Billy Elliot’s a tough-edged working class story about a young man who discovers he was born to dance. It can’t be done without finding a tween who can move like a pro. Actually, because of child labor laws, it can’t be done without finding at least three performers like Noah Parets, a precocious, extremely talented 13-year-old dancer from Massachusetts
Intermission Impossible: So, I was wondering…
Noah Parets: Yeah…
At Disney World they have those signs that say “You must be this tall to to ride this ride.”
Yeah…
Is there some rule that you must be under a certain height to play Billy Elliot?
Oh, yeah there is. I can’t grow too tall.
So you could have a growth spurt and lose your job.
Yeah, but I’ve got a while. I’m the shortest of them all.
How did you find yourself, so young, dancing this major role?
I saw the musical, and the movie. Did research and found an open audition in New York City.
Do you audition a lot? Was this normal?
I’d never acted before.
Did you take lessons or prepare in any way for the rehearsal?
I took some singing lessons but didn’t prepare that much for the acting. I’ve been dancing since I was 7 and I’m 13 now.
Is there one kind of dance you like best? Tap? Ballet? Jazz?
I don’t have a specialty, I love all of it. I’d always danced around the house and one day my mom signed me up for a Jazz class.
Are you like Billy in any way?
We both have a passion for dance.
Is there any part of the show you really look forward too?
I love the whole show, but especially “Electricity.” It’s really difficult but it’s become one of my favorite numbers.
What are the ups and downs of life on the road?
The fun part is getting to perform and work with all the amazing people who are a part of this tour. The hard part is we’re in a new city every week and living in a hotel.
