Much to the revulsion of his family, young Billy Elliot loves to dance ballet. Despite their objections, he covertly pursues his passion. The story of Billy Elliot, first imagined in a 2000 film, is well known now, thanks largely to the Elton John-scored musical version, which won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2009.
Today Billy Elliot: The Musical twirls its way onto a Houston stage. As with the film, the story centers on the little boy with a rare gift for pirouettes and grands jetรฉs, but also documents the decline of the mining industry in ย80s-era Britain and a struggling townยs progression from mild homophobia to skepticism to all-out support of young Billy. Everyone loves an underdog ย especially one who can dance. 7:30 p.m. February 23. Through March 13. Hobby Center, 800ย Bagby. For a full schedule, call 713-558-8887 visit www.tuts.com. $35.50 to $94.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: Feb. 23. Continues through March 6, 2011
This article appears in Feb 17-23, 2011.