Billy (1974 Don Black/John Barry)

[elliottdb]

Posted: 4/7/23 at 2:45pm

Saw this musical twice in London almost 50 years ago and loved it. It was Michael Crawford's big breakthrough (before he got voice lessons!). Based on the film Billy Liar, it was great fun and had an excellent score. Ran for 904 performances. Never understood why it didn't get a Broadway transfer then or since. Very successful revival in the UK in 2013. I'd love to see a New York production. I think it would be a major hit. Any thoughts? By the way, original cast album is available.

Updated On: 4/7/23 at 02:45 PM

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 4/7/23 at 6:07pm

elliottdb said: "Saw this musical twice in London almost 50 years ago and loved it. It was Michael Crawford's big breakthrough (before he got voice lessons!). Based on the filmBilly Liar,it was great fun and had an excellent score. Ran for 904 performances. Never understood why it didn't get a Broadway transfer then or since. Very successful revival in the UK in 2013. I'd love to see a New York production. I think it would be a major hit. Any thoughts? By the way, original cast album is available."

It is of its time. I doubt a major Broadway production would even be considered or be successful at this point. 
 

 

[MCfan2]

Posted: 4/7/23 at 7:20pm

I have that cast album -- got it at the late lamented Colony, many years ago. I've always liked it. Good early performances from Michael Crawford and Elaine Page, and some of the songs are really catchy (just try to get "Some of Us Belong to the Stars" out of your head!). 

[elliottdb]

Posted: 4/8/23 at 2:52am

It certainly is of its time. But how many musicals which are "of their time" are performed decade after decade? 

Updated On: 4/8/23 at 02:52 AM

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 4/8/23 at 5:45am

elliottdb said: "It certainly is of its time. But how many musicals which are "of their time" are performed decade after decade?"

The ones that were hits, are now considered classics and have stood the test of time.

"Billy" is none of those things. At least not here in the U.S.

Updated On: 4/8/23 at 05:45 AM