cturtle's BILLY ELLIOT review- Page 3

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 4/21/05 at 4:13pm

I thought I recognized that theatre! I saw Rocky Horror there in 1999 with Jason Donovan. It's a beautiful place.

[cturtle]

Posted: 4/21/05 at 9:23pm

chloe, thanks for reproducing that post here. i think i'd have to SEE some of those changes to understand them. but it's fascinating to see a show like this evolve i wonder if the set has been changed at all ...

[Chloe]

Posted: 4/21/05 at 9:33pm

You're welcome - I haven't seen much about the sets aside from what you reported, but I was happy that an attempt has been made to improve the staging of Electricity. I love that song, and I've heard that Elton will be recording it himself as a bonus on his latest album. Also, I gather there is a big dance finale now - was that in when you saw it?

[cturtle]

Posted: 4/21/05 at 10:09pm

no, there was NOT a big dance finale. all the people came out and sang one of the workers' songs. ELECTRICITY is the song standout ... glad to hear EJ is recording it!

Updated On: 4/21/05 at 10:09 PM

[Ringo Star]

Posted: 4/24/05 at 6:31am

I have been talking to CTurtle via PM about the differences between the 3 boys in their portrayal of the role and he suggested that I posted some on my comments here so here we go:

"There are differences in the staging with the different boys - not vast differences, but especially in the dances, Peter Darling (choreographer) was/is very keen that the boys' main strengths are able to shine through. For example, prior to the changes (cutting and rearranging of the number), Liam's "Dance for Dad" was completely different to George and James'. Liam is much more of a classical ballet dancer, whereas the other two are much stronger at body-popping/street jazz type dancing. I'm not exactly sure whether they are still doing different dances as "Dance for Dad" (now at the end of "Electricity") has been changed considerably and i've not seen all 3 boys do the changed-version yet. There are other little pieces of choreography that are different too. With regards to the singing, they all sing the same songs but they are "apparently" written in different keys for the different boys, though I have not noticed this"

Hope that is of some interest to some of you!

[cturtle]

Posted: 4/24/05 at 9:53am

thanks, ringo! i think it's fascinating i was knocked out by LIAM's performance ... his ballet and tap were incredible!