Trent K. as Billy Elliot?- Page 2
Trent K. as Billy Elliot?
Swing Joined: 8/5/04
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#25
Posted: 10/8/08 at 4:07pm
I had the privilege of seeing Trent's Billy on West End when I went to see Billy Elliot while I was in London this past May, and I can personally say that it's amazing.
I can't wait to see how he does on Broadway!
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#26
Posted: 10/8/08 at 5:02pm
Just to let everyone know, I don't think a voice change would get that Billy let go.
A few of the London Billys had much deeper voices than others, and they still had long runs, even if their voices had changed. Plus in the movie Billy Elliot, the kid playing Billy had a voice that was in fact deeper than the average 11 year old.
So, I don't think voice changing in this show is a HUGE factor, now obviously if their voice gets too deep it could become a problem, I think it's more height in this show than it is voice. It's not like Flounder or Young Simba or something where they have to sound like an honest-to-god youngster.
"That's a good point. Next time I pee on a Starbucks couch and throw straws and napkins at a barista, I'll just yell, "YOU DON'T KNOW ME OUTSIDE OF STARBUCKS! YOU DON'T KNOW ME AT ALL!" and that should do it. "-LizzieCurry
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#27
Posted: 10/9/08 at 12:16am
Saw the show tonight, and Trent performed for the first time. The director took the stage before the show to explain that it was Trent's first performance, so it was a very special night. He said that Trent had asked to please be allowed to perform on Broadway, and he promised that if he hadn't grown too much, he would. So tonight was the culmination of that promise.
Needless to say, he was phenomenal. Just great in every single way (and so adorable!) The audience went crazy for him. I'd love to see the other 2 actors perform the role, but I'm glad I was there for Trent's first night. He's already fantastic, and can only get better as time goes on.
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#28
Posted: 10/9/08 at 12:20amI'm so happy for him!
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#29
Posted: 10/9/08 at 12:38amI agree, Trent was amazing and it certainly was a special night. The kid's dance skills are beyond belief and he stopped the show several times. Glad I was there to see his first performance. "Billy Elliot" should enjoy a long run on Broadway.
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#30
Posted: 10/9/08 at 12:59amYeah, he stopped the show for at least 3 times. For a moment, I really thought there'd be a standing ovation after Electricity. The crowd went absolutely crazy, and deservedly so. He is just phenomenal. And it must be said, as ridiculously good and polished as his dancing is, his acting was also very believable, nuanced, and just wonderful. It's one of the best musical theatre performances I've ever seen, never mind a child performance.
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#31
Posted: 10/9/08 at 1:47am
A poster over at ATC who saw the show tonight said the big curtain call megamix was missing. Someone else here said the same thing about the error-ridden show Saturday night.
Has it been cut? That would be a real shame.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#32
Posted: 10/9/08 at 2:15am
That's really great to hear about Trent. This all gets me so excited to see the show!
~Steven
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#33
Posted: 10/9/08 at 2:57amIt was my first time seeing it, so I have no idea if anything was cut. But there was nothing at the curtain call. They may just be working out some kinks. It *was* only the sixth preview, and Trent's first Broadway performance, so maybe it'll be there in future performances. I definitely plan on seeing it again after it opens.
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#34
Posted: 10/9/08 at 7:45am
In an interview with a Billy(cant remember which, one who recently finished in london I think) they said there were several keys for the songs and you knew when you were on the lowest one your time is almost up.
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#35
Posted: 10/9/08 at 12:19pm
I was there for Trent's debut last night too and the kid was simply terrific. I expected his dancing to be first rate but his acting impressed me even more. Of course, he's had a few shows under his belt
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#36
Posted: 10/9/08 at 12:53pm
I saw Billy Elliot last night too - Trent's first performance. I knew nothing about the show or music. I wanted to go in to this show that way. I did not even know that Trent previously performed the role in London.
Trent was absolutely amazing and several times it crossed my mind that I was watching a Tony Award winning performance. He may be a child in age but he is a real professional talent not to be missed!
I actually enjoyed seeing how long the applause went on and on for Trent while the everyone waited. It kind of added to the buildup (for me as an audience member) that this kid was going somewhere. It was fun!
I really loved act 1. It was remarkable to see the talent of all the young cast members. Many times I recognized that this was not a child dance recital. These young girls were giving a full professional performance equal to their adult castmembers. They weren't just dancing the parts but really acting them too!
I did not love act 2 because I wanted more music and dancing. Thought the second act was plot heavy to move so many elements forward. The British accents were good but started to bother me as did the extensive use of profanities. I am not a prude. It was funny the first few times but eventually it started to be an "oh, they said another profanity", and "they got another profanity in" - it got distracting. Also - what's with the cast literally trying to show an effort to push scenery offstage? I thought that was getting old after a while too.
I really think Billy Elliot is going to be one of the front runners for many Tony awards.
If I were to 'rate' this show based on the full ticket price I paid...I don't think the value is worth $126.50
Understudy Joined: 9/11/05
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#37
Posted: 10/9/08 at 2:40pm
I think it was Hogan Fulton's parents that said that if you were singing in the fourth key you were on your way out!
Some Billies have had quite a long run even after their voice has broken (Leon Cooke, for example), it seems to depend on size as well as voice.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/16/06
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/13/04
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#39
Posted: 10/9/08 at 3:07pmNO!!! I hope they didn't cut the curtain call number.
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#40
Posted: 10/9/08 at 5:59pm
I have absolutely no problem with the profanity in the show. It's very realistic, and it's entirely in synch with the movie (big plus for MINOR SPOILER keeping the fanny line in). I was afraid they'd tame it down a bit for the stage show, and SO relieved they didn't.
I do agree that the pushing things off the stage was distracting. At times, the actors seemed like they were struggling to push heavy scenery to the side. Hopefully, they'll work it out so it looks smoother onstage.
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#41
Posted: 10/9/08 at 6:16pmTrent's going on again tonight. He just posted it on his site.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/04
re: Trent K. as Billy Elliot?#42
Posted: 10/9/08 at 7:07pm
Since, as I'm writing this, this appears to be the most current BILLY thread, and this subject has been brought up here, thought I'd just post this here.
The sole reason the finale was pulled the last few shows is due to a safety issue, not anything to do with time. The floor of the raked stage was too slippery for full out tapping, but it's been refinished, and they (that is, the tappers) have been testing it. If all goes well, the finale could be back in as soon as tonight.
- Barb
Updated On: 10/9/08 at 07:07 PM
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