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Play, Shows, Musicals
Aloysius J. Gleek:
--- Quote from: Front-Ranger on October 16, 2008, 02:17:41 pm ---Has anybody seen Billy Elliott the Musical which is in previews on Broadway? I loved the movie!
--- End quote ---
Hi, Lee!
Yes, I've seen Billy Elliott the Musical twice--
I saw it more than three years ago in London (in July 2005) with the amazing James Lomas, one of the three--and many arguably believe the best--original Billys on stage.
James Lomas
Now, I have seen BE again two weeks ago in previews in New York, with Kiril Kulish as Billy. I thought Kiril excellent, but I thought James the stronger dancer and actor (he was older); he was also more desperate, more lost. Very powerful. When James had to leave the production (the Billys grow up!), he was very, very sad. Elton John took an interest in him, brought him back to London, put him in school, and he works with the production back stage.
Kiril, as I said, is marvelous; very good dancer, wonderful actor, and has a lovely affect--delicate but game.
I'll just mention that Haydn Gwynne, the original Mrs. Wilkinson from the London production, is here in New York, and she's fantastic. It's a great show, and all the children are really first rate.
I will also say that bringing the production across the Atlantic has changed it somewhat; the stage is a bit too big, the staging is a bit too broad, a bit too mainstream, a bit too straight (I think), but even so, it is definitely worth it! (I'm hoping to see it again with David Alvarez--but the 'Billy Schedule' is secret, unfortunately!)
The New York production of Billy Elliot the Musical
Left to right, Trent Kowalik, David Alvarez and Kiril Kulish
with E. John
Front-Ranger:
Thanks for your report! Is Billy still playing in London? That's too bad about the Billy schedule being secret. Of course, I could not decide which Billy to see if I had the choice! Kiril seems to be a very athletic dancer with high broad leaps. The thing I liked most about the original Billy of the movie was his gracefulness.
Aloysius J. Gleek:
I agree, Jamie Bell was wonderful--
Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell)
Opening (3:26)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCoeelE08nM[/youtube]
Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell)
Crossdressing (2:42)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o6fOv1O0qQ&NR=1[/youtube]
Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell)
The Chance To Dance (4:29)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reUxGgfUIc8[/youtube]
Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell)
The Letter (3:14)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uEJahf7xFo[/youtube]
Billy Elliot
Swan Lake (Finale) (1:33)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uyg24hOiog&feature=related[/youtube]
Aloysius J. Gleek:
--and now on Broadway:
Billy Elliot the Musical
Katie Couric, Elton John and
The Three Billys in the New York production (8:46)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma9nIRn0uXo[/youtube]
Aloysius J. Gleek:
Billy Elliot The Musical
NBC's Today Show (part 1) (3:49)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIzIjcIK7Og&feature=related[/youtube]
Billy Elliot The Musical
NBC's Today Show (part 2) (4:56)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb6foJjUIBQ[/youtube]
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