BILLY ELLIOT reviews — Page 4

If I had to write a review I'd definitely give it a mixed review. Yes, the book has problems, yes it lags at some points (that second act is interminable, especially after "Electricity"), yes there are plenty of underdeveloped characters (sorry, don't see why people think Gregory Jbara needed more than one word in Brantley's review, he is a good actor stuck with a somewhat misconceived/underdeveloped character whose song stops the show cold, and not in a good way). However, the good aspects of the show make me forget about every negative aspect, it is so fantastic. The choreography is truly integrated with the show, the acting is top-notch, the message is uplifting and feels real (it's not Disneyfied in the way that say WICKED feels), and when the songs are good, they are great.
I really do think it's the best original musical (not revival) playing on Broadway at the time and I cannot wait to see it again. Congrats on the reviews.

---

Went to the show on November 12 and sat in the $41 seats. The view is not perfect but you get what you pay for. If I wanted to be close up I would have paid the higher prices. Only negative...if you are over 5'10 there is no leg room. If you are tall like me (6'3) you have my sympathy. I went in without hearing the score and only knew of the plot from reading from others on BroadwayWorld. I saw Kirl(?) and thought the show was fantastic. The three hours went by very quickly and did not drag...like say Equus. My major negative was they did not sell merchandise during the show. I was told that nightthey sell only during the day. I believe after opening they will. But my complaint was when I went to pick up my will call ticket during the day ...I looked at the merchandise. The seller, not once offered the information that merchandise was not being sold at night "during previews and/or press nights.) I'm not sure which was the reason. I was forced to pay higher prices at the nearby shops. I was offered to purchase online...but then would have been forced to pay shipping. Which like ticketmaster fees I hate to do.

I generally hate the WSJ -- and their politics -- but I think their review was dead on on every single point. They nail the chief problem of BILLY ELLIOT, or at least what I found to be the problem: there is zero emotional truth to anything, it feels like glitzed-up, overdone sentiment, and to use their word, bogus.

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1859143,00.html

The version that just opened on Broadway — directed, as it was in London, by Stephen Daldry — has lost a little of the power it displayed on its home turf. But if Prime Minister Gordon Brown's bank-rescue plan can become the model for the rest of the world's finance ministers, there's no reason why Billy Elliot — the best musical to come out of Britain since Miss Saigon — can't bridge the cultural chasm too.

Who has NOT seen BE yet and would like to?

---

They nail the chief problem of BILLY ELLIOT, or at least what I found to be the problem: there is zero emotional truth to anything, it feels like glitzed-up, overdone sentiment, and to use their word, bogus.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Exactly. 100%. The show will only do well because of the cast. Repeat performances have nothing to do with the score or the book. It is all about celebrating the cast.

Mamie, just because the majority of critics have differing opinions than us doesn't make our opinions any less valid.

---

I really, really want to see this show!!

---

I was there Saturday night as well, and it was the second time I saw the show. I enjoyed it as much or even more than the first time I saw it, even though I was in a $41 seat.

Excuse me??? How did I steal your username? It was available when I registered. Weird.

I personally feel that the success of the show is down to the whole cast and not just the actors playing Billy.

Just got back from seeing BILLY.

* * * * out of 5

The best parts - and there are many - are musical theatre at its finest. They help gloss over the weaknesses, mainly the score. Elton John's compositional skills have deteriorated very badly when a show like this fails to yield one single standout tune. (Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Pas de Deux doesn't count.) The book cheats with some easy jokes and a few underdeveloped characters (Michael in particular. Billy's kiss would mean a lot more if Michael had been more than central to the action.) The production values, choreography and direction generally excellent. Cast terrific, with Billy (Trent tonight)a real star performance. The Angry Dance that concludes Act one was a stunner.

Great audience but a lot of out-of-town reviewers in tonight.

---

Updated On: 11/23/08 at 11:39 PM

does anyone know which billy will be performing tonight?