‘Billy Elliot’ leaps toward final weekend at Bishop Center

After a late debut, “Billy Elliot: The Musical” hopes to have a strong finish this weekend at the Bishop Center.

Set in a northern English town during a coal miners strike, the story follows a boy whose father wants him to become a boxer to find a better life outside their town. But one day Billy stumbles onto a ballet class, where he discovers a passion for dance — and changes his life.

Justyce Brook plays the title character, and by all accounts does a terrific job.

“For a 10-year-old, I think he’s handling it pretty well,” said director Brad Duffy, a Grays Harbor College faculty member. “It’s a lot to put on his shoulders. … It’s literally been a 15-month project for him.”

He asked Justyce to participate in dance rehearsals for last spring’s musical (“Anything Goes”), even though there was no part for him to play. The idea was to see whether the young dancer could handle the rigorous schedule, and to determine his skill level and learning curve.

In May, the decision was made to have Justyce play Billy Elliot and move forward with that production for 2018. He attended dance, vocal and acting lessons all through the summer and fall, and was prepared to take the stage — but then he became ill the week before Opening Night.

The play’s opening was delayed by one day, and Duffy said Justyce is back to full strength now. “He was really good on Saturday, a little tired on Sunday. But now he’s had a couple days of rest and should be in good shape for this weekend.”

Those who had tickets for the canceled opener last Friday were given the option to attend on another date or receive a refund.

“We looked at the possibility of adding a performance,” said Duffy, “but it became clear that wouldn’t be possible.”

It’s been a long, rough road, but he said that’s normal in theater. “Every production has its own challenges, and this was certainly no exception,” he laughed.

He’s already started working on GHC’s summer musical, “Mamma Mia,” which will debut July 20 — barring major illness.

And that will be Duffy’s last play with GHC. After 25 years with the community college’s drama department, he’s retiring in August. “I love my job,” he said, “but it’s time for someone else to have all the fun.”

What are his plans after that? “I want to do a little traveling, spend more time with my granddaughter, play a lot of bridge — I have no specific plan except for making up for 40 years of lack of sleep,” he laughed. “I’m looking forward to that.”

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“Billy Elliot” continues Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., closing its run with a matinee Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Bishop Center for the Arts. Based on the 2000 film, the production features a musical score written by Elton John. It’s rated PG-13 for adult language.

Tickets are still available at the box office and online at www.ghc.edu/bishop. Prices are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, $12 for students and $8 for those 8 and younger.

(Photo by Keith J. Krueger) Billy (Justyce Brooke, center) takes a step toward boxing partner Michael (Evan Weidman) as their coach, George (Dan Jackson), looks on.

(Photo by Keith J. Krueger) Billy (Justyce Brook) walks away as his family (played, from left, by Debbie Scoones, Casey Bronson and Gary Morean) watch.