University of Miami Faculty Take Part in Prestigious Production of Billy Elliot: The Musical

This winter three University of Miami faculty took part in the prestigious production of Billy Elliot: The Musical at Florida’s largest theatre, Maltz Jupiter Theatre. College of Arts and Sciences Theatre Arts Professor Chris O’Connor was cast in the principal role of George and was accompanied by Theatre Arts Professor Jennifer Burke, who was part of the production’s creative team as the Dialect Coach. Both Theatre Arts professors were joined by UM Frost School of Music’s Ana Flavia Zuim, who served as the Musical Director.

By UM News

Billy Elliot: The Musical, based on the 2000 film Billy Elliot, contains music by Elton John with lyrics by Lee Hall, the writer of the film’s screenplay. The story is about Billy, a motherless boy who trades his boxing gloves for ballet shoes, and his personal struggle as his family and community deal with the UK’s miners’ strike. The musical has earned many prestigious awards since its premiere in 2005, including ten Tony Awards, ten Drama Desk Awards, seven Helpmann Awards, and four Olivier Awards.