Young Actor Matthew Dean takes Billy Elliot from Coast-to-Coast

12 year-old Matthew Dean plays the lead role in "Billy Elliot: The Musical" at Ocean State Theatre Company.

Based on the hugely successful 2000 British film, "Billy Elliot" is set in a UK mining tow, against the background of the 1984-85 miners' strike. Its story follows Billy's journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance, which inspires his family and community and changes his life forever. Elton John composed the score. After it premiered in London, it won the 2006 Olivier Award for Best Musical; when it opened in New York three years later, it took the 2009 Tony Award in that category.

Dean, a California native, made his musical theater debut as Billy in Children's Musical Theater San Jose's Marquee Production of "Billy Elliot" last spring.

When Dean learned that Ocean State Theatre was staging their own production of the show, he sent in a video to the production staff and won the role.

"It was a really cool thing that people were paying for me (to stay in Rhode Island) and travel just so they could have me in their show," Dean told EDGE.

"I really like the story of the show and the message," Dean continued. "(Billy) is a fun character because you have to be happy, sad and angry and play all those (emotions) in a two and a half hour show."

Dean began dancing at the age of two and was recently awarded the title of Junior Mr. Dance of California 2016 and placed fifth in the 2016 NCBGA State Championships.

"It's a way to express yourself without talking," Dean explained. "Performing is fun because you get to make people happy."

Dean was enthralled by a production of the smash Disney musical "Newsies" in San Francisco. He recalls telling his mother he wanted to appear in that show someday. Soon after, he began taking singing lessons.

"It was such a great experience that I knew this is what I wanted to do," Dean said.

Shannon Lee Jones, who appeared as Angelique in "La Cage aux Folles" on Broadway, will be making her OSTC debut in the role of Mrs. Wilkinson, the dance teacher.

The cast also includes OSTC veterans Christopher Swan, JP Ferragamo, Matthew Gorgone, Brad Kirton, and Tommy Labanaris.

Dean has been enjoying his time at Ocean State Theater and has nothing but praise for his fellow performers.

"The whole cast is really nice and everyone has been so supportive. I think it's going to be a really great show."

Billy Elliot: The Musical will be presented at Ocean State Theatre from September 28 - October 23. The theatre is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI. Tickets are available online 24 hours a day at www.OceanStateTheatre.org and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 921-6800.