The Best Billy Elliott

[swiftolicious]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 2:20am

I saw Billy Elliott on Saturday night and thought Trent Kowalik was superb but was curious since it seems that many on these boards have seen the show multiple times, in your opinion, who is the best Billy between Trent, Kiril Kulish and David Alvarez??

[sgv123]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 2:30am

All three are equally great, don't let people persuade you that there is a superior Billy.

[swiftolicious]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 2:33am

quite honestly, anyone who can do that role and carry that show has my total respect. i was blown away! Just wondering if the other two were as good.

[sgv123]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 2:38am

Yes, David and Kiril are also excellent in the role :)

All three have different strenghts, so they shine in different areas. One may be better than the other in a certain part(in opinion), but there is no "Best Billy."

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 3:08am

I think there's already been a few threads like this, but Kiril is still my favorite. I don't think any of them are "better", but I can have a favorite, right?

[heo1128]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 3:14am

Anyone know how long they'll be around? I'm seeing the show in March. So excited!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 3:18am

Kiril's actually leaving in January or February, I don't remember exactly when.

[Salene]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 3:24am

There has been no official confirmation of that. Rumored final show is Jan 11 - but I've seen posts on ATC strongly denying this.

[dapperchapper]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 3:26am

Any reason to why he might be leaving?

[sgv123]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 3:32am

no reason at all.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 3:37am

The rumor was puberty.

[Billy Whiz]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 5:25am

Yes it has been discussed on here about Kiril leaving. I'm not 100% sure but I think the thread has been pulled.

The article stated that before previews even start there are rumours that one of the boys is to be ditched due to puberty. Now the previews started 3 months ago and Kiril has performed many times with, as far as I know, no problem with his voice breaking. The rumour is rubbish.

Regarding who is the best Billy. I personally don't think there is one but obviously everybody is entitled to their own opinion.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 8:23am

Normally, I would take that "rumor" with a grain of salt the size of the Gershwin, but a kid in my town was apparently cast as Billy Elliot and told everyone that he'll be starting in January.

[homeimp]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 11:26am

I saw Kiril only a month ago and he was sensational. I know in both London and Australia that songs were lowered for a couple of the Billy's so they could continue with the show. I find it difficult to believe that Kiril would be dropped from the cast before his 6 month contract is up. I think I read something about the boys signing for 6 months with a chance for an extension. I would like to think all 3 boys will still be around on Tony night.

[That Groovy Guy]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 12:24pm

I've only seen David Alvarez and I thought he was amazing. He got the longest applause that I've ever heard a performer get on Broadway of the 20+ years of shows that I've seen...and that was mid-show, not even at curtain calls.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 1:46pm

I've only seen David and he was phenomenal.

As far as Kiril goes I know they are going to be putting the understudy, Tommy Batchelor in on a regular basis starting January. I don't know what that means for the rest of them.

[Mamie]

Posted: 12/31/08 at 3:29pm

I read on the other board that the whole rumor of Kiril's leaving in January was started by a family member of a 'wannabe' Billy.

[TBD2]

Posted: 1/1/09 at 8:06am

"Normally, I would take that "rumor" with a grain of salt the size of the Gershwin, but a kid in my town was apparently cast as Billy Elliot and told everyone that he'll be starting in January." -ParagauGuy2

This may very well be true, but remember that it takes a few months of training before he'll actually be on stage. I think it's safe to say that this new info does not reinforce the rumor.

[rsuttini]

Posted: 1/1/09 at 11:36am

i saw david and his talent can't be put into words... i love him!!!!!

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 1/1/09 at 1:31pm

"Normally, I would take that "rumor" with a grain of salt the size of the Gershwin, but a kid in my town was apparently cast as Billy Elliot and told everyone that he'll be starting in January."

That doesn't make much sense being there putting Tommy on in January. Now that was in addition to the other 3, so again, I'm not sure.

[sgv123]

Posted: 1/1/09 at 1:42pm

I know that in London they have several training Billys at a time.

[homeimp]

Posted: 1/1/09 at 1:43pm

I don't see a problem here. Both London and Australia have or had 4 Billy's performing in rotation. They each get 2 shows a week. I would be really interested to ask each boy his preference. "How many times are you comfortable doing the show each week?" Of course if one or more boys go down with a cold, it's good to have 4 Billy's to draw from.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/1/09 at 1:49pm

Any news on HOW they are fitting Tommy into the schedule? And I thought the boys were each other understudies? I never realized there was a 4th boy available. Interesting, indeed.


I saw Trent and thought he was excellent. I am CURIOUS about seeing the other boys, but don't know if my schedule will even allow a second view until AUGUST comes around. And I wonder by then, if ANY of the original boys will be with the show.

Does anyone know how long any of the London Billy's lasted? On Average?

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 1/1/09 at 1:51pm

Well, Trent was in London for over a year. Liam Mower, one of the original Billys and the one on the cast recording was also there over a year. Just noticed this, when the production opened in London, they only had 3 Billys.

As far as the fourth boy, I feel so bad for him. He gets no attention what so ever and went through all the same training and rehearsals. This past week Trent and Kiril got sick, they had David do 3 shows in a row and the producers didn't put Tommy on for 1!

Updated On: 1/1/09 at 01:51 PM

[sgv123]

Posted: 1/1/09 at 1:52pm

I did read an article saying that on Broadway after opening night, a production cannot change how many children they have in rotation at one time. I belive it was an NY Times article, but I could be wrong.

Tommy said in Greg's blog that they will try to work him into the rotation eventually.

The shortest time for a London Billy was I believe about 6 months and the longest was 2 years, so it all depends.


Tommy had an injury, and may still have it, which is why he has not gone on yet. Updated On: 1/1/09 at 01:52 PM