Billy Elliot the Forum

Darth_Revan wrote:There's another long video with interviews and stage rehearsal on their facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=68 ... =2&theater

Whoa! From 5:03 to 6:08, that's got to be the other Billy just filling in as Older Billy, right? He's so small otherwise!

Sean

Darth_Revan wrote:

Darth_Revan wrote:Some kind of Billy Jump contest, you should upload a photo of yourself and you can win a pair of tickets.
http://noorteater.ee/uudised/tee-ise-billy-hupe/

The competition is over, here are the pictures.
http://konkurss.ohtuleht.ee/hyppa

I see you sent your's in too. Did you win?

Darth_Revan wrote:And if you are not bored, here are some more photos
http://publik.delfi.ee/news/muusika/fot ... d=71127341

Thanks for the link. There's also Kevin Haugan, the Oslo-Billy, helping Kaspar with the cake

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

Here's a good video about Dream Ballet rehearsals featuring interviews with Kaspar (Billy) and Rudolph (Older Billy):

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=68 ... =2&theater

This weekend performances have been cancelled in Tallinn because somebody got ill.
I wish him/her a speedy recovery!

(I read the info on NoorTeater's facebook page)

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.

You were right, I will post my review tomorrow

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!

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.