My Thoughts on BILLY ELLIOT

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 11:48pm

The bottom line: the race for Best Musical has ended before it's even begun.

BILLY ELLIOT more than lives up to the hype, and for a first preview, I'm in awe at how tight and succinct it already is.

The cast is uniformely excellent. Haydn Gwynne brings just the right mixture of jaded bitchiness and earthy maternity as Mrs. Wilkinson, soaring while leading "Shine" and "Born to Boogie" (though the latter should truly soar once they fix the abrupt ending.) Greg Jbara is heartbreakingly earnest as Dad, and Santino Fontana shows the makings of what would have made him a stellar George in Roundabout's revival of SUNDAY... as Tony.

Carole Shelley is a riot as Grandma, particularly in the book scenes, but she missed most of the very specific "beats" in "We'd Go Dancing," though I expect she'll become more comfortable with it as the preview period goes on.

A very special mention also goes to Frank Dolce, who comes close to walking away with the show as Michael. His duet with Billy as they try on women's clothes to a parade of dancing dresses, "Expressing Yourself," was the big show stopper of the evening (next to the brilliantly choreographed "Solidarity" and the powerful eleven o'clock number "Electricity.")

And then there's Kiril Kulish, who is every bit the star and absolutely spellbinding in what is his first ever theatrical performance. A mature and starkly honest actor, great singer, and phenomenal dancer, I can't imagine anyone being better at this role than Kulish. His "Angry Dance" and "Electricity" were powerful and riveting. True perfection and a grand start for such a young performer.

With it being so early in the process, the show's not perfect yet. The pacing of act one needs tightening, and some of the numbers (primarily "We'd Go Dancing" [known as "Grandma's Song" in the West End production] and "Born to Boogie") seem to deflate as they truly start to pick up momentum.

Technically, things went rather smoothly, though a stage hand randomly walked out at the end of "Born to Boogie" to sturdy the table and catch Kiril Kulish as he made his big tumble. They also didn't get the black out quite right at the end of act one, so Kiril was seen walking off after he'd ended the song laying on the ground.

Some stage hands were also pretty visibly seen helping with quick changes on stage during "Merry Christmas, Maggie," but considering that Stephen Daldry warned during a pre-show speech that this would be the first time they've run the show without stopping, everything went off without a hitch.

The twists and turns of the set are absolutely marvelous. Ian MacNeil really finds a way to move the action just as naturally as the characters appear on stage. Similarly, lighting by Rick Fisher is stunning.

The political subject matter and strong accents translate extremely well to an American audience. Everyone in the packed house seemed positively riveted, and I didn't get a sense anyone felt isolated or disinterested in anything in the least.

The curtain call mega-mix tends to go on a little long, but it's great fun that ends the show on the right note.

The show is truly spectacular. I am anxious to return once it's opened and see how the creative team makes it even better as time goes on.

Running time was close to three hours with a fifteen minutes intermission, which seemed to be on track.

Feel free to ask any questions. I'll do my best to answer them.

Updated On: 10/2/08 at 11:48 PM

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 11:50pm

Sounds like so much fun. I can't wait to see it!

Did you stage door? If so, how was it?

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 11:53pm

WishingOnlyWounds2, I didn't stage door, but it looked like a sizable crowd had already formed behind the barricades when I passed them on my way home.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 11:56pm

Oh, that's good to know for the future. I'm hoping to get to see the show in December, but for the time of year and the show, finding tickets are impossible!

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 12:02am

While I loved the show, I sometimes think the real star is Michael, in what is a showstopping scene stealing performance, everytime Michael appeared onstage during the Sydney production, the show soared to even greater heights.

New York is in for a treat a truly wonderful show.

[Trekkie2]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 12:08am

I MUST see this show. I don't know how or when, but I need to see this.

[antiandrewx]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 12:08am

I thought Kiril was sensational.

Tonight was such an amazing experience.

Posted: 10/2/08 at 12:14am

I'm so excited, I just may explode.

[JbaraFan1]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 12:14am

Great review and report, somethingwicked! Thanks for taking the time to post all that!

[mallardo]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 12:19am

How are the accents? Are they using the thick "geordie" accent they do in London or something more accessible? Since it's mostly an American cast I'm intrigued by this.

[BNN]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 12:27am

Not a big fan of mega-mixes or the "Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher" song, but your review makes me want to see this show even more. I can't wait.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 12:41am

I have tickets for November but I actually may go see it tomorrow evening as well...not sure yet.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 1:03am

Wickedrocks, are there tickets available for tomm evening?

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 1:06am

Thanks for the review, somethingwicked!
I wasn't sure if I should get a ticket for next week or not, but after reading your review I am convinced to see the show next week.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 1:56am

Ray, go see it!

The accents have been "toned down" considerably for Broadway.

[Here I Am]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 2:41am

It was absolutely brilliant. I can't remember the last time I was so moved by a show. Kiril Kulish was truly beyond all words.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 2:58am

Kiril is not beyond words. The word that best describes him is DIVINE.

[JbaraFan1]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 3:09am

"beyond all words" ... "divine" ... hey, they both work for me.
Some would say that the truly divine IS beyond words, so ... I'm just trying to say, I think both of you are saying the same thing about Kiril, pretty much. :)

[bundy5000]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 3:13am

it is 3:00 AM in A Town PA, Billy Elliot no word can even begin to describe it. I made a semi long journey home. The entire time I don't feel tired or exhausted. I feel like i had a pick me up that will last 5 lifetimes. I never new such a experience existed. I am beyond words. I do have some stage door pics, i got autographs from the Mrs. Wilkinson, the father, Billy, the grandmother, and Stephen Daldry (Director of the show). But Ill post them later today. Take Care. And remember all you have to do is shine!!!

(I bought $250 worth of souvenirs. I was the 2nd merchandise sale of the play) :)

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 4:59am

wooh wooh im so glad you guys are taking to Billy in the states

[Here I Am]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 7:30am

Okay, if you want me to write down some actual words to describe Kiril's performance (although I think that my original "beyond all words" pretty much summed it up).... brilliant, spectacular, beautiful, heartwrenching, professional, dynamic, emotional, amazing, fantastic, perfect, a tour de force and one of the best performances that I have EVER seen on a Broadway stage.


Better? :)
Updated On: 10/2/08 at 07:30 AM

[Trekkie2]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 9:49am

I'd like to take the opportunity to attempt to avoid one or two pointless threads in May or June by asking this question: Can we all agree that this show will perform "Electricity" at the Tony's?

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 10:25am

how are tickets for the show? Are there any tickets that aren't uber expensive?

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 10:29am

Trekkie2, "Electricity" will definitely be the big part of their Tony performance, but I think the best bet would be a medley with "Solidarity" (which showcases almost the entire company and reveals part of the storyline) that leads into "Electricity."

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 10:33am

I would think they would want to somehow showcase all three Billys on the Tony Awards, so they can't do "electricity" then right?