Distinctly underwhelmed by Billy Elliot

[Christopher Gough]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 3:46pm

I realise that I am in a minority - but I found BIlly Elliot the Musical disappointing. Frankly, it was a much better film. The characterisation of Billy's father and dance teacher is poor - she sounds like a foul-mouthed hooker in leg warmers. In an effort to make the piece 'gritty' they have lost the sensitivity of the original characters. I found the score largely unmemorable - apart from the few set piece numbers. Appreciation of a musical is, of course, subjective and I am pleased a lot of people are 'blown away' by it - but not everyone. Oh, but the kids do dance well.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 4:06pm

what ya mean "set piece numbers"? I didn't like the score either. I haven't bought the CD either just cause it doesn't sound that great.

[Christopher Gough]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 4:11pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_Piece - that sort of thing.

[Hawker]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 7:51pm

You're not alone.

I was very excited about the almost unprecedented hype about "Billy elliot" coming from the West End. (One reviewer with a fairly prestigious track record (The Independent?) annointed "Billy Elliot" the best musical he had seen in 50 years.

Perhaps you can speak to the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts but I found the Billy Elliot score to be one of the most unappealing I've ever heard. I tried to like it but with each listening I dislike it more.

I would not be at all surprised if American audiences by and large were as underwhelmed as yourself when it hits Broadway.

For something so groundbreaking the people behind it were very indecisive for some time about its transfer possibilities.

I think I'm beginning to understand why. I now have NO interest in seeing this thing; that's how offputting I found the music and lyrics.

Grandma sings about getting a second chance at life but hopefully a life in which she is never sober; Dad laments about his bleak destiny and Billy's singing about the "electricity" he feels when dancing should be titled "Novacaine".

I'm shocked at the depth of my dislike for this score. Perhaps I'm just embittered because I was REALLY looking forward to this show.


Updated On: 4/25/06 at 07:51 PM

[cturtle]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 9:25pm

which billy did you see? we saw liam mower and wer BLOWN AWAY by his performance. and unforgettable experience.

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 10:20pm

The OCR took some time to grow on me, but now I think there are some extremely beautiful pieces in it

[Hawker]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 10:40pm

I remember telling somebody in 1988 or so that "Les Miserables" was a life-changing experience for me.

The guy gave it a very guarded review. My sister-in-law didn't like it.

The same thing happened with Mary Zimmerman's "Metamorphoses".

I don't pretend to know why one person sees TOPO 25 times and another leaves at intermission.

As of the moment the score has torpedoed the show for me and after seeing extraordinary dance like Alvin Ailey's "Revelations" or some of Matthew Bourne's work, I find it very improbable I'll find the choreography of "Billy Elliot" on the same plane.

[Chloe]

Posted: 4/25/06 at 11:27pm

You're right, and no show will ever be loved by everybody. I loved BE myself. I feel that it has just about everything you could wish for in theater - humor, seriousness, pizzazz, pathos, characters you feel strongly about, beautiful music, wonderful dancing, and very strong performances.

[leefowler]

Posted: 4/26/06 at 12:16am

I personally thought it was one of the best musicals I've seen in 30 year of theatre going.

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 4/26/06 at 12:36am

Grandma's Song and the Letter send me into sob country... almost everytime I listen to them... I love the OCR... love it.


kmc