Goat a load of this, Bham! Internet sensation Billy the Kidd—the runaway goat that spent nearly a week trotting across the Greater Birmingham Area—is back in the spotlight, joining Opera Birmingham for its October 7 production of The Billy Goat’s Gruff. Read on for the scoop.

See The Billy Goats Gruff at Avondale Amphitheater

Opera Birmingham is getting ready for another incredible production with The Billy Goats Gruff on Saturday, October 7 at Avondale Amphitheater.

Perfect for families, this enchanting and heartwarming operatic retelling of the classic tale follows the adventures of three goat friends whose after-school game of hide and seek is disrupted by a big bully blocking a bridge, preventing them from being able to go home.

Remembering the wisdom of their parents and teachers about dealing with bullies, two courageous billy goats decide to find an alternative route home and share their challenges with the grown-ups. As the story unfolds, the message of empathy, resilience and friendship shrine through, making it a wonderful educational and entertaining experience for children and parents.

The cast includes:

Adreanna M. Pulliam as Lucy
Lauren Tinsley as Simone
Samuel Phillips as Otto
Joseph Robinson as Dandini
Libretto and story adaption by John Davis

Billy the Kidd joins Opera Birmingham’s The Billy Goats Gruff

Need a quick recap of what led to Billy the Kidd’s fame?

In July, the notorious goat escaped his owner and spent six days on an epic adventure through Birmingham, Mountain Brook and Irondale. Locals stepped in sharing sightings and close captures on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Billy was finally caught after nearly a week on the run at the Levite Jewish Community Center and returned to his owner. What a silly billy!

Since then, Billy’s exploits have made national news, including a recent feature by the New York Post.

With Billy the Kidd’s recent escapades aligning with their upcoming production, Opera Birmingham saw an opportunity to bring this special goat into the spotlight again.

“We had already announced that we were doing Billy Goats Gruff as our children’s opera this year when Billy the Kidd became a media sensation – and it was just too good of an opportunity to let pass! I have to give credit to Eleanor Walter, our Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, for the idea, but it fits right in with the work we are doing to make opera a fun experience for all of the audience. Having Billy the Kidd come to the show makes it that much more fun for kids and families to enjoy a day at Avondale Park.”
Keith A. Wolfe-Hughes, Opera Birmingham

Following each performance of The Billy Goats Gruff on October 7, Billy the Kidd will be available for photos with show guests. Photos are $5 with proceeds going toward Billy’s upkeep.

See The Billy Goats Gruff at Avondale Amphitheater

When: Saturday, October 7 | 10:30AM + 12:30PM
Where: Avondale Amphitheater in Avondale Park, 3839 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Cost: Adults $10 | Kids + Students – Free
Buy tickets

Tip: Bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets and refreshments and enjoy a picnic during the show.

Will you be attending Opera Birmingham’s The Billy Goats Gruff? Tag us in your photos with Billy the Kidd at @bhamnow.