“Billy Elliot” is a story about an 11-year-old boy that never gives up on his hopes of becoming a dancer, despite his father’s constant ramblings about giving it up and going into boxing. So who better to portray the title character than a young boy who’s been obsessed with dancing since he was in the womb? There really is no other choice. And that’s the knowledge anyone who has the chance to see Kylend Hetherington on stage walks away with.

Hetherington, 15, loves the story of “Billy Elliot.” So much so that he’s been auditioning for the part since 2006; but has been turned away due to being too young. It was in 2008 that one of his auditions was successful, and he was given the part of Tall Boy in the musical that was showing on Broadway. Not long after getting that part, Hetherington worked his way up to the part of Billy’s best friend, Michael, and then started touring with the production in 2010.

Due to child labor laws, and the fact that Billy Elliot needs to be someone that appears to be 11 years old, the show has another Billy stepping onto stage from time to time. His name is Noah Parets, 13, who trained for months in New York before going on the road with the show; and just performed his first time in the role in July. But don’t expect that to get in the way here. These boys are all professionals.

“It’s great to have these other boys that are my age doing the exact same thing,” says Hetherington.  It’s good to know that you have those people there in case you can’t do a show. If you feel sick or have injured yourself, they’re there to back you up. They are always there for you.”

The show is playing at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit until September 16.