Billy Elliot the musical in San Francisco-Reviews..Mixed- to-Negative?

So, Tuesday night Billy Elliot, the musical opened at the Orpheum Theater in SF.

What do you all make of these reviews, would you say mixed-to-negative, or mostly positive?


Review: ‘Billy Elliot’ – All that glitters is not gold | Stark Insider
www.starkinsider.com
Admittedly, Sir Elton John has composed some of the most memorable pop melodies of our time, but he fails to deliver a single one for this disappointing, albeit often entertaining, extravaganza.


Review: "Billy Elliot" dances its way to San Francisco | deadAWESOME
www.deadawesome.net
I can hardly tell stage left from stage right, but I do know a good show when I see one. If you catch Billy Elliot at the Orpheum Theatre, you'll know it too.

Thank goodness Billy Elliot dances well | Leslie Katz | Entertainment | San Francisco Examiner
www.sfexaminer.com
Billy Elliot, the character, is a smokin’ dancer. “Billy Elliot the Musical” isn’t so hot.The drama, sentiment, passion and excitement that permeated the excellent 2000 movie starring Jamie Bell as the young dancer and Julie Walters as his crusty ballet teacher don’t pervade the touring version of ..

'Billy Elliot' review: mesmerizing adaptation
www.sfgate.com
RATING: (POLITE APPLAUSE) Billy Elliot: Musical. Music by Elton John. Book and lyrics by Lee Hall. Directed by Stephen Daldry. Through Sept. 17. Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., San Francisco. Two hours, 55 minutes. $...

alf Moon Bay Billy Elliot dazzles on Market Street
www.examiner.com
The Broadway hit Billy Elliot The Musical just opened in an astonishing display of stagecraft, singing and dancing at the Orpheum Theatre on Market. Ballet danc

Review: 'Billy Elliot' in San Francisco - San Jose Mercury News
www.mercurynews.com

Review: 'Billy Elliot' in San Francisco

From its hard-nosed themes to its electric choreography, "Billy Elliot" flies higher than any other Broadway musical in recent memory.

it's a sweet, great show...but did not expect some of the harsh reviews that I read.

It wasn't very good, and the kid who played Billy at my performance sucked. The only part I liked was the finale of ACT 1.

"I've never seen any Billy that was great at anything but dancing. I was pretty annoyed that they won the Tony Award....they were not excellent performers; they were excellent dancers in a manipulative, adequate musical."

I'm confused...from this statement ("I've never seen ANY billy...")
it seems you've seen the show a few times. Why would go see an "adequate musical" more than just the original time you saw it?

I really don't understand why so many people don't like this show. I think its frickin brilliant! Maybe I am biased because I am a dancer and the movie is one of my all time favorites, but I think its one of the best musicals of the millenium. Stephen Daldry is a genius- its no wonder he's been nominated for an academy award for ever film he's ever directed thus far.... and his stage work is just as equal.

However, I never saw the production in the states, but I saw it in London with the the Original Cast ( Liam as Billy) and I haven't been so mesmerized by a show since when I saw Cabaret with Natasha and Alan and The Goat with Sally Field and Bill Pullman.

I had an extremely emotional reaction to this show, and rank it as one of my favorite I've ever seen. However, there is no question that the original cast had a LOT to do with it.

NO ONE can play Mrs Wilkinson like Haydn Gwynne. She, Greg Jbara, and Santino Fontana had such an incredible connection to the material, and the Billys weren't half bad either. I still remember the snow scene very vividly, and of course, the scene where Mrs. Wilkinson tells Billy goodbye - the woman was just out of control. Will Chase excluded, I did not feel the same connection to the show after the replacement cast had gone in.

Finally people are realizes how mediocre this show is.

NEXT TO NORMAL > BILLY ELLIOT

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And SF critics are mostly a joke. I've never even heard of those first couple reviewers. And a critic from Half Moon Bay?

Betty, I COMPLETELY agree with you about that tutu dance.

I saw an early preview with no curtain call, aside from Billy having a star bump. SO much more effective.

double post

Updated On: 7/2/11 at 03:09 AM

I saw the Wednesday matine and I loved it. This was my first time seeing it. The staging was brilliant, and the dancing was beautiful. The story had some holes (I didn't know that the brother was the brother until halfway through Act 1) and I thought the music was too loud in contrast to the voices. The accents were fine, because I could still follow. I didn't expect many moments in the show, such as the (SPOILERS) dancing clothing or Billy's aerial ballet. But the show was breathtakingly stunning and I was near tears multiple times. I thought Faith Prince did a great job.

Also, the mostly canned band was obvious with the strings to the point where it was cringe-worthy.

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I saw the show last night here in San Francisco as well, and I really liked it too! It was phenomenal, and the children's dancing was flawless!

I haven't seen the tour or any other production than Broadway, but I've seen the Broadway production tons of times - with each of the original boys and 8 others. I love the show and think the best Mrs. Wilkinson I've seen is actually Liz Pearce. Joel Hatch is a fantastic dad as well as Greg Jbara's, and I love Will Chase and I'm sad to see him go next Sunday.

dramamama611 - If you are looking for a current Billy who is a true triple threat, please please please catch Tade Biesinger. His first performance was stellar and he looked like he'd been doing that show for a year now. His dance is strong even though he's so little. His acting is top-notch and will make you laugh until you cry, then cry until he has you laughing again. And his voice! He matches pitch like a boy choir singer and has a gorgeous vibrato that will make you melt. I highly suggest him - and no, I'm not related or anything. I just haven't seen a Billy this good in so, so long.