Billy Elliot The Musical- Page 33

[BillyFan2]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 4:11am

Wow, did a new Leon and Joey start last night because I couldn't disagree more (well, except the bit about Joey). I felt Leon and Joey were absolutely amazing on their first night and that Leon created a new Billy that was completely different to all the others. As to dialect, that will come with practice and time. To me Leon's singing, dancing and acting were all top-notch and it would have been impossible to tell by looking at them that it was their first night.

Updated On: 9/21/05 at 04:11 AM

[Alan Roger]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 5:25am

If Billyfan2 had read my comments carefully it would be apparent that I was not claiming that Leon's performance was below par.Far from it. I think it is important however to provide a balanced perspective and to recognise that it will probably take a while for him to define his own Billy and to reach the very high standards already set by Liam,James and George. This is the challenge and I am sure that Leon is more than up for it. One must also remember that Leon and Joey did not have the benefit of preview performances. There was plenty of evidence last night that both boys are on continuing learning curve and have tremendous potential. My prior observations on last night were therefore made in the context of constructive support and not criticism.

[BillyFan2]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 6:07am

Apologies, the last line of your comment appeared to suggest that Leon and those that came after would struggle to reach the heights set by Liam, George and James. Whilst I can't see the future, my view of Leon is that he has the potential to raise that bar even higher and is far closer to it already than he has any rights to be in his first couple of performances.

[Chris_Downunder]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 7:31am

Updated On: 9/25/05 at 07:31 AM

[patc]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 9:20am

I'm new to this so forgive me if this subject has already been covered. Billy Elliot the musical is fantastic, and the three Billy's are outstanding, but lets not forget the other children on that stage, the ballet girls are superb with their stroppy attitudes and great dancing, the boys playing 'tall boys' and 'small boy' are wonderful and have some very funny moments and of course the 'grown up' cast really portray well the time in which the musical is set.
I look forward to hearing from people

[BillyFan2]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 11:44am

I feel a little guilty. On Leon and Joey's first night one of the first things I thought when "Tall boy" came on and said "He's Heard" was how proud he would be as it was his first night too. I resolved to mention it and then didn't. Sorry, you did a first class job. All the children are marvelous. I think that is what you see when you see it many times that you don't necessarily see when you see it just the once. Each of the different ballet girls is a character as are small boy and tall boy (multiple characters in the latters case). You all do a phenomenal job and the show certainly wouldn't be the same without your efforts. I hope you all enjoy doing it as much as you seem to.

Posted: 9/21/05 at 12:42pm

It is interesting to note that in quite a number of performances, there are some people that mutter to the person sitting next to them when the little boy walks up to the stage and climbs on. There is always the risk of someone trying to stop the boy from getting on the stage thinking that it it is some random kid.

[loopy_lucy_loo]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 1:08pm

yes! When i frist saw it me and my freinds had a little mutter to each other...wondering why the little boys mother wasnt going to get him and also why the music conductor man wasnt tryign to stop him...we just thought he wanted a closer view. but then you realise...i think its a great begining that gets the audience wondering...i like it !!!

[patc]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 1:53pm

Thanks folks, this is good feedback, I am sure if any friends or family read this they will be pleased. I forgot to mention the Michaels in my first post, FANTASTIC

[SkyDynamic]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 2:15pm

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

[Chris T]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 4:17pm

I meant to say that I was a bit disappointed that they haven't had new programmes printed yet for Leon and Joey; I'd have thought that Leon's been involved in the production long enough that they would have had the opportunity to take photos of him for the programme. All you get at the moment is a flyer saying "At this performance Leon Cooke - Billy; Joey (can't remember his surname) - Michael and a short biog of both. Leon gets a photo taken on the theatre seats, Joey doesn't even get a photo.

[Pegasus]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 4:26pm

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

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

[_clairey_]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 4:45pm

I agree that they should reprint the programmes but will they leave the other pages with all the photos of James? They could just add to the collage pages with extra photos of Leon?

Posted: 9/21/05 at 5:05pm

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

[J L Fan]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 6:32pm

Wow you really have a problem about james! now you dont want him to have a picture in the program. Well whether you like it or not James will always be know as first cast and will be special in thousands of peoples hearts. He did beat off 3,000 other boys.
when you are hanging around the theatre go have a chat to Stephen daldry about your feelings on james. Only watch out!

i cant understand why anyone would take you serious any way. has everyone read all his posts? he is a green eyed imposter! who did try to make out he was Liam, otherwise why would you make the comment about being tired?

Posted: 9/21/05 at 7:22pm

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.

[danmas]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 7:53pm

Although I think George has the best singing voice, James can put much more feeling and emotion into his songs.
It is a real shame to see him go as he is a really talented young performer.



(b.t.w. you can visit a new Billy Elliot the Musical Fan Forum/ discussion site at) http://s13.invisionfree.com/Billy_Elliot_Musical/index.php?act=idx

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 7:59pm

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 !

[Billy's Cush!]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 8:08am

Hi, I'm new here, but I thought I'd share some information with you all that you'll probably want to know.

I got a letter from James' mum, Cathy today, along with an autographed photo of James. This is what the letter said:

"I just wanted to say sorry for the delay in our reply. James gets a lot of mail so it takes time to get through it. I have to reply for him, as he now has to concentrate on his GCSEs.

James finished his run of 'Billy' on Saturday night. It was an amazing night. I don't know how he got through it. We were all in tears. He put 100% into his performance as he always did.

The CD you mention in your letter, will probably be out in October. I doubt that James will be on it as his voice had broken when they did the recording, which is a shame. They have told us that we will get a copy of him."

Hope you all find this interesting!

[BillyFan2]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 8:36am

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.

[crystal_blue]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 11:00am

hi im new to this........ i no a lot about it i just wanted to say that i will miss james and ash so and its not the same without them we have had some really good times and them times will stay with me 4 eva. it seems weird cos i feel like ya gona cum bak 4 ya next show but your not!. if ash or james are readin this i hope we keep in touch and your amazin ...friends for life. the last year was brilliant and i couldnt have got through rehearsals without you. Xxlv yaXx

[GMfan!!]

Posted: 9/23/05 at 1:39pm

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

[crystal_blue]

Posted: 9/23/05 at 5:49pm

i think as time goes by leon and joey will get better and better. I have seen leon practice all his turns and he is absaloutly amazing maybe he should join liam at the royal ballet good luck leon i no you will be amazin and i am will to come and see ya some time. i am also really upset about the person that keeps nagging at james he is one of the best mates i have ever had and even though his voice is breaking it still has so much emotion and is really exciting to listen to, you speak like you now him but you have no idea.
Updated On: 9/23/05 at 05:49 PM

[Pegasus]

Posted: 9/23/05 at 6:00pm

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!

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

[AlexL]

Posted: 9/23/05 at 6:04pm

Hey crystal_blue! How do you know James? Are you a cast member?