The new Billy Elliot love thread- Page 42

[yankees1253]

Posted: 9/27/09 at 11:31pm

All five of the cast members who left today will be missed. So adorable about Trent and David at the end of Letter Reprise.

David Bologna-Michael
Erin Whyland-Debbie
Casey Whyland-Tracey Atkinson
Heather Ann Burns-Sharon Percy
Grady Bowman-Male Ensemble Member.

Would love a review. Maria Connelly will replace Erin as Debbie.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 9/27/09 at 11:39pm

While it's "cute" for those in the know, MOST of the audience would not be....and that's not fair to them. Granted, it's not a huge deal....but I buy my tix to see a show, not for personal moment.

[Coraline]

Posted: 9/27/09 at 11:41pm

I somewhat agree - I heard one girl telling her parents "That was kind of cheesy how he said the actor's name"

Clearly didn't know that back story, and it kind of ruined the moment for her.

[Kev]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 1:46am

and that's not fair to them. Granted, it's not a huge deal....but I buy my tix to see a show, not for personal moment.

Final performances almost always include a personal moment, or something special. This moment was short and sweet. The result was just fine.

[Billy Whiz]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 2:17am

Was there no announcement before the show started? For Tanner Pflueger's last night, in London on Sept 26th, Stephen Daldry came on stage before the start and gave a very emotional speech about Tanner and explained that it was his farewell show. Updated On: 9/28/09 at 02:17 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 3:47am

But to someone that had no clue, they would have been thinking: Who? What did he just say? Oops, they went up on their lines! Even if it just lasted a city minute, it takes them out of the moment.

Personally, not a huge deal, but unprofessional just the same. (I realize that it was sanctioned by the production and all...but just the same.)

[sking]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 4:26am

I'd agree IF there was no announcement before the show to indicate David was leaving but this is a BIG tradition in Billy Elliot.Thats the biggest usual change but sometimes theres a couple more during the many goodbyes emphasizing this really IS a goodbye. That being said I hear that Tanner's last show 2 days ago in London had NO changes...we think its up to the leaver whether or not to make the changes. Should be interesting what if anything they do for Kiril's last show, I hope theres at least a speech of some kind. In the end these are kids and the Billy production team tend to remember that and personalize the last show(usually) and good for them. Yes its "cute" for us in the know but its done for THEM not us.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 9:52am

In London, there is always a little bit added on to the pre-show announcement stating if someone is leaving. If you type in "Billy Elliot Josh Fedrick's last show tribute" on YouTube you can hear the farewell for Josh.

sgv, thanks for the names.


I personally think it's nice that they said each other's name but unfair to the rest of the audience. I always think of when Idina walked out during Wicked in street clothes on what was supposed to be her last, nice for the followers, but confusing as hell for first timers and ruined the ending for them.

[Kev]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 11:16am

But to someone that had no clue, they would have been thinking: Who? What did he just say? Oops, they went up on their lines! Even if it just lasted a city minute, it takes them out of the moment. Personally, not a huge deal, but unprofessional just the same.

You've never been to a performance in which something like this was done and you liked it, but other audience members may have been in the dark as to what was happening?

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 9/28/09 at 12:04pm

^^^
Very few performers actually say names, most just say an inside joke.

[alwaysAtDance]

Posted: 9/29/09 at 12:25pm

does anyone know who is playing Tall/Posh boy now that Keean Johnson is Michael?

[willep]

Posted: 9/29/09 at 6:51pm

Essentially all the Billy's and Michael's have been playing the Tall/Posh Boy for a while now since Keean has been playing Michael...

[broadwaygirl99]

Posted: 9/30/09 at 9:43pm

Just wanted to let everyone know that Jayne Patterson has left the show and Stephanie K is back from maternity leave, she started at the 8pm performance tonight. Also Liz Pierce is now an understudy for Mrs. W so im guessing she is the new clipboard woman.

Some people probably knew this but for people that didnt here you go.

[yankees1253]

Posted: 9/30/09 at 10:04pm

The Tall Boy is being played by one of the Billys and even Keean. So many cast changes this past two weeks.

[Jenna Maroney]

Posted: 9/30/09 at 10:34pm

Paterson has joined "A Little Night Music," and according to another thread, she'll be understudy for Desirée. I have no idea if she'll be in the chorus (Liebeslieder) or if she's just going to be an understudy.

If this is true and you'd like to see her do "Send in the Clowns," try the weeks of Feb. 16 and March 30, which is when CZJ will be out.

[yankees1253]

Posted: 9/30/09 at 10:52pm

keean offical first night as michael. hope to see him on sunday.

[willep]

Posted: 10/1/09 at 12:23am

I saw him as Michael back in July. He was good. But I preferred David B....he will be missed in my book.

[zerose]

Posted: 10/1/09 at 12:35am

Liz Pearce is definitely the new Clipboard Woman. I love her in this part!

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 10/1/09 at 12:38am

Keean is so great as Michael!!

[Rudy2]

Posted: 10/1/09 at 1:27am

I went to the show this week because I've heard so much about Haydn and how wonderful she is and thought it best I catch her.

For all I've heard she was underrated. What a pleasure to see an actor so genuine and in character. The same goes for the wonderful, profoundly moving Mr. Jbara. Absolute perfection. It didn't even feel like acting; it felt totally real. Nothing new can be said about Kiril as Billy. I was blown away by the choreography.

And the whole show itself far exceeded my expectations. I don't think I've ever cried more than a couple of tears at a Broadway show, but this time was quite a different story. Best $41.50 I ever spent. I was in the last row of the back and I couldn't have been happier. Great view. A show like this just reaches all the way back.

[Kev]

Posted: 10/1/09 at 12:37pm

Liz Pearce is definitely the new Clipboard Woman. I love her in this part!

I'd be curious to see Pearce on for Mrs. W. I only hope she doesn't "shmact" that role as much as she did the Clipboard Woman; talk about pulling focus, and not in a good way.

Keean is so great as Michael!!

I actually found him to be lacking in the role but, I'm sure he will find his groove over time. He couldn't seem to stay on pitch for the first part of "Expressing Yourself" nor did he have the comedic timing of David/Frank. That said, he was completely adorable and truly excelled in his Act Two moments with Billy.

[sgv123]

Posted: 10/1/09 at 12:52pm

I have single rear mezz ticket available for the Oct. 10th matinee. I am selling it for the usual $41.50. Pm me if you are interested.

Thanks!

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 10/1/09 at 8:47pm

I can see what you mean Kev, he is definitely no Frank or David, but he is definitely still great to watch!

The height difference between Kiril and the other children is so blatant.


OH AND HAPPY ONE YEAR SINCE PREVIEWS STARTED!
Updated On: 10/1/09 at 08:47 PM

[cglaid]

Posted: 10/2/09 at 1:24am

Has anyone seen Kiril this week? It is so nice that they're putting him on so much for his last week. For those that have seen him, have his performances seemed more emotional, as his days are wearing thinner? I can't imagine what he's feeling this week.

Good luck Kiril.

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 10/2/09 at 2:44pm

I saw Kiril on wednesday. WOW has his voice changed! Still beautiful in the role, but he struggled with many of the songs and at some points sound just didn't come out.