Billy Elliot The Musical

Time calls it a “triumph”; Daily News commented that it was “so exhilarating that at times you feel like leaping”; critic Liz Smith hails it as being “breathtakingly brilliant” and also “absolutely, unequivocally awesome”; the New York Post was of the opinion that is was “the best show you will ever see,” and the Los Angeles Times credited it with being a “global theatrical phenomenon.” This production has received more than half a dozen Tony Award nominations (15, to be precise), tying with ‘The Producers’ for the most number of nominations ever received by a Broadway show. Of the 15 nominations, it has won ten, including one in the ‘Best Musical’ category.

What stupendous production are we talking about? This is ‘Billy Elliot, the Musical’ that is based on a movie by the same name that was released in 2000. The first musical adaptation of the movie opened in London’s West End, four years ago, and went on to win four Laurence Olivier Awards, including ‘Best New Musical’. On Broadway, it opened in 2008, and has won over the hearts of theater goers and raked in a lot of moolah in the process.

The music for this production is by Sir Elton John and it is being considered “His Best Score Yet” (New York Post). The movie’s original creative team comprising of director Stephen Daldry, screenwriter Lee Hall (who also happens to be the author of the book), and choreographer Peter Darling is involved in bringing this heartwarming story to the stage.

Set against the backdrop of Northern England’s coal mines, Billy Elliot tells the story of a eleven-year-old Billy who is more interested in ballet shoes than boxing gloves. Unlike all his friends who seem to naturally gravitate towards boxing, Billy harbors the secret desire to be a ballet dancer. Billy finds guidance in his teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson, who asks him to audition for the Royal Ballet School in London.

As is to be expected, his family shows little regard for his talent, but he finds unexpected help and support in his father who helps him make it to the audition. The storyline is simple, but it tugs at the strings of your heart with its beautiful narrative. You rejoice with Billy when he dances and you feel his disappointment when nobody seems to understand his passion. In the end, it leaves you with a feeling of triumph and hope as Billy finally receives the platform to fulfill his dreams.

Playing at Imperial Theater from Tuesdays to Sundays, the production has a total running time of 2 hours 45 minutes, which includes a break. The tickets are in the range of $40.00 to $135.00 and considering the popularity of the show, it is best to book in advance. The show timings are as follows-

Tuesday 7:00pm 
Wednesday 2:00pm & 8:00pm 
Thursday 8:00pm 
Friday 8:00pm 
Saturday 2:00pm & 8:00pm 
Sunday 3:00pm

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One Response to “Billy Elliot The Musical”

1. Billy Elliot (2000) Movie Trailer says:

   March 3, 2010 at 8:23 pm

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