From U.K. to Jersey Shore, ‘Billy Elliot’ Entertains All Ages

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By Mary Ann Bourbeau

DEAL PARK – Braden Allen King has been dancing almost as long as he has been walking. He was practically raised in his mother’s dance studio. By the age of 4, he didn’t want to watch anymore; he wanted to join in.
“I thought it was really cool and I wanted to do it too,” he said. “My mom let me in the class. It was a lot of fun.”
Since then, Braden has been taking lessons not only in dance, but acting and singing. So it seemed natural that he audition for the lead role in Axelrod Performing Arts Center’s production of “Billy Elliot the Musical,” which runs fro Nov. 4-20.
“I saw the show on Broadway and I loved the storyline,” said the 13-year-old from Virginia. “It was beautiful. It’s like a dream role for me. I have lots of things in common with Billy. We both have a passion for dance. But unlike him, my parents have been supportive of me dancing.”
The show, set in Northern England during the coal mine strikes of 1984-85, tells the story of a young boy who longs to dance instead of working in the mines alongside his father and brother. Unlike the onscreen drama released in 2000, the stage version is a musical, featuring an award-winning score by Elton John. The London production ran for 11 years, winning four Olivier Awards. The Broadway show garnered 10 Tony Awards, including best musical.
“The music is inspiring and very moving,” said Liz Piccoli, “Billy Elliot’s” director and choreographer. “It goes from emotional and dynamic to dark and manic to beautiful ballads and soulful chorals. It really drives the show.”
Piccoli, whose work has been seen Off-Broadway and in New York theater festivals, is excited about working at Axelrod for the first time.
“I love working with this cast,” she said. “They are really strong, fun and animated. Andrew (DePrisco, artistic director) is great to work with. I feel really supported by him.”
Piccoli was struck by Braden’s talent and work ethic when they first met.
“He is a doll,” she said. “He’s so talented, and his parents support him and his progress as an artist. Braden is really the heart of “Billy Elliot,” and he is making that heart come to life.”
Braden has won numerous awards for his dancing at the World Dance Pageant, Believe Talent, Starpower Talent and New York City Dance Alliance. Axelrod discovered him at an open audition call in Manhattan. Living in Fairfax Station, Virginia, makes the situation a little difficult for Braden, his parents and his two siblings, but the family is making it work. His mother, Liz King, stays in New Jersey with Braden during the week and she heads back to Virginia on the weekends, trading places with her husband.
“We literally wave to each other on the New Jersey Turnpike,” she said.
Since this is Braden’s first big show and the first time he has lived out of town, King is currently home-schooling her son and she said it is working out well.
“Braden seems to really enjoy it,” she said. “He’s a pretty good student, and this allows him to do what he loves to do. It’s really exciting and fun. It sounds crazy, but it’s the adventure of a lifetime.”
Braden is excited that a large group of friends from Virginia are taking a bus to New Jersey to see him perform. After the run of the show, he intends to increase his musical theater training in order to achieve his dream of performing on Broadway.
“I’ve grown up on the stage,” he said. “I love entertaining. I like making people smile and feel different emotions. This is an amazing experience I will never forget.”
“Billy Elliot the Musical” also stars Broadway actress Mary Ellen Ashley as Grandma, Jack Richman as Billy’s friend Michael Caffrey, Heather Brown Varley as dance instructor Mrs. Wilkinson, Rutledge Varley as Billy’s dad, Sean Tivenan as brother Tony, Emily Nielson as Billy’s mum, Victoria Csatay as Debbie Wilkinson, Jonathan Wells as boxing coach George and Ryan John Sabatos as pianist Mr. Braithwaite.
“Billy Elliot the Musical” will be performed at 8 p.m. Nov. 4, 5, 12 and 19 and at 3 p.m. Nov. 6, 13 and 20. Tickets are $34; seniors $29 and students $25. For more information, call 732-531-9106 or visit axelrodartscenter.com.
Arts and entertainment writer Mary Ann Bourbeau can be reached at mbourbeau@tworivertimes.com or Twitter @MaryAnnBourbeau.