May 2014 Reviews

Reviews of the show
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ERinVA
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Re: May 2014 Reviews

Post by ERinVA »

Thanks for you review, BH-London. Sounds like it was an enjoyable show despite whatever brought "Once We Were Kings" down a notch. I am really having a hard time wrapping my head around Zak Baker as "Small Boy." It had to be quite amusing to those who realized what was going on. :lol: I do remember seeing Shaun Malone play the role once, and he was certainly too big, but smaller at that point than Zak is now. Have also seen a "Small Girl" at least once. But you have to do what is necessary to get the show rolling. Sometimes traffic causes problems for the Small Boys getting to the theatre on time, and this must have been one of those occasions.
Ellen



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-George Balanchine 1904 -1983


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maria
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Re: May 2014 Reviews

Post by maria »

Just a few (yeah, right!) thoughts on the London show...

Greetings all! First off, I have intentionally NOT read any of the reviews covering Redmand's farewell, the two shows before, the anniversary show and the show after so as not to color my own observations. So, if this ends up sounding a bit repetitive, sorry! That said, once I have written, I look forward to reading everyone's reviews. Thank you so much for contributing to the wonderful memories of these fabulous past few days. And thank you all for the other reviews, which I did read, wanting to catch up on the show after I left, and particularly Matteo's appearances. So, many, many thanks for all of these great reviews!!!

How great it felt to enter into the VPT again after a year long absence. There is something gritty and raw about BETM at the VPT, so that I could hardly contain my excitement. First show was May 8 with Elliott, Zach and Dayna. First time seeing these three, but I had seen most of the rest of the cast last year when many of them were just on for their first shows. In particular Anna-Jane Casey gave a fabulous debut performance as Mrs. W., and was just on top of her game her final shows I saw. Her farewell scenes with her leading men were extremely moving, probably also due to the fact that she was saying good bye to them in reality as well. Having heard so much about him, I was excited to see Elliott for the first time. What a terrific talent! I was particularly struck by his acting - in fact he reminded me a bit of the original Billy Elliot, Mr. Jamie Bell, in terms of facial expressions and general attitude. Dancing and singing were fabulous. I could not believe that he is only 11 years old, and started in the show at age 10! Such stage presence! I don't have too many more observations on Elliott, as this was my first show after a year, and I was just soaking up the whole experience at the VPT!

The second show I saw was the Saturday matinee on May 10 with Bradley, Zak and Dayna. I was excited to see what a French man could do with the role! Well, he was FANTASTIC! Zak and Bradley were a riot in "Express" playing off each other and clearly enjoying themselves to the max. Bradley has a winning smile that he uses to great effect. I noticed that he had a particularly warm relationship with Ann Emery as grandma - during her song, he was closely watching her, serious, then smiling, always reacting TO her. Also, when he sees his mum in the Letter scene, he first smiles with pure joy, and then later is reduced to tears. Powerful stuff! Bradley also had some fun unique touches during the audition scene, completely mastering it with his nervous smiles and gestures! His electricity was masterful and showed some gravity defying moves that still have me gasping for breath.

The third show on my agenda was the Saturday night leavers show with Redmand, Freddie and Millie. Wow, wow, wow! What an electrifying evening! I saw Redmand a year ago and he was marvelous then, and now he is even better, if that is possible. He is at the absolute pinnacle of his Billy journey. In fact, this is something that I really appreciate about the London show. They do not hold onto to their Billies too long, if you know what I mean! Broadway had the unfortunate habit of doing so on occasion... Enough said about that! Redmand was wonderful from start to finish, a flawless performance through and through culminating in the longest post Electricity standing ovation (richly deserved, I might add!) I have ever experienced. He totally nailed it with some wonderful aerials that always take my breath away. It was an emotional show too, from start to finish. How can one possibly top that???

Fourth show was the reason for my long transatlantic voyage, the 9th anniversary show with the much (well not exactly much since we only learned that day what his name was!) anticipated debut of Matteo as Billy. The show began with the man himself, Stephen Daltry (always cool to see him on stage!) introducing the new cast and saying a few words as only he can do. The show featured Matteo & Mitchell, Zach and Kyria, as well as the rest of the new cast. Matteo got off to a terrific start, showing lots great singing, acting and dancing! I enjoyed Ruthie Henshall as the new Mrs. W., but I admit, Anna-Jane was a hard act to follow after the last three shows I had seen! Matteo put his all into his first Angry Dance and I was left exhausted, as I often am at the end of that number. I watched Matteo during act 2 suddenly leave the stage while dad was just beginning to sing "Deep into the ground." Now, that's not supposed to happen! I kept waiting for him to come back but he did not. Dad finished singing and the music went on without Billy singing. Then and only then did they stop the show. When the curtain next came up Stephen Daltry was there, with Mitchell sitting in his chair waiting to finish dad’s song. Stephen introduced Deka and Mitchell who gave a little wave that was funny and cute, and told us Matteo had taken ill, and really, really wanted to continue, but they all decided that would not be a good idea – not with flying next on the show! Stephen then left the stage, and everyone got right back into character for a fantastic act 2. Although I missed seeing Matteo for the second half, what a joy to see Mitchell again! When I last I saw him, he was closing the US Tour in Hartford. He was incredible then, and has only gotten better and better! He has clearly made the necessary adjustments to the London show, and seems right at home on the West End stage! His electricity is breath taking with two fabulous aerials along with graceful moves that left me tearful. What a performance! And then there was the curtain call, where Matteo came out again and was all smiles. Good to see he was OK!

My final show in London was the Tuesday show featuring Bradley, Zach and Kyria. You would think with the highs of the last two shows, this one might not have been as exciting. WRONG!!! Another fantastic outing by Bradley, ably supported by Zach and Kyria. He was once again on fire from start to finish. This kid can ACT and sing and dance – amazing. His angry dance was something to behold – he was totally and completely consumed by it, as was the audience. Act 2 was equally inspiring ending in a wonderful finale. I love watching the finale and seeing the rapport between the Billy and the entire cast. Bradley owns the stage during the finale. I still cannot get over how young these kids really are.

A few words about some of the rest of the cast. I love, love, love Deka as dad – love to watch his transformation throughout the show, and he was great during his speech on the leavers’ show. I have mentioned Mrs. W., loved Anna-Jane, and quickly warmed to Ruthie. New Tony Chris Grahamson showed great potential but he had a hard act to follow in Kevin Wathen, who was amazing in the “He could be a star” scene with Deka – WOW!!! It was fabulous to see the amazing Ann Emery again – I cannot even put it in words, but I smile whenever I think of her as grandma – what a lady! And what a JOY to see Barnaby Meredith back as older Billy – pure joy! And such a lovely gentleman at the stage door!

Finally to the entire cast of Billy Elliot from small boy to tall boy to George to mum, to every miner and every ballet girl and to the entire ensemble, THANK YOU for 5 memorable shows that I shall always hold dear to me. BETM London is as magical as ever.

To the many friends I met, both old and new, thank you for sharing this wonderful experience with me.

To David aka Billy Whiz, thank you for organizing our outing (for twenty plus folks!) between the shows on Saturday!

To the friendly and kind staff at the VPT, thank you for delicious munchies for the anniversary show and thank you for making the theatre experience so wonderful.
<- A new use for the Billy Bag!!!
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patc
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Re: May 2014 Reviews

Post by patc »

Thursday Matinee 22nd May

Matteo/Tomi/Dayna

Grandma: The wonderful Gillian Elisa

Round about 5.35pm a long queue began to form outside Specsaver’s Victoria Branch. Those in the queue were reported to be the audience for the matinee at the VPT. They were having their eyes checked out because they couldn’t believe what their eyes had seen over the previous three hours. In the (slightly amended) words of that famous theme song, “ Where do I begin, to tell the story of how great a show I’ve seen………”

There are always surprises at the VPT. I was quite surprised and delighted on arrival to see from the Board that new Billy and new Michael were on together (although I gather that when some people arrived earlier there were different Michaels/Debbies showing). The next surprise was Zak B climbing up as Small Boy. It doesn’t seem that long since Redmand took on that arduous task one day and for fans this is always great fun to watch. Kudos to Zak. In Part 2 Liam took over and was a hoot in MCMT. I would not at all be surprised to hear that he may have been delayed by traffic. I have never seen such gridlock in the Victoria area as was there at least from 11 am when I arrived in from LHR. I would also like to mention Tall Boy Caspar and, in particular, the meeting of his head with the hard curtain. It is exceptionally well done and looks very realistic as is his acting immediately following.

I had seen Matteo doing the first half of the 9th Birthday show and it was perfectly obvious that the company had found yet another gem. His full show performance this afternoon confirmed that view. Showing not a smidgen of anxiety he acted, sang and danced his way through this wonderful story with passion and amazing skills and completely won over the audience who gave him a rousing standing ovation at the end of the show. You could tell he was pleased because the smile he gave us would have a reserve of 20 million (and not pesetas either) on eBay.

The two big dance numbers were just magnificent. At this stage Matteo is slight of build but he must be fit as a fiddle because, despite a whopper of an Angry Dance that would have had even Rich Froning gasping for breath, he picked himself up, glared angrily at the occupants of the Dress Circle and strode off with a “that’ll show you lot” expression of intent.

I always look forward to the first Electricity I see from a new Billy. It is the culmination of Billy’s progress in the story and is the definitive moment for the live boy performing it. It is a great, great moment as it builds to a crescendo and the final pose is the punchline. I wasn’t expecting anything as good as this. I mean, Matteo is hardly a wet day in the show. From the point where he utters “I can’t really explain it” the hairs on the back of my neck bristled. This was a boy on a mission and he wasn’t about to pony up just a few cents worth. The Billy bag was still in the air and hadn’t even reached Deka but Matteo had already done his back flip. The music took off and so did Matteo with poise and elegance – this was what we missed on the 9th Birthday and I’m lovin’ it. You could sense the audience gasping at the unbelievableness of it (no wonder they went to Specsavers after). The applause was already on the way before he had even danced around to the back for the final spins. You sensed this was going to be a dramatic and emotional finish and it was. Came the pose, came the thunderous clapping, came the 20 million smile. What this show does for your heart and soul is incalculable. If Matteo’s folks were there today they must have been in Heaven.

Damien Jackson you are some cookie to get dancing like this from brand new Billys. I am in total awe.

Tomi Fry, as Michael, is another incredible find and I can’t recall a funnier Expressing. With absolutely no inhibitions whatsoever he enveloped the stage in floodlights with such, style, enthusiasm, sense of fun and plenty of his own little touches that there’s no use me trying to describe them and, in any event, I wouldn’t want to give away any spoilers. Great comedy timing, hilarious facial expressions and full confidence in his ability to entertain and that he did and again later on in Part 2 with the tutu. Magic.

On the way home tonight I was thinking that the production company must have one or two of these new drones constantly in flight silently searching for and seeking out the most amazing Billys and Michaels and there is no escape for them once they are spotted and captured.

I thought that Dayna had already pushed Debbie to the limits but she has conjured up not only some more adventurous cheek but I thought the short scene with Billy in front of the police was especially well done. When Billy says, “My Mam is dead”, Debbie’s response requires a pause, a sense of embarrassment at putting her foot in it, a sense of pity and also a wish to run off – all at the same time. Not easy. The timing here is all-important and Dayna got it 200%.

The Ballet Girls were super as always. They quite obviously love being on stage and show it. The Spastic Starfish was brilliantly executed and drew lots of laughs.

Anna-Jane and Kevin took their time and week-by-week developed the roles of Mrs. W and Tony and ultimately took the VPT by storm. Ruthie and Chris are doing the same. I thoroughly enjoyed their performances both at the birthday show and today’s matinee.

Claudia Bradley and David Muscat are both deserving of their promotions to full time Dead Mum and Mr. B.

It will take a while to work out who is who among the new Ensemble but, as a group, they have gelled together really well and I have no doubt we will be singing their praises as time goes by.

Cementing the show together and raising all boats we had the great Deka Walmsley. Long may he continue as Dad. His rapport and interaction with the Billys, especially those moments at the RBS before and during Electricity are such an integral part of the emotional intensity of the show. I could watch it all day. We have reached the stage that I cannot imagine the show without him.

Thanks to all at the theatre for another amazing and interesting day.

I hope Matteo slept soundly tonight secure in the knowledge that he provided the ultimate entertainment to a grateful West End audience of which I was delighted to be one.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank each and everyone who has done such great reviews of the week leading up to Redmand’s last and the birthday, the birthday itself and after the birthday. It is fascinating and a delight to read so many fan views (I knew you’d come through, Maria :D ).
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jdmag44
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Re: May 2014 Reviews

Post by jdmag44 »

LONDON REFLECTIONS-Nine Shows-4 Billies-3 Michaels-and more joy than I have experienced in a long,long time.

LONDON

I don't know why I waited so long to visit this enchanting city. So colorful,so full of history. I loved every minute of my visit,and I am grateful to all the forum members who helped me navigate, and who accompanied me on all those great daily excursions. Thanks to the "Hop on and Off Bus" I was able to take in ,Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, (my favorite) Piccadilly Circus, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and a beautiful view as we covered a large portion of the city. I must say though,London has a serious traffic problem. I will never complain about St Louis ever again. I even had "afternoon tea" thanks to Maria. The dinner was fantastic and it gave me a chance to meet and greet some forum members I had not met before. Thanks Billywhiz.

The Victoria Palace Theater

What a wonderful intimate space. A perfect venue for the show. I was able to take in nine shows and had excellent seats for them all. I must say, at every show it was a real treat to go to the front row and meet and talk with the many "regulars" a great group of characters who are as enthusiastic about BETM as anyone I have met. There were a few shows where the sound quality and volume of the dialogue was not very good. It was strange because at most of the shows it was excellent. I was glad to hear of the proposed renovations and also glad that it will be a few years away.

THE LONDON PRODUCTION

This was my first time seeing the London version of the show after having seen 59 shows in the US. There are too many "small differences" to mention them all but I will try to share my feeling about the major ones. First of all let me say that overall I loved the way the show is staged. The sets are wonderful, similar to New York, but a little better. Of course a traveling show was never able to do that.
The language. Why the bloody hell did they delete the strong language from the US version?? They left the f bomb in 4 or 5 times and took the heat for it, so why not keep it all? Now that I have seen both versions I am sure it was a BIG mistake. In Michael's dialogue it is especially hysterical. It gives great power to the song Solidarity. It is the same as in the movie and It gives a stronger,funnier,more powerful dimension to the story and the performances.
The whole staging and dynamic of "Angry Dance" impressed me a lot. It was not as "busy" or cluttered and gave a less obstructed view of the amazing choreography,and Billy's brilliant dancing.
In the second half two things struck me. In the confrontation between Dad and Tony ("He could be a star") instead of punching each other and screaming they end up in an embrace and a common awareness of their love for Billy and even Tony says "We will do all that we can do" Very. Very moving.
The rehearsal scene was beautifully done,with a much nicer set. The tape "do you have a pencil" part is very funny. Instead of not wanting to see him dance,they do expect Billy to dance but everything goes wrong. I really loved that whole scene.

NINE SHOWS

4 NEW BILLIES- -3 new Michaels - and a whole cast that was new to me.
Throughout it all, I was flabbergasted. Everything and every one was new. I was on cloud 9 1/2.

I saw Mitchell in 2 full shows and two second half's Taller now and more muscular, his fine dancing is now extraordinarily strong and graceful. I got to see him perform Electricity 4 times, what a treat. His accent is spot on adding to his great acting,and he still cries real tears at every performance. Incredible !. The kid is a star,what else can I say, and "oh how he shines" !

I got to see Elliot Hanna only once. What a little ball of dynamite. He reminded me a lot of Mitch when he first started. A beautiful sweet singing voice,real acting chops, very fine dance skills and a lot of personality.

I saw Redmand twice. I wondered if he could possibly live up to the rave reviews he has been getting since he started. Well he sure did. All I can say is he is spectacular in every aspect, a complete "wonder boy" of dance. He smiled more than any other Billy I have seen. It worked well for him and added to his very unique way of playing the role of Billy. Seeing him this first time, set me up to be so very excited for his final. Well I must repeat what I said in a previous post - "Until Redmand final show my favorite BETM show experience was Noah,s final in Hartford. BUT this was a TOTAL RUSH. NOTHING could top this show,for its quality performances by the entire cast. Redmands spectacular and oh so joyful singing and dazzling dance. With the longest ovation in the history of recorded time following his electricity,with Readmands tears of gratitude. WOW. And WOW again. Top it off with a confetti canon. I can now die in peace !!!"

Got to see Bradley twice. He is Redmand's replacement in the smile department.
A "winning smile" as they say-he certainly won me over. His acting amazed me-perfect diction, I could understand every word. He understood his dialogue and paused at the right times and never spoke over an others lines. He had the most unique and interesting facial expressions and little maneuvers than I have ever seen. What a delight to watch him. I must confess that Bradley has caused me to publicly to "eat my words" I have posted that I did not think I would like an Electricity not done in a Ballet style. So called "street Billies" with their "hip hop stuff" wouldn't cut it for me. I had even watched some of these kinds of "Street Billies" on video and was never very impressed. THANK YOU Bradly You proved me "wrong". (It's the first time like ya Na) Your Electricity was a stunning,exciting,energy filled,beautiful performance. I am so glad I got to see it twice.

Oh my God Matteo. He put me on an emotional roller coaster. I was enjoying his wonderful performance and he got ill and could not do the second half. Here was a good little actor,great tapper,with a beautiful voice and a big smile (2 smiling Billies-to replace Redmand wow) I felt so bad for him. The anniversary was wonderful and I was so glad Matteo came out at the end. Then it happened again at his next show. I was torn up. I felt so bad for him. Now I had to come home would never get to see him do a full show. I can not tell you guys how glad I am he is up and running to such great reviews.

I very much enjoyed Anna-Jane as Mrs Wilkinson. I especially loved her final scene with Billy. She played it the same at all the shows I saw with her in that role To me that's the way it should be played. I have waited through 59 shows to finally see Mrs W. break down saying good bye to Billy. "You are f---ing special" said through tears is endearing and not abrasive and adds the emotional power that scene needs (in my humble opinion).

I thoroughly enjoyed all three Michaels. What a great role for a talented kid to develop. They were all so good with their own unique little touches. I was particularly struck by Freddie's dynamic and hysterical performance

A very big thank you to all my Billy Elliot Forum friends who shared their friendship and companionship during my special time in London.

GOOD FRIENDS ARE HARD TO FIND
HARDER TO LEAVE
AND IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET

Joe
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patc
Mrs Wilkinson
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Re: May 2014 Reviews

Post by patc »

Thanks, Joe, for your summing up. Fascinating reading :D .

Your comments on the US Angry Dance are spot on. There, Billy was almost reduced to just being an accessory to the scene. In London he owns it.

Pat
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FM-Switzerland
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Re: May 2014 Reviews

Post by FM-Switzerland »

jdmag44 wrote:
GOOD FRIENDS ARE HARD TO FIND
HARDER TO LEAVE
AND IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET

Joe
Joe, it was great to meet you!
Thanks for the beautiful review as well!
Take care and best regards from Switzerland.
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jaj2636
Small Boy
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Re: May 2014 Reviews

Post by jaj2636 »

Liam was called in as Billy was going to be on. Obviously something was wrong :(
J
Barry Appleby
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Re: May 2014 Reviews

Post by Barry Appleby »

Sorry I’ve left this a bit late, but at least I think everyone will have returned home, after what was a brilliant few days which I personally enjoyed so much, with meeting so many of you, over here from the States and Canada.
I am so pleased you all had a good time while in England, sight seeing etc and of course Billy. I tell you what, I so enjoyed meeting you all, just a pity about the weather, just remember all of you, get over here again soon, I’m sure Grandma will rent you a room out!! A bit full though with about 20 or so in it.
As Pat said earlier it was so good to see all your reviews and views, all so positive, true Billy fans, I say.
A Big Thanks! To Billy Whiz for organising the meal on the Saturday it was really appreciated by us all and what a great night we had led by the unforgettable Redmand. Also another Big Thanks! to Mary and her staff at the VP for making everyone so welcome and also for the buns on Monday Night
Monday’s 9th Anniversary just as brilliant, I think all the reviews have said it all, Wow! Matteo.
I hope you all had good journeys home “Thanks for your friendship” I hope to see you all again in the future.

Cant leave without my Joke - Pats mate Murphy, wasn’t feeling to well, so he went to the doctors, who told him he was overweight and decided to put him on a diet. The doctor said “I want you to eat regularly for 2 days then skip a day and repeat the procedure for 2 weeks. When you come back in 2 weeks you’ll have lost 7 pounds”
When Murphy returned he’d lost nearly 4 stone. The doctor said “that’s amazing, did you follow my instructions exactly?” Murphy said “Yes, but I thought I was going to drop dead after 3 days”
“ From the hunger?” asked the doctor, “No” said Murphy, “from the skipping”
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Re: May 2014 Reviews

Post by kport »

Matinee - Saturday May 24th

I thought I would spend my birthday in London, where I met up with a few friends for lunch, and then over to the VPT for the matinee. I was happy to see three real stars' names on the board: Bradley, Zach A, and Kyria.

Bradley is really at the top of his game right now. He makes that connection with the other actors and with the audience that comes with experience and confidence seen in so many of his predecessors and peers. Zach is a perfect match for him, in size, skill, comedic timing and, of course, the dance. Add to that trio the bright as a button Kyria Cooper (whose climb up the loo wall was a struggle, but she stuck at it and got there) and we had ourselves a great lineup.

I have to say that, in just under a fortnight, the new additions to the cast have really found their feet. I am really liking Chris Grahamson , whose passion and physicality match that of his predecessor; I did note that he held Bradley with both hands as he dragged him on the table to 'dance, ye little bastard'........a lesson learned from Thursday's little faux pas! David Muscat has placed his stamp onto the role of Mr Braithwaite (I like the double take as his sheepishly leaves the cupboard, looks for angry Dad, then turns the other way and jumps when he sees the Ballet Girl in the corner...). I really like Gillian Elisa, who seems to be on every time I am there, and the new Dead Mom has a beautiful voice and a lovely interpretation of her songs. Thank goodness Barnaby Meredith is back; the 'flying' is back on top form after a rather lacklustre patch before his return. Of course, Deka and Ruthie are priceless. Did I leave anyone out? Really, everyone was a star this afternoon.

A couple of little observations: something went amiss with the cassette tape; I think it snapped when it came out of Billy's pocket, rendering the 'pencil fix' impossible. Bradley deftly handed both to the Clipboard Man who made it look as though nothing went amiss. In the Scottish Dancer moment, when Dad 'adjusted' himself, the Scottish Dancer (Lee Hoy) did the same, to a hilarious response, and then proceeded to 'cover up' in flustered embarrassment - a whole new take on that scene, in my experience. And, when Billy finished 'Electricity', Dad gave a footballer's arm gesture to indicate 'Beat that!' to the crowd. It is always a pleasure to spot these little things that keep the musical fresh and personal.

It is a Bank Holiday weekend, and next week is Half Term, so not unexpectedly the theatre was about 95% full. Oddly enough, rows C and D on the left were empty, so perhaps a coach was held up in the traffic jams around Heathrow, as half the nation jets out to a 'fortnight in Majorca', or some such place in the sun. The audience was a little 'different' than normal - it didn't quite have the buzz, the cheers, nor the standing ovations of a fortnight ago, but then again, I think I was the only Forum member there! (I tried my best!). How odd, it seemed to me, to not see so many familiar faces! Ah, well, we have to plan ahead for next year...........
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angelenroute
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Re: May 2014 Reviews

Post by angelenroute »

More thanks all around to everyone who's posted a review or reviews lately! I know I'm not great at singling you all out, and hate to offend when I do mention one or two by name, so please let this count as a thank you to EVERYONE!

It's been very nice reading my fellow Americans' reviews, especially those who had never seen the London production before. It really is like a pilgrimage going to visit the London production, one I'm very blessed to have made back in 2007, my very first (and only) time seeing the London show. To hear how Angry Dance is received by American fans, as well as He Could Go and He Could Shine, and The Audition, and the cursing in general, and of course George's bit at the start of Act II...it brings me back! I don't remember it all, but I do remember all the magic and newness of the experience. Obviously, as it was my first Billy show anywhere, it was filled with newness anyway!

So to all those who crossed the puddle for the occasion earlier this month, I hope you can get back soon! And for all those who make the trip from other parts of England, or Ireland, or Switzerland, or elsewhere, I hope you will keep going back whenever you can, to honor the show and its amazing performers, and of course to treat us all to a great review too!

Warm wishes all, AND MUCH THANKS ALWAYS!
Sean

"Good writers define reality; bad ones merely restate it." -Edward Albee
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