Based on the 2000 film adaptation “Billy Elliot the Musical” is the rags-to-riches tale of a young boy trying to find his place in the big world of show business. The show will dance its way into St. Louisans’ hearts when it hits The Fabulous Fox Theatre stage from Nov. 1-13.

Taking place in a typical 1980s small town in northern England, the motherless Billy Elliot and his remaining family go through a journey of inspiration and change in this thrilling and, at times, heart-wrenching musical.

As the young boy goes from a boxing ring to ballet class, where a hidden passion comes to the surface, his family is caught in the parallel struggle of the miners’ strike, unaware of Billy’s newest endeavor.

This is not just the story of a fictional character facing adversity, though, as Kylend Hetherington, a 13-year-old Michigan native who scored the title role of Billy Elliot, explains. Hetherington said that from day one, everyone in the company has realized that show business is what they wanted to do, regardless of name-calling and others telling them they could not do it.

“Everybody’s gone through that,” Hetherington said. “Everybody’s had to fight to get here.”

Hetherington, who previously played the characters Tall Boy and Michael in the Broadway production of the show, rotates with three other young performers in the lead role. Originally a dancer and singer, Hetherington learned to act only after receiving this role of a lifetime, he said.

More than 50 other performers work with the young actors to create one of the most riveting and profound musicals to hit Broadway in years.

Brought to life with original music from Elton John, the Broadway show was honored with 10 Tony awards in 2009, including the Tony Award for Best Musical.

“Billy Elliot the Musical” has become a force to be reckoned with in the theatrical world, and continues to attract fans of all ages.

Sophomore Kelly Barabasz will begin working as an usher for the Fox on the first weekend of the show. As an avid theater-lover for many years, she said she looks forward to seeing “Billy Elliot the Musical” for the first time.

“I’m really excited to see it,” Barabasz said. “It’s one of the few shows that I haven’t heard the music for, and don’t know too much about the story except that there is some intense dancing.”

Based heavily on the young boy’s love for ballet, the dance numbers will likely be the most visually stimulating aspect of the production. Hetherington said that the tap scene at the finale as his personal favorite from the show.

Following young Billy Elliot on his unlikely and awe-inspiring journey, audiences around the world have left theaters inspired to pursue their own passions.

“I just want them to realize that no matter where you come from, who you are, what you do, if you just follow your dreams and you go to all ends to do this thing you want to do, there should be nothing stopping you,” Hetherington said.

Hetherington said he had no idea he would be in such a position five years ago, but success comes in all shapes and sizes, just as the musical hopes to prove.

“Before ‘Billy Elliot’ . . . I had no idea that I would be here and all of the sudden, it just happened. Four years went by so fast in my eyes. I don’t know where life will take me next,” Hetherington said.

Unique in the fact that the responsibility of the main character lies in a 13-year-old boy, “Billy Elliot” promises hope, a universal message that has already attracted theater-goers from across the area.

As the latest installment in the Fox’s U.S. Bank Broadway Series, the stimulus that shows like “Billy Elliot” have provided is undeniable, as Erin Hentz, publicity coordinator for the Fox said.

“Ticket sales have been strong for the show, but tickets do remain for all performances,” Hentz said.

Opportunities to see the show are plentiful for students, with discounted tickets available through the student rush ticket offer on the Fox’s website for all performances of “Billy Elliot,” Hentz said, adding that offers are updated as the shows near.