Billy Elliot The Musical: AUSTRALIAN REVIEW - Will New York feel the electricity?

[dramarama2]

Posted: 11/18/07 at 4:34am

I bought a ticket to Billy Elliot, without knowing that the Australian run was a "Out-of-town-" tryout for the changes that have been made for the Broadway Production. I was intrigued to find that this was the case, so I think it is appropriate to post this review to let Broadway know what they're in for.
Just like I expected. Absolutely remarkable cast, show-stopping dance numbers, block-buster sets and costumes...
Perfect right? Well, not quite...It seems that the show's only flaws lie in the actual show itself. Obviously i'm talking about Elton John's score and Lee Hall's Book & Lyrics.
As far as changes go, the score is practically untouched. The only changes, as far as the score goes, seem to be in the names of the songs. "Grandma's Song" is now called "We'd Go Dancing" and "The Letter", and the reprise, has now adopted the name "Dear Billy". It also seems that Billy's big dance break in "Electricity" seems to have been extended.
As for Lee's book & lyrics, same as a lot of shows that come from London or other parts of the world. They have been dumbed down. Words that an American audience might not be familiar with (eg. Bairn, Deeyun, Howway, Nowt).
So...what is wrong with the Book, Music & Lyrics. The dialogue doesn't comfortably flow into song and parts of the show that do not naturally sing are sung.

*Possible spoilers ahead*

Most of these problems arise in the first act. In fact, I cannot think of ONE problem with the 2nd act. Michael & Billy's duet, "Expressing Yourself" starts abruptly and it seems almost forced upon the actors. It is appropriate for song at this moment of the show, but due to poorly written and ambiguous dialogue in the scene before the song starts, it is not made clear to the audience why they are singing in the first place.
Later in the act there is a scene where Billy has a private dance lesson. Billy pulls out of his bag a letter from his dead mother (don't ask - long story). Once again a song starts, rather spontaneously. The song might have been alright, but the lyrics try to be a bit too poetic, so there is a lack of emotion altogether.
After, there is another song called "Born to Boogie". The song is catchy as hell but it seems too much of a show-stopper for a scene with only 3 people, the orchestra blasting like hell.

*End of Spoilers*

All in all, the show was mostly very entertaining, with some breathtaking choreography, and scenes executed brilliantly by superb acting.
How will it go on Broadway? I think if it flops, it'll flop badly, but if it succeeds, it could run for years. I'm not entirely sure if US audiences will be able to relate to a show like Billy Elliot. It is impossible to predict the outcome of a show like this.

I'll happily answer any questions anyone might have.

[alterego]

Posted: 11/18/07 at 7:53am

As I understand it many of the changes brought to this production (in rehearsal for this and subsequent productions) have been abandoned in favour of the original London book.

[ruthiefan_felix]

Posted: 11/18/07 at 8:24am

Dramarama, hav u seen the original London show before?

[dramarama2]

Posted: 11/18/07 at 3:02pm

Yes, but let's just say it wasn't exactly legal...

[WickedBoy2]

Posted: 11/18/07 at 3:19pm

Im very very surprised if this Australian production is being seen as a 'try out' for the NY run!