"Billy Elliot" Dances into the Hearts of Broadway Fans

It's one of the hottest Broadway tickets, sold out for months. But one day I get an email inviting me to a special performance of the show for loyal theatre-goers. So, of course, I get on it right away and manage to get three tickets in the nosebleed section of the 1,435 seat Imperial Theatre. The best I can do. In a theatre as large as the Imperial, the air in that section is pretty thin, but hey do I want to see Billy now or wait months for a new block of tickets since it's pretty much sold out until next summer. It's such a plum acquisition that I even allow Jade to miss half a day of school.

For the few people who don't know, Billy Eliot is based on the much loved 2000 film. The music is by Sir Elton John with book and lyrics by Lee Hall who also wrote the film's screenplay. Set in a mining community in northern England in the 1980's during the miner's strike, a very depressing time for Britain's mining industry, it is the intertwining stories of the miners' plight which affects virtually everyone in the community and Billy's personal journey. It's also a story of brotherhood and community spirit, ignorance and acceptance.

The opening is very dramatic with news footage on the history of the mines, a precursory message of what is soon to come, the mining strike. The sets are very dark, depicting the depression of the time, but there is comedy relief and magnificent dream sequences that keep it from being too somber.

The show is very memorable although, I hate to say this, with the exception of the two songs I've heard on The Matinee "Express Yourself" and "Electricity", the Elton John score did not make me want to pay $30 on the spot for the soundtrack. And I'm a big Elton John fan with Aida being one of my favorite scores, as well as Lion King and much of his rock music, especially "Tiny Dancer", "Blessed" and "Sacrifice". I will buy it and probably grow to like it, but I did not leave the theatre singing. But all and all, a wonderful show that I think, even in today's economic climate, will have staying power. Our little friend, Heather Burns, who was a guest on The Matinee this past summer, was adorable as one of the little ballet girls who reminded me of baby chicks. Unfortunately, Trent Kowalik, who was also a guest on The Matinee and who had played Billy on the West End, was not the Billy of the Day. Fortunately, though, Kiril Kulish was, and he was marvelous. I also have to mention Frank Dolce who plays Billy's friend, Michael, who loves to dress in his mother's clothes. He was a scene stealer in the "Express Yourself" number and whenever else he was on stage. And British actress Carole Shelley as the grandmother was hilarious.

The musical opened on the West End in 2005 and won four out of the nine Oliviers it was nominated for including Best New Musical. I'm sure it will be nominated for many Tony Awards and from the buzz I've been hearing, has a good chance of winning Best Musical with the only possible competitors being Shrek which I have yet to see and, although it is closing in two weeks, 13 The Musical which Jade and I loved so much we saw it twice.

I must mention that if you can't manage a ticket to see Billy Elliot either on the West End or Broadway, you're sure to enjoy the movie which remains one of my all time favorites.

Happy New Year to all my Tameside friends.

Magic

If you wish to be mesmerised then take a trip to The Palace Theatre to see Mary Poppins.
From the first strains of the overture to the final curtain call I sat wide eyed and open mouthed. The sets were out of this world, and the cast lead by Lisa O'Hare as Mary Poppins. A faultless performance delivered with a sparkle in her eye and a spring in her step. Daniel Crossley is excellent as Bert, and Charlie Callaghan as Michael was extremely good. The Effects are outstanding with the closing sequence truly wonderful.
This show has to be up there amongst the top shows of the year.So if you haven't already booked your ticket get to it. The show runs till March but there are only a few tickets available between now and mid Jan. That's how popular it is.

The Wizard of Oz - The Lowry - Pele Productions

The Wizard of Oz is at the Lowry this Christmas. Lorna Luft (Judy Garlands Daughter) stars as the wicked witch. And she is perfect in the role. She is just the right level of evilness and even the most hardened theatre goer will find themselves sinking in to the seat. Friend of the show Joe Standerline is perfect as the Tin Man and the special effects are stunning. Regular listeners and readers will know I love anything that has Flying, Trapdoors and Special effects in it. And I was not disappointed. The Jitter-Bug scene (originally cut from the film) is superb and you will be humming it all the way home if your anything like me. Katie Schofield plays Dorothy, She was discovered in a search for Dorothy style competition and for a first professional appearance played it very well. Her acting was excellent. All in all, a good family show that kids and adults, even if they won't admit it, Will enjoy. Get your boo's and Hisses ready for the wicked witch and head down to the Lowry this Christmas.