‘Billy Elliot’ debuts at the Benedum, features former COPA student

All children have dreams. Some aspire to become teachers, doctors or even astronauts, but Billy Elliot in "Billy Elliot the Musical" strives to be a dancer.

Billy Elliot will dance his way to Pittsburgh to perform in the traveling production of "Billy Elliot the Musical" at the Benedum Center along with a former Point Park student. The show debuts in the city on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and will be performed on select days until Sunday, Feb. 12.

Billy Elliot has been applauded since its opening in New York City in 2008. New York Times reporter, Ben Brantley, showed praise in his review published on Nov. 8, 2008: "‘Billy Elliot' never doubts that it's the sobriety that endures in life. Which makes those intoxicating, fleet-footed flashes of art, where leaden bodies fly and discord turns into harmony, all the more to be cherished."

According to the synopsis on the "Billy Elliot the Musical's" web page, both Billy's dad and brother are coal miners during a strike in Northern England in the 1980's. They expect 10-year-old Billy to follow the same path when he grows up. Billy's father, Jackie, signs the boy up for boxing lessons, but Billy falls in love with something else.

Instead of going to his boxing lessons, he discovers a dance class and finds where his true passion lies. The musical focuses on the struggles of Billy and his family getting by through the coal miner's strike, as well as, Billy discovering who he is and what he wants to do with his future.

Aside from the praise and enticing plot line of this popular musical being a draw for Point Park students to see this performance, some may also want to see the show to catch former Point Park student, Vanessa Russo, performing.

Russo, 27, is originally from Sarasota, Fl. but now lives in New York City when not on tour. She attended Point Park from 2003-2004. She was a COPA student with a concentration in musical theater and dance. Russo left Point Park after being offered a role in the "OKLAHOMA" national tour.

"I accepted the contract after the Theatre Department informed me that this was a fabulous opportunity and was supportive," Russo said through an email response on Saturday.

She landed a part in "Billy Elliot the Musical" after attending an open dance call in New York City and getting multiple call backs. She is considered a "Swing," meaning she is able to play numerous female roles in the show.

"It is always exciting because I could go in at a moment's notice. I get to play many different characters which keeps it continually interesting and fun," Russo said. "You have to be prepared to go in at any time."

Other cast members enjoy working with Russo, one in particular being Leah Hocking. Hocking is originally from Marquette, Mich. Hocking was in the original Broadway performances of "Billy Elliot the Musical," and plays the part of Mrs. Wilkinson, Bill's dance teacher, in the traveling production.

During a phone interview on Saturday, Hocking spoke very highly of Russo. She laughed as she explained how great Russo is with the children that are part of the show, one being Hocking's own daughter.

"She's great. She is helping train my daughter. She had a lot of responsibility because she is an adult in the children land," Hocking said. "She warms them up before the show, and she's incredibly talented and nice too."

Russo and Hocking can both be seen on stage at the Benedum Center during the performances on Jan. 31 through Feb. 12.

Tickets can be purchased online at billyelliottour.net or by calling the Benedum Center's box office at (412) 456-6666.