Re: July 2011 Reviews - NYC
Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 3:40 am
Sat. July 2, evening, Seat A-109
Billy - Peter,
Michael - Cameron,
Small Boy - Zachary,
Mrs. W. - Laura Marie Duncan.
So much attention has been paid to the back-to-back amazing shows on July 3rd, but let's step back to the day before. Earlier that day I had seen "War Horse" and was blown away by it (see review in the "Other Broadway Shows" section). Then it was dinner with my best friend to celebrate his 50th birthday (something I am not looking forward to next year). The day was happily capped off with the start of a 3-show Billython.
I already knew Peter was scheduled, as it had been posted on his dance school's website. I saw Peter twice very early in his run, but not since about 8 months ago, and was looking forward to seeing how he has progressed. I was thrilled when I saw Laura Marie's name on the board. I enjoyed seeing her as Mrs. W. in March, and was very impressed with her take on the role.
In addition this was my first time sitting in center row A, right behind the conductor. Before the show starts I like to look around to see who is near, and say a friendly hello. It is rare to find that the people sitting with you are also big fans of the show (unless you already know them from the forums), but that is exactly what I discovered of the two next to me. One was a lady (a NYC local) who has seen it more times than she can count. The other was younger man from Holland, who had flown in mainly to see Jacob's last show. The two had met at a previous performance. They are not members of either forum, but just fans of the show (and especially fans of Jacob). These were the "couple more Billy superfans that don’t commune with the rest of us" that Sean mentioned.
Boxing -
Cameron gave Peter one of the most convincing punches I have seen.
Solidarity -
One of the things I love about Laura Marie playing Mrs. W. is that she really acts like a teacher. A good example is the pirouette lesson. She really makes you believe she is trying to teach these kids.
When Peter had to "pick up the biscuit" I was convinced he would topple over. Most Billys wobble for a bit until they get their balance, but this lasted a long time.
Peter, Jacob and Joseph, are all masters of telling the story through their facial expressions. Each does it differently, but they are all great. Near the end as he gets ready for the final pirouettes, you can watch the progression on Peter's face. At first it's a serious look ("I hope I can do this. I think I can do this. I can do this."). The look changes to one of pure joy and glee when he is actually doing them successfully ("Yes I did it! "I knew I could!"). The same looks are seen later during "Dream Ballet" and "Electricity".
Express -
During the shoe changing the lines usually go: "Billy wins", "You cheated", and then they push the set off and start tapping. This time Peter won with lots of time to spare, so they threw in a few extra lines about "I always win", "no I always win".
One disadvantage of sitting so close ... hairy legs under the big dresses.
Letter -
I said long ago that Peter is second only to Jacob in tear production. This time he started very early on in the song.
Second bathroom scene (after B2B) -
Lilla seemed to take a really long look at Billy under the stall door. This was only my second time seeing Lilla and I was still getting used to her. She is quite a small Debbie, but has a big personality. By the end of the weekend I had grown to love her character.
Maggie Thatcher -
If you are sitting near the front center, and if Thommie Retter knows you, watch for the masked piano player to be pointing at you during this song. Rich B experienced the same thing at one of the shows in March (I believe he was in the exact same seat).
Dream Ballet -
Again I love Peter's looks of both concentration and then pure joy.
Electricity -
There were no aerials or anything exotic, but I think his ballet form has developed very nicely.
In the goodbye scene with Mrs. Wilkinson, Laura Marie is very "down to earth" in her reactions to Billy, not posturing. She makes such a great Mrs. W! After the Sunday matinee a few of us were able to catch her at the stage door and shower her with compliments.
We Were Kings -
When Peter rose above the group on Greg's shoulders he was wearing the miner's helmet with the light turned on. This was first done in Chicago, and then carried to the tour and Toronto. Finally they brought this to Broadway! I love watching Billy shining the light across the balcony, and looking out into the world in wide-eyed wonder. It is a great touch, and long overdue. I don't know when this change started but all the shows this weekend were done this way.
Letter Reprise -
Again lots of tears from Peter. How do these kids to this so consistently?
After the show I spoke with Peter's dad at the stage door, and reminded him that we had met in September. I think he is still a little blown away that there are such fans who see the show so many times.
Peter still has the "little boy" looks and mannerisms, but his dancing has come a long way. He has really become an awesome Billy!
-Chris
Billy - Peter,
Michael - Cameron,
Small Boy - Zachary,
Mrs. W. - Laura Marie Duncan.
So much attention has been paid to the back-to-back amazing shows on July 3rd, but let's step back to the day before. Earlier that day I had seen "War Horse" and was blown away by it (see review in the "Other Broadway Shows" section). Then it was dinner with my best friend to celebrate his 50th birthday (something I am not looking forward to next year). The day was happily capped off with the start of a 3-show Billython.
I already knew Peter was scheduled, as it had been posted on his dance school's website. I saw Peter twice very early in his run, but not since about 8 months ago, and was looking forward to seeing how he has progressed. I was thrilled when I saw Laura Marie's name on the board. I enjoyed seeing her as Mrs. W. in March, and was very impressed with her take on the role.
In addition this was my first time sitting in center row A, right behind the conductor. Before the show starts I like to look around to see who is near, and say a friendly hello. It is rare to find that the people sitting with you are also big fans of the show (unless you already know them from the forums), but that is exactly what I discovered of the two next to me. One was a lady (a NYC local) who has seen it more times than she can count. The other was younger man from Holland, who had flown in mainly to see Jacob's last show. The two had met at a previous performance. They are not members of either forum, but just fans of the show (and especially fans of Jacob). These were the "couple more Billy superfans that don’t commune with the rest of us" that Sean mentioned.
Boxing -
Cameron gave Peter one of the most convincing punches I have seen.
Solidarity -
One of the things I love about Laura Marie playing Mrs. W. is that she really acts like a teacher. A good example is the pirouette lesson. She really makes you believe she is trying to teach these kids.
When Peter had to "pick up the biscuit" I was convinced he would topple over. Most Billys wobble for a bit until they get their balance, but this lasted a long time.
Peter, Jacob and Joseph, are all masters of telling the story through their facial expressions. Each does it differently, but they are all great. Near the end as he gets ready for the final pirouettes, you can watch the progression on Peter's face. At first it's a serious look ("I hope I can do this. I think I can do this. I can do this."). The look changes to one of pure joy and glee when he is actually doing them successfully ("Yes I did it! "I knew I could!"). The same looks are seen later during "Dream Ballet" and "Electricity".
Express -
During the shoe changing the lines usually go: "Billy wins", "You cheated", and then they push the set off and start tapping. This time Peter won with lots of time to spare, so they threw in a few extra lines about "I always win", "no I always win".
One disadvantage of sitting so close ... hairy legs under the big dresses.
Letter -
I said long ago that Peter is second only to Jacob in tear production. This time he started very early on in the song.
Second bathroom scene (after B2B) -
Lilla seemed to take a really long look at Billy under the stall door. This was only my second time seeing Lilla and I was still getting used to her. She is quite a small Debbie, but has a big personality. By the end of the weekend I had grown to love her character.
Maggie Thatcher -
If you are sitting near the front center, and if Thommie Retter knows you, watch for the masked piano player to be pointing at you during this song. Rich B experienced the same thing at one of the shows in March (I believe he was in the exact same seat).
Dream Ballet -
Again I love Peter's looks of both concentration and then pure joy.
Electricity -
There were no aerials or anything exotic, but I think his ballet form has developed very nicely.
In the goodbye scene with Mrs. Wilkinson, Laura Marie is very "down to earth" in her reactions to Billy, not posturing. She makes such a great Mrs. W! After the Sunday matinee a few of us were able to catch her at the stage door and shower her with compliments.
We Were Kings -
When Peter rose above the group on Greg's shoulders he was wearing the miner's helmet with the light turned on. This was first done in Chicago, and then carried to the tour and Toronto. Finally they brought this to Broadway! I love watching Billy shining the light across the balcony, and looking out into the world in wide-eyed wonder. It is a great touch, and long overdue. I don't know when this change started but all the shows this weekend were done this way.
Letter Reprise -
Again lots of tears from Peter. How do these kids to this so consistently?
After the show I spoke with Peter's dad at the stage door, and reminded him that we had met in September. I think he is still a little blown away that there are such fans who see the show so many times.
Peter still has the "little boy" looks and mannerisms, but his dancing has come a long way. He has really become an awesome Billy!
-Chris