Billy Elliot The Musical — Page 31

Here is an article I read from Contactmusic.com, it is quite interesting, I post here to share with u guys!

BILLY ELLIOT director STEPHEN DALDRY is panicking about taking his hit British stage show to Broadway, New York, as he faces having to drag his teenage actors away from important school exams.

Daldry is considering using young US performers if he can train them to recreate an accurate English accent, but he fears either solution will be an upheaval.

He says, "The only thing stopping us is the problem with schools.

"Do you take English boys away from their GCSEs (compulsory exams taken by 16-year-olds)? Or do you set up a school over there and train the American lads to speak with an English accent?

"That's the only thing standing in the way right now."

15/09/2005 13:43


contactmusic.com

If you do go to the show this weekend, be sure to think a little extra about Tom, who will be playing the small boy, since he will be doing his very first performance this Friday evening and then both shows on Saturday. There is a picture and article on the fansite.

/Johan

Billy Elliot - The Fansite

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Updated On: 9/21/05 at 04:26 PM

I disagree, if they leave James's pictures, then they will have to leave Liam's and George's and every other Billy after that - imagine after a number of years how many pages there will be. It is time for people to move on - James is no longer Billy, which is a shame, because he was excellent.

Updated On: 10/30/05 at 05:05 PM

I was speaking for Liam at that time (he did not ask me to). I have spoken with Stephen Daldry on several occasions - although what we talked about was private - let me tell you this, Mr.Daldry has the same respect for all of the Billys - James, Liam, George and Leon are all equals in his eye. Just because certain people were the first to play Billy, it does not mean that they are the best - in fact, after a while, the boys playing Billy will be able to learn from the other as well as put in their own unique element.

I have expressed my affection and love for the show numerous times. I was blown away when i saw it in London back in May and it is one of my all time favorite shows !
BUT
I find all that delay of the Cast Recording ridiculous and very disrespectful for the fans. At least they should have set a release date by now. I've never seen a Cast Recording being released AFTER most of the Original Cast members have left the show ! Just my opinion, which is coming out of my impatience for getting my hands on that beautiful score !

Thanks for that Cush, much appreciated. I agree with Cathy, James was absolutely amazing on his last night, as was Ashley. Quite how they got through it I have no idea, it just shows what incredible professionals they both are.

BI, I agree with many of your sentiments so I can't say I blame you but there's an adage for boards like this.... "Do not feed the trolls". I think we can all see through the B.S being spouted by L.M, or at least I hope most of us can.

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Hey, just like to say thanks to Billy's cush in sharing his letter with us. We now know that you do get a reply! Also, would like to welcome crystal blue to the thread!
GMFan!!X

Updated On: 9/23/05 at 01:39 PM

Don't bother about nasty posts. I've seen James, and I know what he can do! Hopefully someday I will get to see Leon and Joey as well. I've heard a lot of good about their performances. So, Leon and Joey, one day I will be in the audience, and you'd better be as good as I've heard you are!

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Updated On: 9/23/05 at 06:00 PM

I have been reading this board for some weeks with interest and amusement, but I now feel compelled to post a reply. I too have enjoyed watching the show on more than one occasion, and I feel it is the best show I have ever seen (Broadway included) All the cast are superb and the company are to be congratulated on the beleivable characters they have created, non more so than the kids.

However I do feel that some not all, of you avid fans, now need reminding that some of the comments you make are extremely uncalled for, spiteful, and downright rude. What you need to remember is that these are CHILDREN!!!! you are talking about. They may be WORKING! in an adult industry but even so they are just regular kids doing an extremely hard task night after night. Along with the show never forget the other everyday things they have to contend with such as growing up!!, living away from home!, schooling, rehearsing, training etc etc. and all this before the age of 16. True they may be amazingly talented youngsters, but all the same at the end of the day they are only regular kids. Some of them may read these boards, the sensible ones may not, but never forget they too have friends and families, and there is nothing more hurtful than reading cruel comments, when all your child is doing is trying to entertain the likes of us.

Long may the show run, and I thank those of you who have posted some wonderful views and photos. But please think twice before posting and choose your words carefully, as LITTLE ONES may be reading !!!!!

Hi everyone - i've just joined too and agree with what 'swallow' says - but anyone who ciriticises the kids in the show must be crazy as well as nasty. I've only been able to see it a few times because its so expensive, but me and my friends from 6th form college all love the show and will come more soon when we've saved up.

'crystal_blue' please dont be upset by what anyone writes on here about James, we were lucky and got tickets for his last show and even though I only saw him that one time i will never forget the experience. And as for saying he's not good looking... please!!!! Get some glasses L.M! He's lucky he's not a couple of years older or half our year would be after him! And that goes for George too!

Before i go I also just have to say that although Hayden Gwynne is amazing and Joe Caffrey shows such emotion the times i have seen him I just adore Isaac James who plays the Older billy. It says in the program he is a model too, if anyone knows where we can find pictures of him modelling please let me know and make me very happy!

You are right - James did a great job when he was playing Billy Elliot and for this he should be congratulated. He should also be wishes the best of luck with his GCSES - hopefully his will not get nervous about them - he shouldn't do as he performed excellently in front of hundreds of people.

There are now autographed posters available at the theatre of James, George and Liam for £10.

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