I have been thinking about this ever since I saw the Broadway version last month. But since this is the first time I've actually seen it discussed here I decided to start a new topic instead of writing my thoughts on the London reviews section.Billy Whiz wrote:Whilst I do like the New York version, the thing that has always concerned me about it is if Billy's dad went back to work for even one day he would be branded a scab - end of story.ERinVA wrote:I can't speak for the other changes that have been made in London since I saw the show last year, but I completely agree with this. The NY version is much better.Typically the one scene I wish would change - He Could be a Star, prior to the audition stubbornly remains the same, yet I find the New York version vastly superior.
I had heard that the NY version was different but, I have to admit, I was a bit shocked to find out that the second part is like watching a different show! The panto scene I knew would be different which makes sense, a bit more Americanized let's say but fine by me. But "He could could be a star" is a completely different scene with different meaning. Yes it is more dramatic and the fact that Billy gets involved makes it even more so and I was tempted to say that I prefer it that way too. But I would have to agree with Billy Whiz on that. In the movie Jackie does not go back to work, Tony stops him, and there is a reason for that. I'm sorry but more dramatic or not, it really changes the meaning of the scene and I don't agree with that.
Another big difference that comes to mind would be the audition scene. Why is there no dancing during the audition? Again in the movie Billy has some medical tests and then goes on to audition by dancing. And it does makes sense for a boy that auditions for the RBS to actually do some dancing....So once again why change this scene so much (even though I have to admit I loved the set design of that scene).
Don't get me wrong, I loved the Broadway show and so did both my Billy virgin friends that were with me, one of which said it was "The best thing she's ever seen" I just don't get why the big changes, the ones that change part of the plot.
The small ones like some of the words or dialogue to be more easily understood by a mostly American audience I didn't mind, even though I'm more used to the original version, I can undesrtand and I'm fine with.
I also loved "Express" it looks fantastic and really wish they could do it like that in London as well. Regarding 'Angry Dance" the part I was more afraid I wouldn't like, I actually enjoyed the first part of it more, the part that Billy taps in the "bedroom". It's longer and more intense than in London. But I still believe that there is too much going on after that with all the people and the doors and....well all that's going on up there. And no "C'mon Billy"..... Now that was saaaaad