Local Actress Lights Up Buell Stage

DENVER (CBS4) - One of the stars of "Billy Elliot" has not only graced the Broadway stage but that of Heritage High School in Littleton as well.

Susie McMonagle grew up in Littleton, graduating from Heritage in 1980. She's been on Broadway in "Les Miserables" and toured with "Mama Mia", "The Sound of Music", and "The Secret Garden."

Now McMonagle is on stage at the Buell Theater in the pivotal role of "Mrs. Wilkinson" in the national tour of "Billy Elliot."

"When I started with 'Billy Elliot' I started as 'Dead Mum' then I was the cover to the dance teacher," McMonagle told CBS4 Critic at Large Greg Moody. "But I think it was a great opportunity for me at the time because I was in with Stephen Daldry and the creative staff and just watched.

"For me this is just a great opportunity to kick in and do the role and work with a bunch of different "Billys" that's what it's really all about."

And McMonagle is happy to be in Denver, so close to home.

"I'm thrilled to come back. I feel in a sense sort of Kumbaya but I feel like it's a full circle for me," she said.

"It just feels great to be coming, honestly, it feels great to be coming in town with a show I'm so proud of and to just get to do it for my mom and she can bring her friends."

"Billy Elliot" is at the Buell Theater through June 5.