Review: Phoenix Theatre's BILLY ELLIOT Is A Soaring Achievement

BILLY ELLIOT is a spectacle of moving proportions, a celebration of the human spirit, that in its current presentation at Phoenix Theatre leaps and bounds with heartfelt fervor.

Two parallel struggles conjoin to reveal the habits of the heart and the risks that are required to seize liberation from the jaws of oppression. While the coal miners of County Durham (circa 1984) fight Margaret Thatcher's strike-busting tactics, a boy confronts his inner passion to break free from the chains of his family's fate and unleash his creative spirit. Opportunity rises in the form of a dance instructor who sees the seeds of his artistry and invests in his potential.

Lee Hall's book and Elton John's music have won well-deserved acclaim (multiple prestigious nominations and awards) for this majestic work. Under Michael Barnard's direction, the opus is magnum, a grand collaboration of choreography (Sam Hay), music (Alan Ruch), scenic design (Robert Kovach), lighting (Michael J. Eddy), and wardrobe (Cari Sue Smith) that all together convey the spartan conditions of the working class and give context to Billy's quest.

Two boys share the role of Billy: thirteen-year old Seth Judice and seventh grader Matthew Dean.

I saw Dean and was floored by his intensity and the skillful development of his character. No small feat for an eleven-year old. But this young man has feet that spring to great heights and reveal a natural talent with potential yet to unfold.

He's accompanied by a great ensemble that features some standout performances. As Mrs. Wilkinson, the dance instructor who offers Billy a pathway to fulfillment, Jenny Hintze radiates the pain of a life unfulfilled and the spunk of a woman determined to beat the odds. Katie Hart is moving as the spirit of Billy's "dead mum" that infuses him with inspiration and resolve. Alex Kunz is a raging force of fire against the authorities and a bully to Billy's aspiration. Then there is Ross Nemeth, who, by himself, may be worth the price of the ticket, for his stunning and poignantly-comical turn as Michael, Billy's best friend who reveals he's gay. All together it's a lustrous cast that makes this uplifting production of BILLY ELLIOT a Holiday Season must-see.

BILLY ELLIOT continues its run through December 24th.

Photo credit to Reg Madison Photography