservatory.com for more information.

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