Although I may have been a theatre minor in college (I know, right?) I am not a super big fan of actually going to the theatre, especially for musicals. I'm way too easily cheesed out. So, take this from a person who is not particularly inclined to go to Broadway shows: If you see one show in NYC you must go see "Billy Elliot the Musical." The show is based on the 2000 film of the same title and has been adapted for the stage.I'm not going to give it a big write up or anything (read specifics here), but I'll give you my layman's review. Basically the whole show was just magical. Billy, who was played by Kiril Kulish when I saw it (it rotates between 3 boys each night) is such a magnetic character. No wonder the role must be shared by 3 actors, because Kulish danced and sang his ass off for almost 3 hours. The other kiddies in the show were fantastic, especially Billy's scene-stealing best friend, Michael. And Billy's dance instructor, Mrs. Wilkinson, is nothing short of awesome.
The contrast between Billy's blue collar family life (set during the British National Union of Mikeworkers strike of 1984) and his fantasy world of dance was powerful and moving. And when Billy is denied the privilege of dance class and breaks into the "Angry Dance" I actually felt his rage (as much rage as a little boy can have). Billy's father and grandmother are also fantastic characters and each get their own moment to shine. (Also the actor who plays the father looks like my super).
Although the show was a little long I had an awesome time and I recommend that you get your butt to the Imperial Theater as soon as possible. I was literally in the last row of the balcony and loved every second. The music was fun and moving, the dancing was phenomenal and Billy will steal your heart! Ok... maybe I can handle a little cheese afterall.
Here are the 3 Billys, David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish, when they were on TODAY in fall 2008.
Have you see "Billy Elliot the Musical?" What did you think?
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