I have seen both shows (Billy twice actually) and both were amazing so, it mainly comes down to this...
1) Do you want to see a large cast and big production? Billy
2) Do you want to see an original musical? next to normal
3) Do you want to see something very emotional and touching? Either, but I should add 'next to normal' may really get to you and is somewhat depressing.
I know some people aren't crazy about small cast musicals but 'next to normal' was great.
In all honestly if I hadn't see either yet and had to choose, I would go with 'Billy Elliot' because pretending I hadn't seen either Billy would be the obvious choice for me because I love big productions and the story really interested (and still does interest) me.
Also, I don't know if this would bother you but if you see Billy next year you probably wont have that high of a chance of seeing any of the original Billys.
Have fun with what ever you choose.
2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5
May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot
Updated On: 4/28/09 at 09:51 PM