People who thought they missed “Billy Elliot the Musical” are in luck. The show has been extended to Dec. 31 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in Chicago.
“The story is so important and the story is so inspirational,” said Shanesia Davis, of Chicago’s Morgan Park community, who portrays ballet teacher Mrs. Wilkinson in the Porchlight Music Theatre production.
“It’s not an everyone-be-happy-all-the-time kind of musical. It’s a real story. These are humans that you can identify with on a real human level, on a cellular level. Audiences love that. Audiences are inspired by that.”
The original Broadway production of “Billy Elliot the Musical” won several Tony Awards, including best musical, best book of a musical (Lee Hall) and best orchestrations (Martin Koch). The show is based on the 2000 film “Billy Elliot” and features music by Elton John.
“A boy is in a place where he could be stifled. His father wants him to box and do the manly things, and he stumbles upon a dance class. The teacher sees something in him. She inspires something in him and he inspires something in her,” Davis said.
“It sparks within all of us seeing things differently, taking a different route, taking the route of spirit as opposed to what is told to us. It inspires kids and adults alike.”
It was Porchlight Music Theatre artistic director Michael Weber who recruited Davis for “Billy Elliot the Musical” after remembering her turn years ago as Roxie Hart in the musical “Chicago” while they were students at DePaul University.
“I was so excited and so terrified at the same time. It had been a while since I had been in a musical,” said Davis, whose last musical was 2002’s “Comfortable Shoes” at the Royal George Theatre in Chicago.
“I’m known for acting. Part of it was the fear of taking on such a big, iconic role as Mrs. Wilkinson. My biggest fear was letting myself down and pushing myself to another level of theater and of acting.
“The confidence that’s needed for singing — the more you do it, the more confident you get. It has been such a while since I sang, but I love it. I dove in with two feet. I enjoy her every single night that I do it.”
“Billy Elliot the Musical,” which marks Davis’ Porchlight Music Theatre debut, features direction and co-choreography by Porchlight artistic associate Brenda Didier, co-choreography by Craig V. Miller and music direction by Porchlight artistic associate Linda Madonia.
“They’re honest. They’re real. It’s very Chicago. There’s no pretense. What they can’t do financially they do with integrity. They do with character. They fill that void,” said Davis about what has been billed as Chicago’s leader in music theater for more than two decades.
Jacob Kaiser and Lincoln Seymour share the title role in “Billy Elliot the Musical,” which is recommended for ages 13-plus due to strong language, violence and some sensitive subject matter that is true to the story and plot.
“They’re just two vibrant little boys,” said Davis about her co-stars.
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“Each of them brings their own style, their own charisma and their own intensity to it. Jacob’s just a delight. I look at his face and just smile. That energy is so magnetic. With Lincoln, he has something very powerful and beautiful about his spirit.
“There’s an intensity there at such a young age. It’s wonderful to work with and it’s surprising that neither of them have a lot of stage experience. You wouldn’t know it.”
Probably best known as series regular Marissa Clark on the TV show “Early Edition,” Davis’ more recent TV work has included the recurring role of Melissa Calhoun on Fox’s “Empire” and a role on Showtime’s “The Chi,” which premieres Jan. 7 and focuses on the challenges of living on Chicago’s South Side.
Her movie roles, which began in 1989, have included “The Weather Man” starring Nicolas Cage.
“I love it if somebody remembers something I did on stage or on TV years ago and that brings them to see me now. That is a huge compliment,” said Davis, who is also an artistic associate at Congo Square Theatre in Chicago.
“I’ve been very fortunate and blessed.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
‘Billy Elliot the Musical’
When: 8 p.m. Friday, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 31
Where: Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
Tickets: $55-$65