Billy Elliot The Musical- Page 126
Billy Elliot The Musical
BillyFan2
Stand-by Joined: 7/25/05
#3125I guess the trade unions here are weak sisters.
Posted: 12/20/05 at 3:17amPlease note that L.M has nothing to do with the show and his forecasts thus far on this board have been nothing short of pitiful. As to it all being British actors, I strongly doubt that will be the case.
All great things must come to pass. We know the first will soon be last and in the ground we may be lain , but a seed is sown to rise again.
#3126DES AND MEL
Posted: 12/20/05 at 4:28am
TV Alert!!!!
DES AND MEL (Tuesday, December 20, 13:30, ITV VIDEO)
Not sure which Billys are appearing. Maybe Travis????
If you miss it, stay tuned for clips at http://billyelliotthemusical.me.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=58
Accy
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#3127Broadway
Posted: 12/20/05 at 4:52am
L.M. Where did you get your information about a Broadway opening in Dec 07 with an all-British cast?
When I was in London in October, Tim Healey told me that BETM was coming to Toronto in 2006 prior to heading on to Broadway. Other shows such as LION KING and MAMA MIA have also had their dry runs in Toronto first.
I'm hoping for an all-British cast myself. I remember reading articles where Stephen Daldry has fretted over this (concerns about preparations for GCSEs), but children of diplomats and other British youth live around the world and get along just fine. Since rumour has it there was an American boy at the Billy Elliot House this week, however, it looks like he will probably cast Americans in the child roles.
Mr. Daldry....if you read this...please remember...
OLIVER! opened in New York in 1963 after a 3-year run in the West End with an all-British cast in the lead roles with the exception of Barry Humphries (Dame Edna / Mr. Sowerberry) who is Australian. Although he did not start until 1964, another young Englishman named David Jones played the Artful Dodger in the New York version. Older readers to this board may know that he later moved to Hollywood to be the lead singer in a certain musical group (I believe it had something to do with primates).
Accy
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BillyFan2
Stand-by Joined: 7/25/05
#3128Broadway
Posted: 12/20/05 at 5:36amMaybe some of our american friends can help us on this, but I believe there are some strong equity rules on who can and can't perform on Broadway. Recently an 11 year old British boy was blocked by equity from appearing in Tarzan on Broadway as he was British and there were American actors that could do the part: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/95675.html
All great things must come to pass. We know the first will soon be last and in the ground we may be lain , but a seed is sown to rise again.
BillyFan2
Stand-by Joined: 7/25/05
#3130DES and MEL
Posted: 12/20/05 at 6:43amI'm at work but the Sky+ is set !!
All great things must come to pass. We know the first will soon be last and in the ground we may be lain , but a seed is sown to rise again.
#3131Broadway Union Rules
Posted: 12/20/05 at 6:59am
BillyFan2,
I think that article seals it...due to union rules, it will most likey be an American Billy on Broadway.
I'll have to check if those same rules apply in Toronto and to the adults.
Accy
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#3132The Recording
Posted: 12/20/05 at 12:35pm
Caroline-Q-or-TBoo, I am so glad that you like the recording. It is true that the clips cannot do it justice.
In the same vein, however, the recording cannot do justice to what the score does for the show. I do not want to be overly critical of your critique, but to say that the score does not do the story justice without seeing the show is unfair.
The score is multi-layered, with the requisite production numbers, but also beautifully inspiring, intimate moments. "The Letter" is a fine example, as is "Deep into the Ground." Even "Electricity" for all its excitement is surprisingly intimate. What we learn about Billy in that song is so personal.
I would respectfully disagree about Jason Robert Brown. While a fine composer, I am not sure he is the man for the job. If you can get your hands on the text, please read Sir Elton's notes in the souvenir program about the creation of the music. It is an interesting read. He talks about the use of distinctively English musical styles, in particular the vernacular of the English music hall. I think it illuminates what Sir Elton sought to accomplish.
"I am open, and I am willing,
For to be hopeless would seem so strange.
It dishonors those who go before us,
So lift me up to the light of change."
Holly Near
#3134Broadway
Posted: 12/20/05 at 2:23pm
As I understand it, Equity tries for an exchange program; if a British actor is to take a role on Broadway, an American actor needs to take a role in the West End.
An exception can be made, however, if an actor's performance is of such a quality that he/she should be the one to create the role in the States. This was the case with Jonathan Pryce and MISS SAIGON, though it was highly controversial.
Again, that is my understanding without fact checking.
"I am open, and I am willing,
For to be hopeless would seem so strange.
It dishonors those who go before us,
So lift me up to the light of change."
Holly Near
#3138Broadway
Posted: 12/20/05 at 3:52pm
it's hard to get a not-too-well-know-brit over to play on broadway... equity is very stiff, but they are getting more lax, for instance- there has been an influx of british directors.
DBillyP- have you heard the score for Parade? it's masterful, i believe JRB could've created a wonderful score for BE.
but that's just my opinion.
thank god BE is transfering to the US, i doubt i'd ever be able to see it if it didn't!!
"Picture "The View," with the wisecracking, sympathetic sweethearts of that ABC television show replaced by a panel of embittered, suffering or enraged Arab women" -the Times review of Black Eyed
#3139Broadway
Posted: 12/20/05 at 4:16pm
I have heard and do enjoy the PARADE score. I would love the opportunity to to see a full production of it. I don't doubt his score for BE could have been wonderful, but I do think that Elton brought some things to it, based on the article I mentioned, that JRB might not have.
I do hope you get a chance to see the show. It is, perhaps, the best show I have ever seen. I wish you could go to London to see it.
"I am open, and I am willing,
For to be hopeless would seem so strange.
It dishonors those who go before us,
So lift me up to the light of change."
Holly Near
#3140DES AND MEL
Posted: 12/20/05 at 7:25pm
I have updated Page 1 of the Multimedia thread to include clips from TODAY WITH DES AND MEL with George and James, including Lin's 13 and 23 MB versions, as well as versions sent to me by my netfriend Dekpurn (20 MB and a whopping clear 50 MB version!!).
http://billyelliotthemusical.me.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=58
As I sit inside my igloo on a cold winter's evening waiting for Amazon to deliver my OCR as the sled dogs howl, these UK video clips help keep me going until I can return to London in June.
Accy
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Links to the DES AND MEL clip
#3141TV Poll
Posted: 12/21/05 at 6:55am
To add to the fun, I have created a new poll in the multimedia thread to select the overall favourite TV appearance of 2005 among Billy Elliot fans. Voting will go on for 2 weeks.
http://billyelliotthemusical.me.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=58
Accy
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VOTE for your Favourite BETM TV Appearance of 2005
matthew3
Chorus Member Joined: 7/24/05
BillyFan2
Stand-by Joined: 7/25/05
Stand-by Joined: 12/31/69
rent18
Chorus Member Joined: 6/8/05
#3145Lassie
Posted: 12/21/05 at 4:46pmHey I have some questions. If someone could PM me the answers I would be appreciative. I am going to London in March and seeing the show March 2nd I believe. its a Thursday night show so does anyone have a clue who will be playing Billy? Also, what are the best seats? Dress Circle? Grand Circle? Orchestra Stalls? I am ordering them on Ticketmaster since I am in the USA. Also, is there another way to order the tickets online since Ticketmaster won't let us buy some of the shows. THANKS!!!!!
#3147Elton John
Posted: 12/22/05 at 3:59pmI read today that the 'cast of billy elliot' attended Elton Johns wedding. Does anyone know who went?
#3148Elton John
Posted: 12/22/05 at 6:17pm
DBilly- have you seen the recent revival of Sweeney Todd?
AH *hyperventilates* out of the over 40 bway shows i've seen, Sweeney is the best show i have ever seen. god. its so brilliant.,
"Picture "The View," with the wisecracking, sympathetic sweethearts of that ABC television show replaced by a panel of embittered, suffering or enraged Arab women" -the Times review of Black Eyed
#3149I watched 3.5 hours of BBC America to see Elton and David.
Posted: 12/22/05 at 7:33pm
I watched all the BBC America news programs yesterday and got to see most of what was available, crowd shot wise, but don't recall seeing BETM section roped off or anything.
Maybe BETM peeps were invited to the giant soiree at Elton and David's place.
Kinda neat, just due to having a personal guide when I was in Windsor, I even know where that Guild Hall is, otherwise it would be one of those "outside of London" places.
I daresay, there was a lot more joy and happiness at the ceremony for Elton and David, than for Charles and "that woman."
tzwicky
#3150READY STEADY COOK
Posted: 12/23/05 at 7:18am
Don't forget to watch:
READY STEADY COOK (Friday, December 23, 2005, 16:30, BBC2 VIDEO featuring George-Leon)
Clips should be on later this evening at: http://billyelliotthemusical.me.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=58
Accy
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#3151READY STEADY COOK
Posted: 12/23/05 at 12:09pmI just watched it and it was really good!! They even got them tapping in the middle of it!
jen4
Swing Joined: 12/23/05
#3152READY STEADY COOK
Posted: 12/23/05 at 1:38pmI agree it was great fun. Have seen show 4 times now. Have got tickets for my 80 year old Mum for Christmas hope she likes it as much as me. I think brother could become an fan as well he is going along with us.
#3153My OCR Finally Arrived
Posted: 12/23/05 at 3:16pm
Well, after a couple calls and e-mails to Amazon UK (considering I placed my order in early November and after everything I've done to promote them as the best shipping method to North America), my box set [b]FINALLY[/b] arrived today.
Turns out it was held up in Canada Customs (who then charged me $10 tax and duty). I was convinced I wouldn't get it until after Christmas.
When I left the post office, I stuck it in the CD player. Not a good idea. As soon as "Stars Look Down", I had to start wiping my eyes AND I was stuck in Christmas traffic. The other drivers must have thought I was suffering holiday depression.
All is good now. Listening to "Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher" as I write.
Accy
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