Civic Theatre Director William Sanders says that “The play Billy Elliot is filled with fear. Fear of losing one’s livelihood, fear of the other…the other classes of people with other realities, the fear of talent, the fear of pursuing what we want and leaving those we love behind.”
The mother of Parker James Fullmore, who plays the title character in Civic Theatre’s Billy Elliot, no doubt faced these fears when, from her Los Angeles home, she searched for companies putting on the show, so Parker James could play the role one more time, before he got too old.
Sanders cast great actors for this production, in particular Billy’s family. JoAnn Wilchek Basist as Billy’s Grandma brings a sense of humor to the role.
Robert Trexler as Billy’s Dad brings a strong presence to his character, who in the beginning does not understand his son’s newly-found passion.
Ryan Murphy as Tony, Billy’s older brother, portrays a teenager, seemingly harsh -because he’s had to grow up too fast.
Both Trexler and Murphy make the audience love to hate, but then genuinely love, their characters. Veronica Bocian is touching as Billy’s Mum.
As for Billy Elliot himself, Parker James Fullmore is charming and lovable.
From beginning to end, he makes the audience sympathize with his plights of living in a poor family and of growing to love ballet. The improvement his character makes in dancing from beginning to end is remarkable.
Due to the premise of the show, it is not surprising that much of it takes place in the ballet studio.
Kathleen Oswalt as Mrs. Wilkinson, the sassy ballet mistress who gets Billy into dance, has a strong and powerful voice.
Macie Bazella as Debbie, Mrs. Wilkinson’s daughter, is funny and also sassy like her mum. Alyssa Cahill, Ashley Payton Fullmore (Parker’s sister), Matea Melton, and Rowan Wessner are stand outs as some of Mrs. Wilkinson’s Ballet Girls. Zachary Einstein as Mr. Braithwaite, the rehearsal accompanist, has a hilarious dance solo in “Born to Boogie”, and his jump rope work is quite impressive!
Todd Croslis is excellent as Michael, Billy’s cross-dressing best friend. His voice is impressive for a young person’s. “Express Yourself”, which Michael and Billy sing, is a highly entertaining and energetic number.
Mark Domyan as George, the boxing coach, is strong as the abusive coach. As with Dad and Tony, he makes the audience love to hate his character.
There are many humorous songs and moments in this show.
For example, in the beginning of “Solidarity”, the police officers come out and do silent movements, which are very funny! “We’d Go Dancing”, sung by Grandma and danced by the Men’s Ensemble, is a funny but poignant song about Billy’s Grandad. Also, the beginning of Act II: “Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher” is a hilarious satire and commentary on the times. Not all moments in this show are funny. For example, “Mum’s Letter” is a real tear-jerker and a touching moment. Veronica Bocian has a very sweet voice.
James Du Chateau is an extremely strong dancer as Older Billy. He and Younger Billy perform a memorable “Dying Swan Dance” from Swan Lake.
Small children in a play are guaranteed to steal the show, and Archer Locke and Carly Saye are certainly no exception.
Archer is adorable and hilarious as the Small Boy, and Carly is adorable and strong as the Small Girl. Both have great stage presence, especially for children so young.
A musical centered around dancing must have impressive choreography, and choreographers Deena Linn, Sarah Parker and Jennifer Haltzman Tracy do not disappoint. The choreography in this production is entertaining and eye-catching from beginning to end.
It is also important for a musical to have a strong orchestra, and this one, led by Music Director Frank Anoni, certainly lives up to the task, as the musicians are very professional-sounding.
The scenery of a play also has an important role in setting the atmosphere, and Scenic Designer Joshua Deruosi did an impressive job with this scenery. His work makes it very believable that it is actually 1984 England.
A bonus of going to see this show is getting a look at the beautiful, newly renovated Nineteenth Street Theater.
I will leave my review with this quote from Mrs. Wilkinson, which she says to Billy: “Dancing is as much about learning about yourself as it is about learning about dancing.” This is a perfect summary of the show, and may it also be a good philosophy for life.
For tickets, please go to http://www.civictheatre.com/theatre/season/billy-elliot-the-musical