My Thoughts on BILLY ELLIOT- Page 3

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 10/7/08 at 12:10pm

I agree with the comment about appreciating the score more once you've seen the show. When I got the CD several years ago, I played it once and sort of wondered what all the hollering was about. Having actually seen the show now, the CD sounds great.

I also agree re: the Angry Dance. I was paying so much attention to everything that was going on around Billy that I wasn't focusing on him. On the CD, it's really powerful stuff. I hope I get to see it again before official opening and I'd be very happy if Alvarez was again the Billy, although I'd be happy to see either of the other two. It certainly has woken up this season, so far.

[blanchedubious]

Posted: 10/7/08 at 2:03pm

David Alvarez is absolutely superb. This boy made me cry and laught at the same time. Cannot wait to see him mature further in the role!

[Holbee]

Posted: 10/7/08 at 6:46pm

As regards to the score: It still strikes me odd how utterly mediocre I find the score to "Billy Elliott" when I fully admit its the best musical I've seen in fifteen years (I saw it three years ago in the West End). Not that I hated the music or lyrics, some are quite nice. But its the staging, the heart, the politics, the characters...that's what makes the show so special. It moved me to the point of tears. And though the musical numbers just merely rise above 'okay', they all are directed so beautifully it doesn't really matter. I'm actually afraid to see it again in New York as my original viewing was so emotionally complete; I fear it won't stand up to the memory.

[Sauja]

Posted: 10/7/08 at 7:29pm

I'm glad to see all the excitement about this show. I just got home from buying some last row seats in November, and the guy at the box office was telling people (who were spending more money) that center orchestra and front mezz. seats aren't available until February. Have they announced the box office advance anywhere? I'm very curious.

I have to say, I resisted getting tickets for a long time because I just don't like the clips of the score that I've heard on the show's site, but with this much enthusiasm, I can't NOT go! I'm still more excited about 9 to 5 and West Side Story. I hope this year is as exciting as it seems like it might be!

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 10/7/08 at 8:43pm

Sauja, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I too was not overwhelmed by the score when I got the CD. Having seen the show, my feelings are totally different. It's interesting how it can work the other way around, too. I was enthralled with the scores of Rags and Mack and Mabel based on their recordings. When I finally did see the shows, I was disappointed. So, I guess it can work both ways.

[starboy2]

Posted: 10/10/08 at 10:05am

FANTASTIC!