BILLY ELLIOT -Saturday October 11, 8:00 PM - review

[Insider2]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 11:52am

Front mezz, row E, aisle.

Perfect view. Perfect sound. Heard and saw everything with no problem at all.

Billy - Kiril Kulish

Show was stopped twice - once due to a malfunction of the "bedroom" set, and once right at the climax of the Billy ballet (with his older self).

This is a musical with many small pleasures, but the major problem, in my opinion, is that it comes riding into town on the back of so many gushing rave reviews, multiple awards, and deafening hype that there is no possible way anything could ever live up to that. If one goes in expecting some kind of spectacular blockbuster, I think that there will be some level of disappointment. If you go in with no pre-conceived notions, then you will probably find a lot to enjoy, despite the fact that this show is far from perfect.

Despite the fact that Billy Elliot is performed on one of the most hideous sets ever to grace a Broadway stage, it is populated by so many fully-realized characters that you may not notice or care.

Despite the fact that Elton John's score is totally lackluster with song names that prepare you for electricity when the result is more like a power outage, the performances are so supercharged, the choreography so outstanding that you may forgive such lazy songwriting.

On opening your Playbill, you may be struck by the very short song list. For a two-act, nearly three hour musical by one of the most prolific pop composers of our time, you would think there would be a little more...well...music. It is not to be. This is a very book-heavy show, and the book is extremely strong. At points, though, it feels more like a play with music, than a full-fledged musical.

Of the musical numbers, the Billy/Billy ballet and the closing number of Act One are serious showstoppers that will easily become classic. There are other numbers where you might wonder if this Emperor actually has no clothes. I wondered this a few times, particularly in Billy's Act One number with Michael, when they end up dancing with a bunch of giant tap-dancing dresses. Seriously. This "what were they thinking" moment immediately takes you out of the theatre and plops you in a bad theme-park show.

As for the cast, I didn't really find a weak link in the entire ensemble. They are all really fantastic. It goes without saying that Kiril Kulish is phenomenal, and Carol Shelley and Gregory Jbara also both deserve all the kudos that will eventually fly their way. The ensemble features a huge cast of children, and they are all giving wonderful performances. With large childrens' ensembles, there are usually one or two who are giving hammy, mugging performances, but I didn't see any of that here. Every one is just outstanding.

Costumes are appropriate to the setting. Lighting is sharp and moody. Set, as previously stated, is just plain ugly, and..going by the fact that they stopped twice for technical difficulties well into previews....not entirely functional.

As for the show's finale, or lack thereof, I won't spoil any surprises except to say that those hoping for some kind of giant show-stopping grand finale should probably head over to The Lion King or Phantom or something like that, because this show ends with one single, quiet moment, not with a big flashy bang. And, on thinking about it, that is probably appropriate, although at the time, my partner and I both turned to each other and said, "That's it???"

Did I enjoy the show? I enjoyed parts of it very much. As a whole...I was a little disappointed, I must admit. Again, I think it is all about perception. Had I gone in expecting a smaller show, and had I not believed the hype and been expecting the second coming of I don't even know what, I probably would have had a much better time.

As it is, while Billy Elliot may not live up to its impossibly amazing reputation, it is a fairly solid show with a moving storyline, and at the very least, it is refreshing to see something this ambitious on Broadway, instead of the fluff we are usually treated to these days.

[DRSisLove]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 11:55am

I saw the show that afternoon and it wasn't stopped at all. Glad I chose that performance, then haha.

"Expressing Yourself" (the theme park number as you called it) is a great moment in the show. If you've seen the movie, that part is very similar to it.

[Justin D]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 12:13pm

Im glad someone else on here finally realised how CRAPTASTIC the set is. I know most of you if you had your way would have all broadway shows performed on bare stages (the music and book should stand alone) but seriously.

And i absolutely hated the mega mix at the end, it totally trivalised a great story, everyone prancing around in tu-tus, please.

and I think the Billy/Billy older brother piece is so moveing because if that wonderfull (i think pre-recorded) piece from Swan Lake. I say pre-recorded ebcause when I saw it in London it had a totally different feel and volume level from the rest of the show)

pitty, since in the movie that part comes at the end and is the best part of the whole film.

[Insider2]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 12:22pm

Agreed. Craptastic is the perfect word for that set, no doubt about it.

I think a lot of people are afraid to say anything bad about this show because it has basically already been christened as a modern classic.......but as of Saturday night's performance, despite some brilliant moments, it really does have a lot of problems.

[canmark]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 12:30pm

I absolutely ADORE the move Billy Elliot, so when I saw the show in London I was a bit underwhelmed. That said, I think it's decent Broadway/West End fare, and deserves to succeed. It's no classic, but is a good show for all ages, and it's nice to see a hero for boys to look up to (the girls have Little Mermaid, Legally Blonde, Wicked, etc.).

The "dancing dresses" scene went over well in London. But then I think British people like the idea of men in dresses; where Brits see humour, Americans might see homosexuality (of course, in the old days, from Milton Berle to Flip Wilson, men in drag was done in fun; and, I suppose, Hairspray shows that the American audience can see it for fun; but the idea of a boy cross-dressing may be a bit discomforting).

And I agree that the set, esp. that 'tower' that seems to be having all sorts of malfunctions, was not terribly attractive nor inspired.

[devonian.t]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 12:39pm

Isn't the point of the dress seen that Michael is just feeling the stirrings of what will come later, whilst for Billy, it's just a laugh?

Is the company not performing the bow sequence that it has in London yet? I can't see how that could be considered "not a big ending".

[Insider2]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 12:43pm

End of show....

SPOILER

SPOILER

SPOILER

SPOILER

3

2

1

STOP READING NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW...

I don't know what this megamix is that everyone is talking about. The end of the show I saw has Michael riding up on a bike saying goodbye to Billy, as Billy leaves for the Royal Ballet. Billy runs back, gives Michael a kiss goodbye, and curtain falls. The end. Did I miss something?

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 12:46pm

Thank you for sharing!!!

[devonian.t]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 12:51pm

Maybe we're mixing terms. End of the show is as you described, but in London the bows are an elaborate 8 minute dance routine involving miners in tutus etc. Are the bows simple or do they feature an extended song & dance- co that certainly ends the London show on a high!

[jess20882]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 12:54pm

when i saw this show on 10/3, they did the megamix at the end. it was definitely an enjoyable end to a fantastic show (i managed to catch a performance without any technical difficulties!).

[Insider2]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 12:59pm

The Saturday evening performance (Oct. 11) definitely did not have any miners in tutus or anything like that. After the final scene, curtain dropped, end of show, and then when curtain rose again, full cast was on stage bowing in unison, simply, and elegantly. After the expected standing ovation, curtain dropped again, then rose.....full cast was gone, and Billy was onstage by himself in front of a big, lit "BILLY" sign. He did a private bow, and then the full cast re-joined him. End of show.

So, unless I totally zoned out or something, sounds like the megamix thing was cut.

[DDdirector]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 1:21pm

I couldn't agree more. I was there Saturday night and went in with high expectations but was extremely dissapointed. I know this has been discussed but with a price tag of $130+ on Saturday night the audience deserves to see the show as it should be, preview or not. I'm not saying that I was upset about the malfunctions and stops but the price is outgrageous. I got my ticket at 85.00 for "partial view", which was not that bad, so it didn't bother me as much. But if I were two seats over, I would be livid. Not to mention, it wasn't just some "random malfunction", these issues have been happening routinely, particularly that main bedroom set, that just looks horrible and cheap and made out of pallets.
The direction: poor. The sets: hideous. The costumes: fine. The music: one or two decent numbers, the rest forgetable. And were there any songs in ACT II other than that Thatcher Christmas number? The lyrics: fine. The best thing about this show were the performances.

[sgv123]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 1:28pm

they are working to bring back the dance finale.

[xxdrewboy85xx]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 1:33pm

how can you think the direction is poor ddirector? I think Stephen's direction is so organic and raw and doesnt feel staged at all... to me direction like that is anything but poor. Just my opinion tho.

[stageishome]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 3:09pm

I'm sorry you saw a performance in which the set broke down. I saw the show the night before and it couldn't have been better. In my opinion, the show is the strongest to come to Broadway in many, many years.

In regards to the set, I think it's perfect for the show. The set isn't meant to be a beautiful, wonderful Broadway "wow" set - it's dirty, it's not pretty, it's REAL. Tech-wise, the set is amazing - the screwdriver house-piece is incredibly complicated, and works extremely well with the show. The "pull-out" bits of the main set are very well done, and a great way to keep the set 'simple' but interesting. The simple back brick wall is exactly what this show needs - not some painted cyc with the silhouette of Billy's town. The point is: the set works for the show.

The night I saw it, the set worked perfectly and the audience ate it all up.

Elton's music and Lee Hall's lyrics, again, work for the show.

This show isn't meant to be a big splashy, Broadway musical - it's a show with heart and passion, as evidenced by a handful of numbers in the shows. Because of its heart and passion, the show is big and powerful. This show is worth every penny and I can't wait to see it again and again.

[devonian.t]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 3:46pm

I'm really surprised that they are playing around with the finale. It appeared part way through previews in London but has been a fixture ever since. It is not really a megamix but a reprise of 2 key themes.

I doubt technical reasons prevented it so it's quite mysterious.

[Justin D]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 3:51pm

I not expecting flashy, but still, its boreing. Even the snoozer Blood Brothers is more interesting to look at and kind of set in a similar location.

However i did like the audition and side stage / wing space thing they did in London (unless i am getting shows confused)

I also get the idea of the cork screw ser and hoe everything (almost) comes up out of the ground like coal miners, but it is ricketty and looks like it could fall over. the concept is nice, just a few drops around it would not kill anyone.

and to pick at some more knits, i hate shows where the floor of the stage is either ignored, or the concept does not work. The concept of a gym floor with those wood blocks is nice, but unless youre sitting up close, it just looks like a regular brown stage.

BTW, I;m basing all this on what I saw in london, I have not seen the Broadway production.

But i will admit that is is a good show and a welcome change from the recent "teenybopper" hits out there. But i still think the miners in tu-tus at the end cheapens the whole story.

[devonian.t]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 3:56pm

I agree about the floor, and didn't like the bedroom initially, but got used to it. The scene with the miner ghosts coming through the windows for Grandma's song is beautifully staged though.

The tutu miners is, I think, suggesting that there can be a dancer in any one of us. The show is not so ernest that it can't have a bit of fun either, and in London the chorus were HUGE, and their dance was really quite impressive nevertheless. Though at times I feared they might squash a little tot as they hurtled into new patterns across the stage!

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 3:59pm

I am SO glad someone else shares the same opinion of the show as me. I haven't seen it on Broadway, but I did see it in London this August and MAN was I disappointed. I was so underwhelmed and let down, it's ridiculous. The set is awful, the songs are amateur (which is unacceptable seeing as Elton John is an accomplished songwriter), and the book totally ruins the story (which is much more fleshed out in the movie), but the choreography and the acting was mind-blowing. I was so blown away by the talent and energy the cast brought to the stage that I kind of had an enjoyable experience.

I just really don't get it. I just don't.

[bundy5000]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 6:05pm

The movement of the set is like an Optical Illusion.

while fascinating it still give you a slight headache to follow.

When I saw it (1st preview) there were no interruptions.

I had only seen the movie and clips of the show from various utube such sites. I thought there could have been more "EMOTIONAL" type moments or I think there were but Billy (kiril) did not emotionally grasp yet. Still I give him a 10.5/10

During "Electricity" I felt like the echo at the end of "FREE" spiced it up from the Cast Recording. But definitely they need to work out the volume of the vocals vs. orchestrations.

I found the audience were laughing a lot at very simple common British slang. Where it might be not as funny across the pond.

[broadwaytourist]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 6:19pm

I saw it Wednesday, the 8th. I will defend the sets in their "drabness" as there was nothing pretty or exciting about working clasx English abodes or gathering halls. I think they were on spot reflecting the reality of the situation. I was annoyed at the rising bedroom a few times. It distracted from the work, but I, too, got used to it.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 6:40pm

I agree. The ugly drab sets do set the proper mood for the piece. Also pretty much a real view into the miner's existence.
I saw the show last Thursday (the 9th) and had seen it in London. I missed the Mega Mix at the end. As tacky as it was it lifted ones spirits a bit so instead of leaving the theatre with a bittersweet feeling one left on a high.
There are some changes between here and London;s version though none to drastically change the feeling of the show. There is still a lot to work out with lighting in the second act. Billy at times was dancing in the dark as was his father was when singing "He Could Be a Star" There are a few book moments that need clarifying or sharpening but all in all I thought it was a solid show and am looking forward to going back again once it is frozen.

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 6:53pm

I saw the show last Wednesday night and loved it! There were no stops, though it did seem that some of the scene changes ran a bit long. Given our current economic climate, I think this story will really resonate with American audiences. I was moved to tears more than once and would gladly pay to see the show again!

[Patash]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 10:09pm

I'm curious about the boys playing Billy. When I saw the show in London, the Billy I saw was an amazingly trained and skilled dancer, particularly in ballet. That sort of "ruined" the show for me. The point of the whole thing is that Billy has the drive and the basics and the energy to be a dancer, but he is NOT skilled. I was talking with the house manager in London, who smiled and said I wasn't the first one to say that -- and the Billy we saw that day was indeed a very trained dancer, unlike most of the others who played it.

[BwayFan832]

Posted: 10/14/08 at 2:00am

All three of the Broadway Billys have extensive dance training- Kiril Kulish in ballet and ballroom dance, David Alvarez in ballet, and Trent Kowalik in Irish step dance and tap. I understand your point about Billy not being a trained dancer throughout the show, but I think it still works to have a trained and, in the case of these boys, pretty close to expert dancer in the role. At the beginning of the show, Billy IS a beginner dancer and dances as such. Throughout the show, Billy learns more about ballet. I'd say there are two numbers where he dances "too well"- spoilers I guess if you've never seen the show and don't want to know- the Swan Lake dance and Electricity. Swan Lake, though, is a dream sequence, and the choreography for Electricity is certainly beyond what Billy would actually be able to do at that point. But it's theater- suspension of disbelief! I for one would rather see a Billy like the three we are lucky enough to have here than one with less training and experience. As I said though, I get what you're saying Patash and I'm sure others would agree with you.