BILLY: London vs New York

[chrissydee]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 5:18pm

So, after seeing Billy in London (I actually work at the theatre, so have had my fill of it now!) and not yet getting to it in New York- i know of a few of the changes and like the sound of them.

My question is, who has seen both?! Which changes work better? which do not? Are there any Major changes?

And, has Tanner started yet? He left us here to come to you guys... any word on how he is doing?

[Salene]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 6:15pm

Yes, Tanner has started - I believe his first performance was the May 16 matinee. Have read several posts saying he's excellent (and evidently has been asked to tone down the accent!).

I hope he comes back to London, as I'd love to see him in August.

[Billy Whiz]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 7:22pm

I've seen the London show numerous times and saw the first 5 NY preview shows. I realise that the NY show will have altered since then but I have a good idea of what's what.

The bones of the shows are very similar. Born to Boogie is slightly different and I must admit I prefer the UK version where there are no skipping ropes. Expressing Yourself again is very similar except that they have the mirror that lights up in NY - I like that. The dancing dresses are bigger in NY and there are no trousers in London. I liked the NY version when Mrs Wilkinson comes to the house looking for Billy after missing the audition. In fact the UK show now does it the same and everybody that has seen it is full of praise.

One of the major differences is in Angry Dance and most fans - but not all - that have seen both shows agree that they do not like the NY version as much as the UK one. I feel I cannot comment on Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher as I understand it has changed quite considerably since the early previews.

He Could be a Star is totally different. For a start it is not even called that in NY. In the UK dad is stopped before he gets to the pits whilst in NY he actually goes to work and has a confrontation with Tony when he returns.

The audition scene again is totally different. In NY Billy is on the stage by himself and a lady announces that she wants him to do some moves. He gets agitated as he says that he has been practicing a dance. In the UK they have a full audition scene. After this most of both shows are very similar.

You may think that I don't like the NY show compared to the UK one but this is not the case. If it was I wouldn't be flying to NY again next week to see BETM before attending The Tonys.

[ljay889]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 7:24pm

The London version didn't always have Mrs. Wilkinson coming to the house at the end of act 1?

[Taryn]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 8:16pm

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=995153#3819715