MANCHESTER, NH – Jamie Mann can relate to the spunky character Billy Elliot from the musical by the same name. The show revolves around Billy, a kid who finds his peace – and his passion – in dance. Mann is starring in the Palace Theatre production of Billy Elliot, which opens June 3 and runs through the 25th.
Jamie, 12, was born in Connecticut and spent a chunk of his Wonder Years growing up in Spain before moving back to the states, where he is pursuing his own passion, musical theater.
“I think one of the reasons I related to Billy Elliot is that my dad definitely wanted me to be doing sports, because that’s all that he knew growing up,” says Jamie. “Just like the storyline of Billy Elliot, where his dad doesn’t really understand his son’s love of dancing. I’ve been dancing for six years – technically, my whole life. I remember seeing Swan Lake when I was 3, and I was mesmerized.”
Jamie is a bit of a veteran when it comes to recreating the stage role, based on the acclaimed 2000 movie, of a coal-miner’s son from Northern England against the backdrop of a 1984 miners’ strike, who quite by accident discovers his happy place as a dancer, despite his efforts to succeed in the boxing ring. In the process he inspires his family, and lifts up the entire community. This is Jamie’s third time performing in the lead role.
“I first saw the show when I was 7, and I loved it,” says Jamie.
He got the soundtrack and listened to it in the car “at least 200 times,” which is why he figures he’s been able to master the British accent required for the role.
Just like the character he portrays, there is a natural sense of freedom Jamie feels when performing on stage.
“It’s always been one of my absolute favorite things,” says Jamie, whose theater credits include an off-Broadway production of “Ever Happily After,” at the New York Musical Festival and other regional productions of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” and “The Little Mermaid.”
The home-schooled 7th grader says he aspires to be like his all-time favorite dancer, Mikhail Baryshnikov.
“Right now I’m also a huge fan of Robert Fairchild, he’s a dancer at the New York City Ballet, and he’s kind of a role model,” says Jamie. “He did ‘An American in Paris’ on Broadway, and I got to go backstage to see him. He’s a nice guy, he was really cool, and I definitely look up to him because he does it all.”
Jamie has trained at the School of American Ballet in New York City and, while appearing on Broadway is one of his many dreams, joining a ballet company is his No. 1 goal.
“Yeah, Broadway is up there, but ballet is what I’m focused on right now. It can be a cut-throat competition, so I know if I want to achieve that I have to work hard,” Jamie says.
In addition to Jamie, the Palace production features 17 talented local youth actors, who have been working hard to recreate not only the musical numbers and dramatic nuances of the show, but to leave the audience feeling the jubilance of life, through the eyes of a determined, dance-happy kid.
In his own words, Jamie describes the heart of the character, Billy Elliot this way:
“Billy’s a boy who’s confused and doesn’t know what to do. He’s lost his mother and he’s finally found, what I like to call, a life-preserver in some way – something he can go to, that will make him feel better, just something he needed, which is dancing,” says Jamie.
“Why should people come see the show? It’s a story that pulls at your heartstrings and makes you realize how grateful you are, and makes you think about what you love and what you do to make yourself happy, who you love and what you care about,” he says. “It makes you think about life more, and the ending will give you something to think about, even after you leave the theater.”
Catch “Billy Elliot” at the Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover Street, with 16 evening and matinee performances to choose from. Tickets range from $25 to $45. Flex Subscriptions and Group Rates are available. For Group rates contact the group Sales office at 603-668-5588 x127. Or click here to go to the Palace Theatre online and select the best seats in the house.
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