Just Back From "Billy Elliot"- I Am Speechless!!!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:47am

I am usually not one to start a new thread with my review of a show. Normally, I will just jump on someone elses, with my thoughts.

Not tonight. Ok.. lets just get the "bad" out of the way. Again, the same tech problem delayed the show right before intermission for 5-10 minutes. Ok, bad over...

This is probably the most amazing piece of theatre that I have ever seen. I am at a loss of words.

Kiril played Billy tonight, and he is just amazing !

Loved Jbara (btw, can definitely see Robert Morse playing this role down the line. )

Haydn Gwynne- Tony is calling !!

The choreography.... what can you say? The dance sequence with the "Billys" is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen on a stage.

I could go on and on (except for being exhausted!), but really.... I am still at a loss for words. This show, and its message, will be with me for a very long time !

I can not wait to go back !!!!

[sgv123]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:52am

thanks for the review! Was the finale in?

Does anyone know which billy will be on for the Mat. tomorrow or who was on last night?
Updated On: 10/18/08 at 12:52 AM

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:53am

Trent most likely, David was on Thursday.

[Just_John]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:58am

I saw it for the first time tonight as well and I completely agree with everything you said. I'm assuming the finale is the final dance with the leads bowing individually after the first bow. If so, yes that was in it.

[sgv123]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 1:01am

yes, that is what i meant....the dance(tap number) and the bows. thanks!

[bundy5000]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 1:01am

ya wanker

[Testing1232]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 1:06am

Yep, the "finale" was in, and I liked it, but to tell you the truth, I think its a tad bit long.

It seemed to confuse the audience a bit. Everyone was already standing, but you could tell that they wanted to erupt for Kiril, but the finale really didnt give them a chance to do that.

(or, it might have, but people didnt know when it was going to end)

Would love to see "Billy" just come out for a final bow to background music.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 1:24am

I was there tonight as well.

I also had a wonderful time and thought it was a great show. Kiril is fantastic. His dancing blew me away. I was utterly amazed that a 13 year old (or thereabouts) had that much talent. Simply wonderful. I assume the other two Billys are just as good. I hope the three of them get to share a joint Tony nomination (and maybe even a win!!) for this role.

The other standout in the cast for me was Haydn Gwinne as Mrs. Wilkinson. Very nuanced, layered performance. I liked Gregory Jbara a LOT more in act 2, where I felt like he was kind of brilliant. In act 1, he didn't get much to do, and just walks around looking sullen most of the time. Carole Shelley was fine, but I wish she had more to do, and I wish she had a better song to sing.

The evening's highlights were the act 1 finale (the "angry dance") and Electricity. Those were just beautifully executed on all levels, from Kiril's dancing, right down to the lighting. Daldry staged those, and all the entire show, for that matter, brilliantly. It was a gorgeous show to watch unfold. He kept the show moving along, but didn't seem to rush anything. I actually believe, at this point, that the Best Director of a Musical Tony is Stephen Daldy's.

Oddly enough, because I know I'm in the minority, the weak point of the show for me was the score. Mind you, it's still the best score of the season thus far, but I didn't think it was "brilliant." Mind you, there are some beautiful melodies at work, but a few of the numbers just don't seem to work for me. In particular, I was not a fan of the cross-dressing Express Yourself number, which started off cute, but went on far too long.

Yes, the seat had its apparently regular malfunction near the end of act 1. I knew there was trouble when a stagehand was standing alongside Billy as he entered for that scene. It only took them about 10 minutes, however, and they were back underway. Unfortunately, the ignorant people seated on either side of me tonight were not pleased and making all kinds of nasty remarks on their surveys. The woman on my right was so clueless that she was complaining before the show about how many understudies were on (there were none- the three roles on the u/s slip tonight are all rotated, so the names represented which actor was appearing at this performance).

I do agree with others that the curtain call number is a bit too long. I disagree with whomever said that the audience never had a chance to erupt for Billy. I think the big "Billy bow" occurs when the curtain comes back up and the name "BILLY" is in lights, and Billy is alone onstage.

Overall, while its not the greatest theatrical experience of my life, it is a WONDERFUL show, easily the best new musical of the season so far (not hard to do when your competition is title of show, 13, and A Tale of Two Cities). I had a great time and highly recommend it.

Oh, and for those who were wondering, I thought the $41.50 seats were a great value. I had no trouble seeing anything. Definitely a great option for people who don't want to take out a second mortgage to see the show.

Updated On: 10/18/08 at 01:24 AM

[Just_John]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 1:31am

Or keep trying Craigslist. Someone recommended that yesterday and I checked this morning and got 2 front row mezzanine tickets for $70 each.

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 8:28am

Confuse the audience! OH PLEASE! What are you on?

[Testing1232]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 8:35am

<< Confuse the audience! OH PLEASE! What are you on?
>>

Nice reply... I shouldn't even justify your ignorant comment, but anyway. I heard at least 10 people (that all LOVED the show, btw) say that they kept wondering when the show was actually going to end (referring to the "finale")-

Sounds like confusion to me.

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 9:50am

Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[SillySara]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 9:53am

You make me so excited to see the show, Testing! I can't wait!

[matty159]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 9:56am

So happy to read yet another rave! I am so excited to see this in two weeks. I really hope they can work out all of these technical kinks soon.

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 10:12am

Its so obvious its the finale for gods sake- i've seen the show 5 times in London and the entire audience knew it was over when Billy left saying bye to Michael! -THEN the big finale starts - what else do you need to be told its over! If people think the finale gores on 'a tad too long' then i guess they didn't really enjoy the show that much and cant wait to leave the theatre!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 10:21am

<< Its so obvious its the finale for gods sake- i've seen the show 5 times in London and the entire audience knew it was over when Billy left saying bye to Michael! -THEN the big finale starts - what else do you need to be told its over! If people think the finale gores on 'a tad too long' then i guess they didn't really enjoy the show that much and cant wait to leave the theatre! >>

Maybe, I didnt clarify-- (or, you just choose to be nasty? -- your perrogative)

People knew it was the "finale".. they just didnt know when the "finale" was actually going to end.

And like I said previously, all of these people (including myself) LOVED the show !!

Your really should try and be just a tad bit more respectful in your replies.

[Robert Taylor]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 10:24am

Really looking forward to seeing the show now, Testing!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 10:26am

Robert,

It is AMAZING!!! Really brilliant!

[D2]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 10:27am

Robert Morse!?!

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 10:29am

Not sure where you think I'm being disrespectful to you but I'm not.
I don't understand why your saying people don't know when it ends??? The finale is only 5 mins long and its a celebration of the show itself. London audiences certainly aren't confused as to when it finishes. Yours with the greatest respect!
Updated On: 10/18/08 at 10:29 AM

[Testing1232]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 10:32am

My bad.. got home too late---!

David Morse- (if I am correct)-

Kept reminding me of the "Seafarer"

[D2]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 10:33am

Ah. That makes more sense.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 10:35am

<>

Guess it was this part...

<< Confuse the audience! OH PLEASE! What are you on? >>

Anyway.... SUCH A GREAT SHOW!!

[Perfectly Marvelous]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 10:39am

Glad you enjoyed it!

I was going to see this with a friend of mine, but unfortunately had to forgo that because it was too expensive and I'm in somewhat of a financial bind. She's going to see it, though,and hopefully she'll love it as much as you have. (:

[Kitzka]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 8:17pm

Thanks for the additional positive review! I am taking DD for CHristmas on Christmas day and can not wait!!! Wish i had money to go before then.

lara