Billy Elliot at the Imperial?

[Thesbijean]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 4:19pm

So, I just heard that Sir Elton and the other producers of Billy Elliot talked with the Shubert Org about Billy Elliot for the Imperial. I heard they talked about dates and whatnot, and that Elton and Co were unsure if they want to bring it in this coming season, with YF and Little Mermaid also opening.

I think there would be a place for Billy Elliot and it could do quite well, what do you guys think?
Updated On: 6/12/07 at 04:19 PM

[Born To Reign]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 4:23pm

I think it should come. I think Little Mermaid might be okay, but I think YF won't live up to its hype. I also heard it was slated for the Imperial for a while and that part of the understanding with the High Fidelity producers was that they would have to move if they stayed open long enough (didn't end up being a problem)

[vmlinnie]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 4:32pm

It's already advertized at billyelliotthemusical.com for opening in Autumn 2008 in New York, but they're not sure where. The Imperial would be a good venue.

Brilliant show, and despite the Britishness, it'll be a Broadway hit just for the direction and choreography, and the sheer talent of those boys.

[WOSQ]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 4:35pm

I had heard it was pencilled for fall 2008 at the Imperial.

They're doing an Australian production this fall (or spring depending on your hemisphere).

If it were coming in the 2007-08 season, the sets would already be being built and the group sales machine would be up and running.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 4:35pm

It actually is booked into the Imperial for Fall of 2008. They got the theater. They are just deciding if they want to bring it early or not, so that the Imperial can take a new tenant until 2008 if the show decides to wait until then.

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 6:15pm

I think they should open earlier than fall '08.

Perhaps if they're worried, they should wait till the summer and see how Young Frankenstein and Little Mermaid are received out of town.

[Chloe]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 7:05pm

They're already well into the casting process for the kids, but most of the English Billys had a year or so of training before taking on the part, so that's a consideration too.

[jewishboy]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 7:09pm

I know this is insanely early, but any word on who will play the dance teacher?
Updated On: 6/12/07 at 07:09 PM

[DrTheatre]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 7:28pm

I would love to see Donna Murphy as the Dance Teacher...think she would be great...

[jeremykushnier1fan]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 7:31pm

I would love to see this open! Hopefully while I'm visiting NYC...

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 7:46pm

I would love to see Beth Leavel as the dance teacher...

[vmlinnie]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 7:52pm

... Mrs. Wilkinson.

[pab]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 8:52pm

"I would love to see Donna Murphy as the Dance Teacher...think she would be great..."

They shoud to cast someone who will attend performances

[Yero]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 10:25pm

Wow pab, nice job thinking of something original to say.
Seriously, it's getting old. Knock it off.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 6/12/07 at 11:18pm

I think they should come in earlier.
Everything I have heard about this show has been positive and I Love the CD.
And if the producers believe in a show you should get it up and not plan around winning awards and stuff like that.
I feel this will be much better than THE LITTLE FISHGIRL and YUNG FRANK.

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 6/13/07 at 2:37am

Can they bring My Fair Lady and Porgy and Bess over here as well while they're at it?

[mallardo]

Posted: 6/13/07 at 7:02am

Billy Elliot is a fabulous show. Whenever they open it, it will be a smash hit - it's irresistable. And Beth Leavel is a GREAT idea! The lady I saw in the London production - she was the matinee alternate - was a lesser version of her.

[Shakespearean]

Posted: 6/13/07 at 9:38am

It's a great show, and I'd love to see it open earlier. I'm just praying that they leave it as is and don't decide to re-set it in, oh, I dunno, Buffalo or something (Full Monty anyone?). Buffalo is apparently England's closest counterpart in the USA. Ugh. Please don't mess with it! Can't wait!

[Justin D]

Posted: 6/13/07 at 11:17am

I still think i must be missing something, I saw it in london and it was a total snooze fest for me, no where near as emotional as the film. Only one memorable song for me, lots of political and linguistic stuff that frankly, most Americans just wont get. and the set, a total bore, lots of open unused space. So if it goes up against YF and Mermaid, it will have very strong competition.

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 6/13/07 at 12:36pm

Shakes...they wouldn't do that...the show's plot line is reliant on the location. Plus, the movie is relatively well known out here.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 6/13/07 at 1:44pm

I think Billy Elliot will flop in the states.