Chicago to launch 'Billy Elliot-The Musical'

Sir Elton John was the special guest on hand Tuesday to announce that "Billy Elliot-The Musical" will launch its national tour in March 2010 at Chicago's Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre. John, who composed "Billy Elliott's" score, appeared at a Broadway in Chicago news conference at Wrigley Field, just hours before a duo concert there with Billy Joel.

"Chicago has always been one of my favorite cities to play," John said in a prepared statement. "And it is my distinct pleasure to share this show that I love so much with a city that has always been very kind to me."

The 10-time Tony Award-winning smash musical is based upon the award-winning 2000 film "Billy Elliot," which is about a North English boy who discovers a passion for dance amid a turbulent 1980s coal miner's strike. John was instrumental in transforming the film into a musical, convincing the film's original creative team of Academy Award-nominated director Stephen Daldry, screenwriter Lee Hall and choreographer Peter Darling to adapt their work for the stage.

"Billy Elliot-The Musical" bowed in London in 2005 (where it still is running) and later launched an Australian company in Sydney in 2007. "Billy Elliot" became an immediate critical and audience hit when it reached New York last year.

No announcements were made regarding the tour's casting, though each production employs multiple kids to rotate in the role of Billy and other children. Individual ticket sales commence in November and range from $28 to $100. Sales to groups of 20 or more are available now by calling (312) 977-1710.