We live in a time where there are two things we strive to discover for ourselves, who are we as individuals and what certain community do we belong in? Both are equally difficult to figure out when we're in our adolescent years, but obviously the older we get the more easier it gets for us. But this subject seems to be the main theme of North Shore Music Theater's newest show, Billy Elliot the musical. The musical, an adaptation of the 2000 movie of the same title, takes place in north-eastern England during the coal miners strike of 1984 through 85 and revolves around an eleven year old boy, Billy Elliot, who develops a passion for dancing ballet. However, because of the current situation in his community and the emotional and mental states of his dad, older brother, and grandma, Billy must keep this a secret. Not until he meets a local Ballet instructor, Mrs Wilkinson, who immediately sees Billy's talent and encourages him to continue seeing her so she can train him to audition for the Royal Ballet School to pursue his dream.
Having seen the movie first, I figured that the musical would follow it almost note for note. It does, with the exception of a few added elements. In the movie, it is implied that Grandma was once an aspiring dancer when she was younger. In the musical, there is an entire musical number dedicated to telling the story of ambitions for dancing and her marriage to Billy's Grandfather. Some parts of the movie that might have been skimmed over were explored more deeply in the musical, which made it hard to decide which version was better.
Nevertheless, this production was very good. The performances from the ensemble were very enjoyable to watch all together. Ranging from very funny, to very intense, to very touching. Nicholas Dantes was amazing as Billy. Everyone who has either seen the movie or seen a preview of the show will know that the dancing that Billy does is intensely fast, and Dantes certainly gives out a jolt of electricity whenever he performs. Janet Dickinson played a very good Mrs. Wilkinson. To me she seemed like a less sinister version of Ms. Hannigan from Annie. In that she has the disillusioned-sassy wisdom that she shares with the kids that look up to her. Her chemistry with Dantes was very believable and realistic. Finally, Timothy Gulan's performance as Billy's dad, Jackie, was somewhat different from the movie's Jackie. In the movie, Jackie came off as a lot more mean spirited and more violent towards his sons. Which given the circumstances that lead him to be in this mind set, you can kind of understand. In the musical, Jackie's attitude towards his sons are pulled back a little bit. They took the liberties of making him a little bit more humorous and more lighthearted. He is still the miserable stern father, but he is less intense in this version. When he is being humorous, you can't help but laugh and enjoy this character. The music by Elton John and Lee Hall was composed amazingly by Andrew Bryan and the North Shore orchestra. Likewise to the choreography by the production's director Adam Pelty, Assistant Choreographer Bryan Thomas Hunt and dance captain Vanessa Russo.
Billy Elliot brings up several different subjects in today's society; self discovery, unity among communities, union strikes, homosexuality, and standing up for your passions in life. With the way the show handles these subjects, this production was very enjoyable to watch. Very heavy on the foul language, so I would think about bringing the kids to see this. Besides that, I highly recommend seeing it.
Billy Elliot the musical is being held at North Shore Music Theater, in Beverly MA from September 30th to October 11. For tickets, visit their website at http://www.nsmt.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1180 .
