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i'm_back

Billy Elliot The Musical

Does anyone know anything about this? Any good songs?
Jordan

Electricity is easily the best song.

The show is overly long. Some of the songs seem to have extended dance-breaks in them and consume way too much time.

Some characters don't need songs/back story to them and whilst their songs are good, they didn't need a song to move along the main story point. (I'm thinking mainly of Grandma's song here.)

It went on that long that I believed that they were going straight through without an intermission because the first act is about 2 hours long.

It's not a bad show, I *did* enjoy it but it needs some trimming. There's absolutely no need for a reprise of *every single* number from the show at the end. A 20 minute ending is far more than I can stand. My hands were sore from the obligatory clapping.
Jordan

BTW, it's worth a search on www.youtube.com for Billy Elliot.
i'm_back

Does anyone know where I can get the sheet music or a karaoke track for "Electricity"
aNGie_BaBY

hi all,
billy elliot was very enjoyable. i saw it almost a year ago on my dream trip to the west end and it was the first show i saw there. i agree with Gayboy on a few points, electricity the standout and really the only song i was humming for days. grandmas song couldnt end soon enough. merry christmas maggie thatcher was hooverville-esque and on the whole it really was a visual dance spectacle. highlight of the show was the ballet between young and old billy- absolutely breathtaking!

unfortunately i cant help you with finding the music you're after! are you plannign to use electricity as an audition song?
Luc

i'm_back wrote:
Does anyone know where I can get the sheet music or a karaoke track for "Electricity"


Me too!!
Jordan

http://www.dresscircle.co.uk/product.asp?StockID=31353
demon_baker

Ahh, "Electricity"!!! lol sorry.... You know, it's not impossible to get sheet music -- my high school principal went and saw the show, became obsessed with it, somehow got sheet music (I think by doing a lot of letter writing), made it the finale to our show.... And an important choir number that was sung for everything important. Most of us short circuted, to tell the truth, lol.
jpman

Billy Elliot the Musical will soon occupy Broadway's Imperial Theatre.
katethegreat

I wouldn't use Electricity as an audition song...I've had to sit in on a few auditions when its been done and unless its fantastic, it doesn't go down well...should be pretty easy to get hold of the sheet music tho!
(please ignore my negativity tho, you may be great at it!)
Its the only song I've really heard from BE - personally I loved the film, the music that they used for the soundtrack (The Jam etc) was perfect, far more fitting I think. I wish it hadn't been made into a musical really. My friend summed up the music for me: "Sounds like Elton John's GCSE project" Razz

*sorry to any BE fans - I'm willing to be converted!*
jpman

I agree. It's very difficult to do any justice to "Electricity", so I'm amazed the boys who sing it can do it ever so often.

I don't think it's fair to compare the music in the film to the music in the show, even though it's easy. They are two completely different things, and, let's face it, if you are going to make a musical, how fun is The Jam?

Then you might discuss if it should have been made into a musical at all (opinions will vary), but the fact is it was, lots of people love it, and it's successful - at least in London, let's see how it does in Australia, where they have started casting now.
katethegreat

I'm definately in the camp that thinks it should've been let be. Although I wasn't born yet, my family had first hand experience of the strikes around that time and I know its still with some of them. I thought the film was a good interpretation and told the miner's story sympathetically. I don't find offence in a musical being made of this story, but the story in the film was so much more about the family struggle and how Villy found a release than anything I can imagine being put in a musical. But as I said, I haven't actually seen the musical, so I can't really comment. I think I'd be able to see the musical if I hadn't seen the film - I'd need to seperate the two. I hope that makes sense! Smile
jpman

Go see the show, have a great time, and come back and tell us what you thought of it. Wink
katethegreat

O to have the money - I will if I can tho. See if there's any cheap matinee tickets when I'm slow on students... Razz
jpman

If it's the first time, you really should spoil yourself with a great ticket in the range of £55 or thereabout, somehwere in the centre stalls. But if you like cheap tickets (front row mostly), you could stand in line in the morning for £25 tickets.
katethegreat

I was hoping for summat around the £15 mark - may have to settle for that Razz But quing in the morning can be worth it - thanks for reminding me!

K x
aNGie_BaBY

jpman wrote:

Then you might discuss if it should have been made into a musical at all (opinions will vary), but the fact is it was, lots of people love it, and it's successful - at least in London, let's see how it does in Australia, where they have started casting now, according to this website for fans of the show.


I didn't know it was coming to Oz, that's great news. It's about time a decent tour came around, i think it'll do alright by no-one has really heard of it... with decent promo it might go a few months!
jpman

It won't tour at the moment. It will play at the Capitol Theatre from January 2008, I think.

http://www.billyelliotfans.com/forum1/viewtopic.php?t=637
http://www.billyelliotthemusical.com.au/
aNGie_BaBY

katethegreat wrote:
I was hoping for summat around the £15 mark - may have to settle for that Razz But quing in the morning can be worth it - thanks for reminding me!

K x


when i saw it august '05 i paid 31 pounds (sorry i cant find the symbol lol) and got a seat in dress which was great as the height was helpful to get a great view of the seats and the ballet with the old and young billy. i was surpised it was 'cheap' (still a good $80!!!) as many other shows were so expensive like guys and dolls was something like.. 60pound $150?! i don't know but it really is worth it. By the way i discovered at one of the stations 25pound tickets for things.. i guess you could suss that out!
aNGie_BaBY

jpman wrote:
It won't tour at the moment. It will play at the Capitol Theatre from January 2008, I think.

http://www.billyelliotfans.com/forum1/viewtopic.php?t=637
http://www.billyelliotthemusical.com.au/


oh no thats in sydney... well they said lion king wouldnt tour and it did. wait and see i suppose.
jpman

They haven't said anything about a tour, so it might happen, who knows?

Also, rumour is that it's coming to Berlin, Germany, in 2008.
Joel

jpman wrote:
They haven't said anything about a tour, so it might happen, who knows?

Also, rumour is that it's coming to Berlin, Germany, in 2008.


And its going to japan as well were im sure that it will do well because there are always loads of japanase students queuing for day tickets
jpman

Yeah, lol. But I don't think the Japanese premiere is set yet, do you?
Electricity24601

katethegreat wrote:


*sorry to any BE fans - I'm willing to be converted!*


Hello there! I've been lurking on these boards for a bit, but I couldn't resist the chance to convert someone over to my favorite show (as you can probably tell by the username).
Billy Elliot is, in my opinion, an amazing show. I have seen many shows and my favorites range from Funny Girl to Les Mis to The Drowsey Chaperone to Peter Pan- but Billy Elliot has beaten them all to the number one place.

Billy is a show you have to see to fully appreciate. What truly makes BE unique is its amazing energy and emotion that is seen in every performance. As those of you who have seen the movie know, BE has an amazingly moving story. The character development of Billy's dad and brother (going from hating dancing to supporting Billy), Billy's friend Micheal (excepting his sexual orientation) and Billy (deciding to dance even though his family disapproves and dealing with the loss of his mother) all translate beautifully on stage. The many laugh-out-loud moments are balanced perfectly with the sincere tear-jerking ones- when you come to watch BE, you're in for an emotional rollercoaster ride.

The choreographing is amazing- for those of you who don't like Electricity sung, you have to see it danced! One of the best numbers is Solidarity, when the miners interact and dance with the girls' ballet class, symbolizing the effect the miners' strike has on the community.

What really makes BE special are the young performers that portray Billy every night. Four boys currently share the role, and each brings different strengths to the show. They each have different acting style, making Billy into a slightly different character each night. They each have their own choreography for big numbers like electricity, showing off their different dance styles and strenghts. And each bring a different kind of humor and passion to the table, making sure the show is always fresh. The young actors and actresses who portray Micheal, Debbie, and the ballet girls are no different.

As for the music- it's obviously no Rogers and Hammerstein, but I love it. It captures the raw energy of the show, including the passion Billy has for dancing and the bitter conflict between the miners and policemen.

Put it all together and you've got a touching, hilarious, and fun night out at the theatre (and a bit of fresh material in a sea of revivals is always a pleasant experience).

Well, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it. Very Happy If you have a chance to see the show I (obviously) highly recommend it and hope you will see some of the things I'm talking about for yourself.

~Hannah
Joel

jpman wrote:
Yeah, lol. But I don't think the Japanese premiere is set yet, do you?


i do think the swearing will sound better in japanese than german thou Laughing
jpman

Joel wrote:


i do think the swearing will sound better in japanese than german thou Laughing
Absolutely. Swearing in Japanese rocks, lol.
aNGie_BaBY

Firstly, welcome to musicals dot net Electricity24601 or Hannah!!

you've made some good points here...

Electricity24601 wrote:
They each have their own choreography for big numbers like electricity, showing off their different dance styles and strenghts.


I had no idea. now i wish i had time to watch it more than once. the show really is amzing because of the kids. the story of the casting in the programme is a great read, what a journey!!

Electricity24601 wrote:
As for the music- it's obviously no Rogers and Hammerstein, but I love it. It captures the raw energy of the show, including the passion Billy has for dancing and the bitter conflict between the miners and policemen.


this is my biggest problem...ive said it before that Billy Elliot really is about the dance (not that thats a problem!) i would have enjoyed a few more songs, i couldn't name or hum many off the top of my head. I've also said it before that the show is worth it for the ballet with young and old Billy... i had tears it was one of hte most amazing things i have seen.

Electricity24601 wrote:

The character development of Billy's dad and brother (going from hating dancing to supporting Billy), Billy's friend Micheal (excepting his sexual orientation) and Billy (deciding to dance even though his family disapproves and dealing with the loss of his mother) all translate beautifully on stage. The many laugh-out-loud moments are balanced perfectly with the sincere tear-jerking ones- when you come to watch BE, you're in for an emotional rollercoaster ride.


i didn't see the film until months after the show, which is not a problem, there is certaily wonderful emotional journeys that can be appreciated by any audience!!!

I certainyl help you have changed your mind katethegreat!!

Laughing angie[/quote]
Leon

Anyone coming to the Billy Elliot gala show on the 22nd of November?

I've heard that Elton John, Adam Cooper and Wayne Sleep may be on stage for the show.
jpman

Isn't it 22nd of November?
Leon

jpman wrote:
Isn't it 22nd of November?


yes of course it is Embarassed

Maybe I was thinking of 2nd of December which is a big cast change night.
jpman

Yeah, you're right. Some of the main cast members are leaving.

Are you going?
Leon

Yep I'm there for both the Gala night and the last night.

and for the new cast starting on the 4th of Dec as well.
jpman

Oh, yeah, Dean McCarthy and that other lad, Jonty Sawyer, is starting with Amy Duggan. All on the same date?
Leon

jpman wrote:
Oh, yeah, Dean McCarthy and that other lad, Jonty Sawyer, is starting with Amy Duggan. All on the same date?


That is the rumour. Plus I still don't know if Phil Whitchurch is leaving or not so there might be a new dad. And we will get the new older Billy understudy as well. Will be an exciting night.
jpman

Oh, yeah, it's the lad with the Italian name, Dominic Tribuzio? He's only 18 or so, I think.
Leon

jpman wrote:
Oh, yeah, it's the lad with the Italian name, Dominic Tribuzio? He's only 18 or so, I think.


That's him althought he might not dance with Billy that night he should be there in the ensemble.

Maybe old stan will be there with him Shocked
jpman

Leon wrote:
Maybe old stan will be there with him Shocked
Stan who?
Leon

jpman wrote:
Leon wrote:
Maybe old stan will be there with him Shocked
Stan who?


Stan Boardman Shocked

there was a rumour that he was being considered for the part of dad
jpman

Leon wrote:


Stan Boardman Shocked

there was a rumour that he was being considered for the part of dad
I've also heard a persistent rumour about the Dad part.
Leon

jpman wrote:
Leon wrote:


Stan Boardman Shocked

there was a rumour that he was being considered for the part of dad
I've also heard a persistent rumour about the Dad part.


the same or different

please tell i love gossip Laughing
Mr. Dawkins

Re: Billy Elliot The Musical

i'm_back wrote:
Does anyone know anything about this? Any good songs?

All I know is that the kid who plays Billy Elliot was Artful Dodger fo Oliver! US National Tour (Cameron Makintosh) and I think he may have been on the forum as liza_minelli
jpman

Oh yeah, Colin Bates. He's got a film with Robert de Niro and Matt Damon coming up.
Mr. Dawkins

jpman wrote:
Oh yeah, Colin Bates. He's got a film with Robert de Niro and Matt Damon coming up.

Do you know what ti is called? Please tell when you know!
Mr. Dawkins

Re: Billy Elliot The Musical

Mr. Dawkins wrote:
i'm_back wrote:
Does anyone know anything about this? Any good songs?

All I know is that the kid who plays Billy Elliot was Artful Dodger fo Oliver! US National Tour (Cameron Makintosh) and I think he may have been on the forum as liza_minelli

That is why i all think liza_minelli is on any more because of the tour. Man! He has being very good for himself! Applause
MsDivaKate

Re: Billy Elliot The Musical

Mr. Dawkins wrote:
Mr. Dawkins wrote:
i'm_back wrote:
Does anyone know anything about this? Any good songs?

All I know is that the kid who plays Billy Elliot was Artful Dodger fo Oliver! US National Tour (Cameron Makintosh) and I think he may have been on the forum as liza_minelli

That is why i all think liza_minelli is on any more because of the tour. Man! He has being very good for himself! Applause


As far as I know, the person with that username is supposedly a female according to their user info.
jpman

Mr. Dawkins wrote:

Do you know what ti is called? Please tell when you know!
Yeah, it's called "The Good Shepherd". Colin plays the 13yo son of Matt Damon.

http://www.thegoodshepherdmovie.com/
Leon

Re: Billy Elliot The Musical

MsDivaKate wrote:
Mr. Dawkins wrote:
Mr. Dawkins wrote:
i'm_back wrote:
Does anyone know anything about this? Any good songs?

All I know is that the kid who plays Billy Elliot was Artful Dodger fo Oliver! US National Tour (Cameron Makintosh) and I think he may have been on the forum as liza_minelli

That is why i all think liza_minelli is on any more because of the tour. Man! He has being very good for himself! Applause


As far as I know, the person with that username is supposedly a female according to their user info.


I'll ask him when Im at the theatre this week Very Happy
Mr. Dawkins

Re: Billy Elliot The Musical

MsDivaKate wrote:
Mr. Dawkins wrote:
Mr. Dawkins wrote:
i'm_back wrote:
Does anyone know anything about this? Any good songs?

All I know is that the kid who plays Billy Elliot was Artful Dodger fo Oliver! US National Tour (Cameron Makintosh) and I think he may have been on the forum as liza_minelli

That is why i all think liza_minelli is on any more because of the tour. Man! He has being very good for himself! Applause


As far as I know, the person with that username is supposedly a female according to their user info.

OOps! Made a mistake. it was only a thought. d'oh!
Mr. Dawkins

Re: Billy Elliot The Musical

Quote:
I'll ask him when Im at the theatre this week Very Happy


You meen you know Colin Bates?! Shocked
Leon

Re: Billy Elliot The Musical

Mr. Dawkins wrote:
Quote:
I'll ask him when Im at the theatre this week Very Happy


You meen you know Colin Bates?! Shocked


I have met him a number of times - its called the stage door
jpman

Yeah, it's not impossible to meet the cast at the stage door (at the moment).
jpman

Title and Old Vic Productions are casting the Broadway production of Billy Elliot the Musical according to this site.
Mr. Dawkins

Re: Billy Elliot The Musical

Leon wrote:
Mr. Dawkins wrote:
Quote:
I'll ask him when Im at the theatre this week Very Happy


You meen you know Colin Bates?! Shocked


I have met him a number of times - its called the stage door

Oh Right! d'oh! Oh by the way thaks!
jpman

I think it's just been changed and the main cast leaves via the front door(?).
Mr. Dawkins

jpman wrote:
I think it's just been changed and the main cast leaves via the front door(?).


Who is your post to?
jpman

Mr. Dawkins wrote:
jpman wrote:
I think it's just been changed and the main cast leaves via the front door(?).


Who is your post to?
"Leon"
Leon

jpman wrote:
I think it's just been changed and the main cast leaves via the front door(?).


That is not a permanent arrangement
jpman

I know, but why and for how long?
Leon

New dad starting 4th Dec is James Gaddas (hes been in bad girls and casualty) Very Happy
jpman

Yeah, I read about James Gaddas and some other new cast members
jpman

Does anyone know when Dean is going on?
Leon

could be the 4th of Dec
jpman

Would they put on a new Billy when the new adult cast is going on?
jpman

Who is going to the gala night on November 22nd? Liam Mower and Elton John etc.!
Leon

jpman wrote:
Would they put on a new Billy when the new adult cast is going on?


they will and they are Very Happy
Leon

jpman wrote:
Who is going to the gala night on November 22nd? Liam Mower and Elton John etc.!


you can add me the list above Very Happy
Leon

Elton John is rumoured to be playing Mr Braithwaite for the gala Very Happy
Electricity24601

Leon wrote:
Elton John is rumoured to be playing Mr Braithwaite for the gala Very Happy


Oh my! How funny would that be Shocked Surprised Laughing

Where'd you hear that one?
milkywhite24601

I cannot WAIT until this show comes out! I love the music-I listen to it all the time! And according to my friend who saw it on West End-it's one of the most amazing shows ever! The movie was quite good-but even when I saw it I was thinking this should have music. And TADA! I got my wish!!!!!!
Luc

milkywhite24601 wrote:
I cannot WAIT until this show comes out!


Wait no longer.... it's been running for years now.
billyballet

Have a look at this new trailer. It features Colin Bates who is fab!http://tv.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=151

Enjoy!
actor

I'm seeing this is London tommorow night (Friday 24th).

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

Anyone else going then?
milkywhite24601

musikal_geek wrote:
milkywhite24601 wrote:
I cannot WAIT until this show comes out!


Wait no longer.... it's been running for years now.


Should have been more specific-i meant on Broadway. I WISH I could go see it in London or something-but my parents won't take me. Sad They did say they'll take me when it comes to broadway though-so I'm excited! Smile
Electricity24601

musikal_geek wrote:
milkywhite24601 wrote:
I cannot WAIT until this show comes out!


Wait no longer.... it's been running for years now.


She means on Broadway Wink
Monsieur D'Arque

I personally love the song "Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher." My American friends and I sing a version called "Merry Christmas, Paris Hilton" with the same chorus, but the lyrics are otherwise different. I'd post them here, but they'd never make it through the content filters.

It's a Christmas song people from any nation and political affiliation can all join in, together. No Jesus controversy, just sincere hatred for Paris Hilton. And that's what Christmas is about, right?
liza_minelli

^ Haha, sounds great. Although me and my friend did manage to get a boy who idolizes Margaret Thatcher to like the song.

I would love to see lyrics to the Paris Hilton version.. could you print them and just **** out the naughty words? Very Happy Please?

Dora x
ado amber

i know this will sound silly but im curious if they still left any t rex songs in the show once they made it a musical.
Jordan

ado amber wrote:
i know this will sound silly but im curious if they still left any t rex songs in the show once they made it a musical.


No, aside from Swan Lake which has been made all funky, none of the music from the film is in it.
Leon

Corey Snide is a new Billy in London from June 07

http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=547841&category=REGIONOTHER&BCCode=&newsdate=12/25/2006&TextPage=1

You can see him dance at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUdSgP7HUr0#
monica_musical

I have'nt seen the musical yet, but I have the soundtrack. I think the best song is the final. It's not many good songs in this musical, (But I can manage that there are very good dancing, then!) but the final is really taking me somewhere with it's energy! Nice!
mzredbox

I auditioned for this on broadway! it was the most fun I've had at an audition in quite some time. (The thing is that I don't really dance. I was proud though because I kept up and was able to do it all) I didn't get it, but I'm telling you now I will be first in line when tickets go on sale.
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