Sharon Student Spending Summer on Broadway Stage

Sharon eighth-grader Noah Parets is spending his summer vacation getting graded.

The reviews are on his performance under the spotlight of a Broadway musical.

Parets, 13, is playing the lead in "Billy Elliot: The Musical" during its U.S. tour this summer, debuting July 1 in Lousiville, Ky. The show is at Boston's Opera House from July 24 to Aug. 19.

"In a typical week, we rehearse or take dance classes about five days a week at least for some portion of the day," Parets says.

"I usually perform two shows a week and I always need to be at theater for two additional shows on stand-by."

After Boston, Parets will join the tour in Detroit, Memphis, Buffalo, Toledo, St. Paul and other cities on the tour, according to his mother, Robyn Parets. Tour tutors will work with him on his schooling, she says.

This interview was conducted by e-mail.

SHARON PATCH

What drew you to acting?

NOAH PARETS

Billy Elliot is my first experience acting in professional show.

Prior to this, I mainly danced, but oftentimes I had to play a character through my dance.

I always loved this and wanted to do more acting. I am so happy to have this amazing opportunity.

SHARON PATCH

What inspired your interest in playing Billy?

NOAH PARETS

I saw the movie and then the musical. That sparked my interest at first. I knew I wanted to audition for this role.

SHARON PATCH

What’s your favorite part of playing Billy?

NOAH PARETS

I love entertaining an audience and doing what I love to do -- dance, act and sing.

Billy inspires many people to live out their own dreams against the odds, and I love to be part of this important message.

SHARON PATCH

What was your first performance as Billy like?

NOAH PARETS

Before I went on, it was very nerve-wracking. But after I went on, I couldn't believe I could put all my training together to go out and do it. It was the greatest feeling of my entire life.

SHARON PATCH

School starts later this month. Will you have time for a vacation before then?

NOAH PARETS

I have a couple weeks off after the Boston shows end. I hope to go to the Cape and visit my grandparents. Getting some time at the beach would be awesome. I also want to see my friends!