thm wrote:
I see you sent your's in too. Did you win?
No, but I already had bought my tickets for the show by the time I entered the competition
Otherwise I would have spammed my friends on facebook to vote for me
Wow! Is that a first in the decade-long history of BETM?
I suppose it may become more likely to happen, as the show translates to regional theatres, schools and amateur productions. After all, La Mirada came within a 'mitch' of not being able to open, as scheduled!
cglaid wrote:
Oy vey. Sorry, but it looks like Billy has very little stage presence. Also, the "choreography" is very amateurish.
I think that Billy Elliot RELIES on having a Billy Elliot who can actually dance... I mean, that is the driving force of the show after all, and when it doesn't, so much of the power and shine is diminished and takes away from the goodness of the show.
I get that places are eager to mount productions, now that the rights are available, but it is a very skill-specific show and if it's not met, it's not worth it. I'm sure I'll receive backlash, but that's my opinion.
This sounds more like some of the BYT productions that happened several years ago in the UK. Some were very good, and others not so much, from what I remember, with skill levels "all over the place." But everyone had a great time doing them, and in fact, a couple of West End Billys were discovered through this program.
I think we will be seeing more and more of this uneven quality in production values as the show expands its presence around the globe.
Just remember, that regardless of whether a production is "high end" or "low end," we love and support all our Billys, doing our best to emphasize the positive aspects of their performances as much as possible. After all, what an absolute thrill it must be for a young boy to get the chance to be a Billy!
Ellen
"I don't want people who want to dance; I want people who have to dance.”
-George Balanchine 1904 -1983
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Thank you for reminding us, Ellen, that this Forum will support all of our Billys (and Michaels, Tall and Small Boys, Ballet Girls...................) no matter how fantastic (or whatever) the production. Regionals are going to test this musical's strengths to the limit (at least the the BYT had a reduced score, script and choreography, which better suited the young actors). I am looking forward to learning how the various iterations of BETM fare, as it is presented in different ways in the future.
However, if I ever find out that a Michael is actually played by a lass named Michaela in any regional, then all bets are off!
And to add to Ellen's comment, I'm sure this production didn't have near the budget for the extensive training that the West End cast enjoy. That being said, do the ticket prices reflect this? Curious.