Review Roundup: BILLY ELLIOT at Spreckels Theatre

BILLY ELLIOT runs through October 8 at the Spreckels Theatre. Based on the heartwarming and award-winning film, 11-year-old Billy stumbles from the boxing ring into a ballet class. After discovering his extraordinary gift and passion for dance, Billy struggles to find acceptance from his coal-mining father. With a book and lyrics by Lee Hall and music by Elton John, BILLY ELLIOT is a powerful story of one boy's journey to follow his dreams and inspire his community to find solidarity in the midst of challenging times.

The cast stars Charlie Garton as Billy Elliot, Doug Tompos as Dad, Joy Yandell as Mrs. Wilkinson, Luke Monday as Tony, Mackernan Jarman as Michael, Alexandra Gonzalez as Grandma, Morgan Carberry as Mum, Ed Hollingsworth as Forman, John B. Williford as Big Davey, Donny Gersonde as Braithwaite, Tom Brault as Boxing Coach, and Zachary Guthier as Adult Billy.

The cast also includes Scott Arnold, Beth Alison, Randall Eames, Brooke Farnum, Steven Freitas, Kyle Hawk, Paul Morgavo, Jacob Narcy, Amy Perkins, Thomas Reasoner, Jon Sangster, Zachary Smart, Debra Wanger, Julia Dawson, Sophia Dimmick, Marina Hall, Jamie McCoy, Kayla Pak, Simon Pak, Eileen Parks, Adelina Rocha, Claire Scheper, Aaron Schueler, Cassidy Smith, Kaitlin Yamano, and Catalina Zelles.

BILLY ELLIOT is directed by Neil Dale, with musical direction by Don LeMaster, and choreography by Jared Nelson.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune: The story is touching and occasionally raw, but it's the dancing that soars. Jared Nelson, CalBallet's associate artistic director, has put his own stamp on the dance numbers, particularly Billy's "Angry Dance," when he furiously pirouettes, taps, kicks and hurls himself around the stage after his coal-mining dad refuses to let him audition for the ballet. Bringing Billy to life is the astonishingly talented Charlie Garton, a 10-year-old Del Mar grade-schooler who started dancing just three years ago. Not only can Garton pull off the rigorous ballet, jazz and tap demands of the role, he's also got charisma, a confident stage presence, a sweet singing voice and a natural flair for acting and dialect.

Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune: Tompos, a Broadway veteran, has found the right mix to express his torn emotions and there is a nice contrast between him and Monday, whose near-boiling over anger regarding the strike is more apparent. Yandell pushes Billy without being too pushy. She challenges him while nurturing the motherless boy in an attached yet unattached way. Many of the musical numbers are intense due to the violent strike, but they are nicely contrasted with softer moments.

Jean Lowerison, San Diego Gay and Lesbian News: Liverpool native Neil Dale directs a huge (and hugely talented) cast of 37. Add to that Don Le Master's 13-member orchestra of 13 and you get a big, wonderful production. The big find here is Charlie Garton as Billy. Ten-year-old Garton (who greatly impressed Dale when they were in a production together last year) may be a year younger than his character, but he is a born dancer, with the stage presence and delivery of a fine actor. He's a pleasure to watch... The choreography is all excellent, but a few pieces stand out. At one point Billy and CalBallet soloist Zachary Guthier as Adult Billy do a stunning pas de deux to part of "Swan Lake," stunningly lit by ChrisTina Martin.

Carol David, Carol's Theatre Reviews: Overall the cast is terrific with strong voices and great dancing. There is so much in this show to see and appreciate, some necessary, some not so to cover here so as not to take anything away from your enjoyment. Excellent support comes from the extra large cast of over forty including some favorites, Ed Hollingsworth, Paul Morgavo, Amy Perkins and Debra Wanger to mention a few.

Photo: sdmt.org

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