Electrifying Billy Elliot

As Lani mentioned earlier, we saw the preview of Billy Elliot The Musical last Saturday night (10/4). It's the second time I've seen the show.....the other time was in 2005 in London with George Maguire, one of the original Billies. There were numerous set malfunctions during the first act but the show was as exhilarating as I remembered it. Our Billy is the amazing phenom, Kiril Kulish. He was grace mixed with strength and had exquisite lines and commanding carriage. I also must say that he did a spot on Geordie accent and maintained it throughout the performance! Frank Dolce who played Michael was a ham and a scene stealer. And what a great tap dancer! Greg Jbara played Billy's father was heartbreaking. Haydn Gynne who played Mrs. Wilkinson, reprising her fabulous London performance, was wonderful as the dance teacher. Even Thommie Retter who played Mr. Braithwaite, the accompanist was a dancing surprise doing The Worm (very lithe indeed!). Carole Shelley (yes Madam Morrible herself) was hilarious as Billy's grandma. The whole ensemble (cops, miners and the ballet girls) were energetic and really seemed to enjoy being onstage.

I also have to say kudos to director Stephen Daldry who came out during intermission to explain the mishaps but also gave us free tickets to see the show again! Yay! But last but not the least I have to mention the wonderful choreography of Peter Darling! It was crisp, funky, refined, elegant and breathtaking. I would love to see the show a third time! (Maybe even more!)

Here are some photos from the night:


The Billy Doors




The Billy board


Our Billy: Kiril Kulish.....I asked him how long has he been doing tap and he said only 3 months! You can't tell from the way he tapped that he just learned it!




Matthew Mindler who played the Small Boy....isn't he adorable?


Our Debbie (Mrs. Wilkinson's daughter): Erin Whyland....oh she's a Red Sox fan


The very funny Frank Dolce as Michael


the ballet girls


Carole Shelley (Madame Morrible herself as Grandma)


we were walking back to the subway....Kiril was in front of us walking home with his mom. Then someone asked him to pose in front of the doors......so I took the chance to snap this shot!


The Playbill signed (top to bottom) by Carole Shelley, Frank Dolce and Kiril Kulish

And lastly, here's a behind the scenes video including the search for Billy: