This is a very obscure announcement............I hope it is true!
The 52nd season in full:
Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
Disgraced: Sept. 17-Oct. 18
A Christmas Story, The Musical: Nov. 5-Dec. 27
Pride & Prejudice: Jan. 28-Feb. 28, 2016
Good People: March 24-April 24, 2016
Billy Elliot: May 12-July 10, 2016
650 seats! Perfection! The audience becomes part of the story................And nine weeks? This may be more than a 'usual' regional. Perhaps the Billys (and others) will come from the Manitoba show?
I have often wondered that as the supply of US Billys dries up, why no effort to import UK Billys now retired to star in the
these small seasons.
Vancouver might be a breakthrough, There are a number of British Billys still around and within the age group. Maybe their experience will lift some of these production
My answer would be that ex-London Billys have concluded their time in that role, as many have 'aged out'. Add to that the issues over work permits, Equity rules, and the exam-focused UK GCSE education that the average 14 year old is embarking upon, and one can see the problems. Few if any would have a US/Canadian agent. They have also lived away from home, family and friends, sometimes for several years or more.
It would seem that most UK ex-Billys return home to a fairly normal life, perhaps continuing their dancing and training; some return to the stage, tv or films when they are in their later teens. I think the reason is found in the demands of UK education (GCSEs/A levels). There is also the common lament found by many young male stars, when they reach the adolescent years: the opportunities dry up, for a few years at least.
Take heart: the next US regional (Drury Lane) is training two new Billys. I suspect that, when there is a calling, a supply will be forthcoming..........................it just needs to sort itself out. It is early days for regionals, and regional artistic directors do keep in touch.
