'Billy Elliot' begins its tour in Chicago in March

[July 22, 2009]  NEW YORK (AP) -- "Billy Elliot" will begin dancing across North America next March.

Producers of the Tony-winning best musical say the show will begin its tour in Chicago, opening for an extended run at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre.

Exact dates, casting and other cities on the tour will be announced later.

"Billy Elliot," which features a score by Elton John and Lee Hall, is based on the film about a British coal miner's son who dreams to dance.

The musical is currently playing in London and New York.

[Associated Press]

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