B'way's 'Billy Elliot' recoups production costs

(AP) — The Broadway company of "Billy Elliot" has danced into profitability.

Producer Eric Fellner says the production at the Imperial Theatre has recouped its $18 million production costs in 14 months.

Based on the film directed by Stephen Daldry, the show has been doing hefty business at the Imperial Theatre since it opened there in November 2008. It won the 2009 Tony Award for best musical as well as nine other Tonys including one for Daldry who directed the stage version, too.

"Billy Elliot" tells the story of a coal miner's young son who yearns to dance. It features a score by Elton John (music) and Lee Hall (book and lyrics).

A Chicago company opens in April and a second national company hits the road in November.

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