Who's Your Billy?

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 11/9/08 at 2:42pm

I saw Billy Elliot on Monday night. I was hoping to see Kiril, just liked something about the graceful balletic arch of his back in a photo. David Alvarez, however, was on.

Alvarez brought a stunning athleticism to the role. His ballet form is superb and extends far beyond technique, to be expected with his ABT background. His musicality and rhythm is excellent. Plus he is an acrobat whose flips and dismounts are of circus quality.

His singing is passable, and though it does not have the crystalline ringing quality that we have become spoiled with on Broadway, given that the role is portraying a boy whose talent is dancing and who is becoming a professional dancer, I think singing is secondary in the role to his physicality, so that may work with the role rather than against it. His acting is excellent, though, and takes over and frames his whole performance to a mastery of his role. He delivers a comprehension of his performance with a maturity and sense of dedication to his audience that surprises, given his youth, and he has tremendous physical strength that gleams throughout his performance. I can't imagine the other boys are as strong as this one, but I haven't seen them yet and I hope to do so.

[Just as an aside, I am curious, after the initial hoo-hah with Equity that Americans actors should be cast for the role, whether he has become a naturalized American citizen since he was born in Canada of parents of Cuban heritage, but I expect he has his green card, at the least, as he has studied and performed with ABT in the U.S. for some time.]

Any comments on the performances of the other Billys, Trent and Kiril, or your thoughts about David's performance? Especially what are the particular strengths or styles that each brings to the role which make their individual performance memorable?

© 2008 nomdeplume by pseudonym All Rights Reserved

[NYC Blues]

Posted: 11/9/08 at 11:59pm

Dear nomdeplume,

I truly hope you have the priveledge to eventually see all three boys perform as I have.

I saw David - loved him, saw Kiril and loved him more, I saw Trent and was totally blown away!

Respectfully yours, NYC Blues

[jpbran]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 12:01am

Something creepy I can't put a finger on...

© 2008 jpbran by jpbran All Rights Reserved

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 12:19am

Holiday.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 12:31am

Kiril is my Billy, but we're both from San Diego so apparently I'm biased.

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 12:40pm

It's a bit difficult to see them all when you don't know who's scheduled for which night.

Who do you think will perform opening night? Do you think it is decided or still up in the air?

[blanchedubious]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 1:00pm

David Alvarez!!!!!
His BILLY is AMAZING!!!!!!!!

[pdjennings]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 3:19pm

is there running list of show & billy posted anywhere?

[sgv123]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 3:24pm

I have seen Trent twice already, so I would have to say that he is my Billy. He is fantastic as I am postive the other two are as well. I really hope to see either Kiril or David when I go this weekend

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 3:38pm

I've seen both Kiril and David...I hope to see Trent on either 11/25 or 12/2.

[murron]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 4:20pm

What about the London Billys?

[sgv123]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 4:25pm

I saw Leon Cooke in London..........excellent. I believe he is the longest running Billy at about 2 years.

[SillySara]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 4:39pm

Trent was the first and only Billy I have seen, thus far. He was absolutely amazing, but I am dying to see David.

I am curious to know if anyone on here has seen Corey Snide as Billy? Especially since he is now making his Broadway debut (pretty sure his Broadway debut, correct me I am wrong) in 13, which is ironically across the street from Billy Elliot.

[Billy Whiz]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 5:38pm

I was fortunate to see Corey as Billy Elliot 7 times. He was truly remarkable and was held in very high esteem by all the fans in the UK. I also saw Trent 8 times in the UK and again he is remarkable. I've only seen David and Kiril 2 times each but again they are fantastic. I, personally, do not have a favourite - I just enjoy whoever comes out on the stage

[BRDWYrobb]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 6:15pm

I went on a wednesday mat and saw kiril :)

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 8:52pm

Fox Jackson-Keen was my Billy when I saw it in London in August. While I did not enjoy the show, HE was absolutely incredible! Can't imagine any other Billy being any better. Singing, dancing, acting. Spot on.

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 11/11/08 at 7:36pm

So many Billys...
So little time