Stepping up

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL A coal miner’s son makes the life-changing discovery that he has a gift for dance.Director Stephen Daldry and librettist Lee Hall do not allow the plight of Billy’s family and community to recede from view, even as this show tracks Billy’s attempt to land an audition at the Royal Ballet School. Featuring a score of surprising rigor and grit by Elton John. Pictured: Kylend Hetherington as Billy, Leah Hocking as Mrs. Wilkinson, Samantha Blaire Cutler as Debbie, and the cast of “Billy Elliot the Musical.” Through Aug. 19. Presented by Broadway in Boston.At Boston Opera House. 800-982-2787, www.broadwayinboston.com Don Aucoin