Billy Elliot the Forum

That's awesome, Shelly, and thanks for joining us here! The forum's been around in one form or another for a long time, and many of us have seen so many productions of this beautiful show pop up all over the world. One of the best things about Billy Elliot is the strong sense of community that's evolved over the years. There are fan communities and of course performer communities, and I'm sure you'll connect privately with other family members of cast members past and present too--they'll hopefully give you their own insights into what to expect. I for one have met some great friends through this musical--fellow fans, performers, and their family members. I've followed and been a fan of lots of other shows, but the Billy Elliot community is something extra special for sure!

I don't know if I can make it to this production, but I'll see. Either way, please know we're all rooting for Benjamin every step of the way! I'm sure he's going to be absolutely awesome as Billy!

Warm wishes,
Sean

Thanks so much!! He's home today with a fever so we are scouting online for BETM details. There is a LOT of INFO here...thanks for the site!

Benjamin Cheng, who will play Billy in the Memphis production this summer, has posted some pics from his current show being done at his middle school. It's Peter Pan, Jr. and in the first photo he's getting some valuable flying practice for his upcoming stint as Billy

https://www.facebook.com/MrBenjaminChen ... 1423251153

Benjamin Cheng (who will play Billy in the Playhouse Square regional production of BETM August 14 – September 6, 2015) has successfully participated in some national dance competitions this week. His tap team won 2nd in King of New York and his jazz team won 1st in Another One Bites the Dust, among other things, according to Benjamin's mom who posted the info on her instagram:

https://instagram.com/p/4Sji7Nsw8N/

Announcing Cast for the 2015-16 Season Opener BILLY ELLIOT
Playhouse on the Square, Memphis, TN
http://playhouseonthesquare.org/audition/audition.html

Billy Elliot – Benjamin Cheng
Dad – Michael Detroit
Tony – Dane Van Brocklin
Grandma – Jeanna Juleson
Michael – Seth Judice
Mrs. Wilkinson – Kim Sanders
Debbie Wilkinson – Katy Cotten
Adult Billy – Travis Bradley
Mr. Wilkinson/Ensemble – Jimmy Hoxie
George/Ensemble – Eddie Llambias
Mr. Braithwaite/Ensemble – Dave Landis
Big Davey/Ensemble – Chris Cotten
Ensemble – Lorraine Cotten, Marc Gill, Jared Graham, Donna Lappin, Isaac Middleton, Justin G.Nelson, Brooke Papritz, Kenesha Reed, Ryan Scott, Cayley Smith
Small Boy – Nathan Morton
Tall Boy/Posh Boy – Nathan Payson
Ballet Girl Ensemble – Katie Bennett, Olivia Cheng, Mary Humphrey, Sydney Jackson, Rae Payne, Kaitlyn Poindexter, Sophie Younker
Director/Choreographer – Geoffrey Goldberg
Assistant Director – Whitney Branan
Music Director – Thomas Bergstig
Production Stage Manager – Katharine Hughen
Costume Designer – Rebecca Y. Powell
Scenic Designer – Mark Guirguis
Lighting Designer – John Horan
Sound Designer – Zach Badreddine
Props Designer – Kellie Bowles
Technical Director – Phillip Hughen

Here is a clip of Seth Judice (Michael):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APYvs0oKIbU

BroadwayWorld just posted this:

http://www.broadwayworld.com/memphis/ar ... e-20150713#

Tonight's the first read thru with the Director. Started working on music last week, but tonight's the real deal. Posters were sent out and put around town too. http://playhouseonthesquare.org/billy-e ... e-musical/

Here is a larger version of the Billy Jump photo, with Benjamin Cheng:

http://www.livememphistheatre.com/#!bil ... /image_zh3

This from Broadway World today:

http://www.broadwayworld.com/memphis/ar ... T-20150805