Who wasn’t moved by the amazing 2000 film Billy Elliot? This film by Stephen Daldry told a simple tale of a boy who loved to dance, as well as the journey to the top of the mountain. A rarity of entertainment; Billy Elliot actually started as a screenplay (precisely what you saw in the movie) and then became a novel by Melvin Burgess and then a musical play in 2005.

The film was an amazing demonstration of filmmaking, as it was a simple and yet very grand and emotional drama that shattered clichés of ballet being a woman or gay man’s art. The story is that of a boy named Billy Elliot, who has no mother, a disapproving father, and a talent for ballet–one that he prizes far above the “manly” sport of boxing. Much of the film’s pathos comes as a result of the time period; right at the peak of the U.K. Miner’s Strike.

The musical is based on the movie and features original songs as well as the familiar story. Of course, it’s hard to follow up such a great film without something extra. That’s why the music features the talent of Sir Elton John, with lyrics by original screenwriter Lee Hall. The musical was highly successful and won many awards, including America’s most prestigious Tony Award for Best Musical. In fact, it swept the Tony Awards entirely in 2009, winning Best Original Score, Best Actor and Best Director, among other awards.

Now Billy Elliot‘s legacy continues on, as it has toured all over the U.K. and Australia, in overseas countries, on Broadway, on tour in the U.S. and even in youth theatre. The true legacy of Billy Elliot is in its message; that regardless of gender or background, a dream is a dream and it can be accomplished against the odds. The final moments of the film and the play both end on a happy note, and the latter with two memorable musical numbers: “The Letter (Billy’s Reply)” and “Finale”.

Come see the magic in person and feel the “electricity” that happens when a boy realizes his dream!