Billy Elliot--a MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Billy Elliot--a MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
#0Billy Elliot--a MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/20/05 at 1:21pm
It's taken 24 hours to even consider writing--i was too overwhelmed. If you've ever felt like you don't belong, and the beauty is that we all have, you'll love Billy Elliot. Elton John states in the playbill that upon seeing the movie "he had to be helped up the aisle sobbing." I've never seen the movie, but I know how he feels.
This is his best score--Aida bored me and although Lion King sounded gorgeous, this score CONNECTS. Filled with marching/parade hymns about working class solidarity, melodic ballads and lots of brass (quite accurate of the northern British sound, my native friend states), the music is so uplifting, we all feel like Billy, who's happiest when he's jumping for the stars.
The book is moving without being treacly--for every hug, there's biting wit (dear producers--please don't 'americanize' this for Broadway.)
The performances are uniformly outstanding--my Billy was James Lomas, who struts, bounces, flips and twists for three hours. This 13 year old boy OWNS the large stage and audience of 1,700.
I've never quite seen such innovative choreography--little girls in tutus, miners and shielded police all onstage together, doing a ballet(of sorts), twirling around each other as they sing alternately about protest and keeping order. Unreal.
The curtain call was also unlike anything i've ever seen, and I won't ruin it. But suffice it to say that the joy of individuality and dancing reaches its pinnacle, with the entire cast involved.
In my all-time 'Top 5' for certain (and believe me, i've seen a lot of theater.) Run, jump, fly, whatever--see this show.
#1re: Billy Elliot--A MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/20/05 at 1:25pmI'm not a fan of Elton John, but my mom loves him, so I'll probably see it with her when it comes to Broadway.
#2re: Billy Elliot--A MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/20/05 at 3:27pmGlad you liked it ! It is truly wonderful ! And I just got the new 2-DVD version of the movie (Region 2) that has two great documentaries about the show and the boys !
apdarcey
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/10/04
#3re: Billy Elliot--A MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/20/05 at 3:31pmthanks. can't wait to see it myself
WiCkEDrOcKS
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/13/04
#4re: Billy Elliot--A MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/20/05 at 3:40pmLord, when is this coming to NY!?!? I loved the movie!!!!!!
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#5re: Billy Elliot--A MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/20/05 at 3:45pm
Beav - you big sissy 
I do the same thing.
#6re: Billy Elliot--A MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/20/05 at 8:11pm
Beav--don't see the movie again! It will make the show all the more special.
#7re: Billy Elliot--A MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/20/05 at 11:15pm
MTG, i'd like to know how they did the curtain call. sounds like it's been changed since i saw it in previews ...
#8re: Billy Elliot--A MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/21/05 at 12:09amI heard that Billy started popping and locking at one point in the show. That right there kinda disgusts me.
#9re: Billy Elliot--A MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/21/05 at 5:51ampopping and locking?
#10re: Billy Elliot--A MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/21/05 at 6:10am
yeah... i am clueless... does it mean breakdancing? i googled and.....
This is what i found.
#11re: Billy Elliot--A MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/21/05 at 4:09pmthe BILLY i saw did nothing of the sort ... it was all wonderful ballet and jazz tap.
#12re: Billy Elliot--A MASTERPIECE. Believe the hype.
Posted: 5/21/05 at 6:07pmActually, it depends on the Billy. The Playbill mentions that the choreography is tailored to each of the three boys. James Lomas (my Billy) did some breakdancing, as well as flips. His bio states that he's more of a gymnast. Whereas Liam Mower is attending the Royal Ballet school, so his choreography may have focused on ballet.
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