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'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09

'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09

WishingOnlyWounds2
#1'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 1:30am

The last two times I saw this show I saw the extremely talented David Alvarez as Billy but I have, ever since seeing him, wanted to see a different Billy. So, when I found out Thursday night (thanks to the BE Love Thread) that David did to shows in a row I quickly went to telecharge to snag a seat to the Friday performance figuring David wouldn't be doing three shows in a row. I was in partial view orchestra seat Row F, Seat 20... excellent seat for the price you see just about everything except one wall of the dance hall (where no action really takes place, it's all centered)and some of the back wall (the miner's flag).

Tonight's cast:
Billy Elliot- Kiril Kulish
Michael- Frank Dolce
Small Boy- Matthew Mindler
Tony- Jeff Kready
Pit Supervisor- David Eggers

Happy does not describe how I felt when I saw Kiril's name go up on the board... he has been the one Billy I have wanted to see since previews started and I was starting to think it wasn't meant to be, but I got proven wrong, fortunately :]

Kiril was beyond amazing. I was trying my hardest not to compare him to David, and I'm going to continue to try... but I will say this. David plays a very angry and loud Billy where as Kiril plays a much more emotional and quiet Billy; at certain points (during "The Letter" for an example) Kiril would break out in tears, which totally caught me off guard and really got to me, which I liked being that I knew what was going to happen but was still affected by it. Which one did I like better? I honestly can't decide, day and night different. Kiril's voice really impressed me though, when he was on 'The View' several months ago I found it just to be "ok" but it was much better tonight (well, last night) his pitch was spot on, he held each note, and didn't sound like he was straining at all.

Frank- this was now my third time seeing Frank as Michael and he just seems to get funnier and funnier each time. Such a great talent this one... I can't wait to see him on his new TV Show.

Hadyn Gwynne is just sensational, this was also my third time seeing her and she seems to have returned from her injury stronger than when she left. Her overall all performance was so much fresher and energetic then the other two times I saw her.

Greg Jbara- I think he is such a brilliant performer, it's just, I absolutely loathe his character. That being said he played it really well and I really can't say one bad thing about him.

Jeff, Blake Hammond, and the rest of the cast were all fantastic as well.

I have to say the one and only thing about 'Billy Elliot' that has and still does annoy me is that potential spoiler Billy doesn't hug his mom after "The Letter (reprise)" end of spoiler

Overall, the show was phenomenal, again.

Stage door:
Kiril came out, signed, took pictures, and was very nice but timid.

Frank came out signed took pictures and was hilarious like always. I congratulated him on his show and he said "Billy blog?" and I responded "No, BroadwayWorld." So, he knows about us now.

I managed to get Keeans attention too at the stage door.

Although this was the highlight of my stage door experience... I'm looking at Greg waiting for him to come over to me and I see something move in the corner of my eye, I look down and see Matthew Mindler, I didn't call him over, but he came, and our conversation went like this...
Me: Hi!
Matthew: People think it's funny when I say Jesus (stares at my sharpie)
Me: Oh, it is funny... can you sign my playbill?
Matthew: *innocent smile*
Me: Would you like to sign? *grabs marker and signs* This is my third time seeing you, you're really good.
Matthew: Oh, you know, someone saw me fifteen times.
Me: Wow, they're lucky!
Matthew: Yea, bye!

It was one of the cutest things... picture that conversation in a 6 year old's voice.


Now, Greg... such a nice man. He came over... signed my souvenir program then we had a discussion. In our discussion I mentioned this was my third time seeing the show and when I said I had seen David and Kiril he responded "oh, so you have seen the old ones, maybe you will see Tommy and Trent, the newer ones next." Not sure what that meant but I didn't like the sound of it. He had also mentioned to the people next to me that Kiril had grown 5 inches since previews. Getting back to Tommy though... I asked Greg what the deal with him was and he told me:
One year ago Tommy had gangel cysts on his arm, one year later, it's the present and one of the cysts comes back, so two days ago Tommy got it removed... he will be out for about three weeks.
But Greg was just so friendly, I look forward to meeting him again.




2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot
Updated On: 5/2/09 at 01:30 AM

sgv123
#2re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 1:36am

Thanks for the review!

Glad you liked Kiril! I really hope to see David sometime soon.
Updated On: 5/2/09 at 01:36 AM

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bythesword84
#2re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 1:40am

I adore Kiril and I'm so glad you liked him!


And hang on, when did you win the discus?

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Geridith
#3re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 1:44am

Great review. :)


FindingNamo
#4re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 1:57am

I always wondered if there was something that came after amazing.


Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

Londonskyguy
#5re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 2:01am

Hug his mom,,, ?

WishingOnlyWounds2
#6re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 2:02am

I don't know if you have seen the show but "The Letter (reprise)" is a very emotional song and I felt it should end in a hug which it doesn't.


2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot
Updated On: 5/2/09 at 02:02 AM

sking
#7re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 2:48am

I've always wanted it to end in a hug too...but its done that way on purpose, Billys cutting off his past. I have seen a them brush arms/hands at a last show a couple times but not always. I'm pretty sure your supposed to ACHE for them too hug and feel the lose when it doesnt happen. The whole end of this show after the acceptance letter is one VERY long goodbye...and bittersweet as hell. Ah man you've gone and made me tear up...lol.

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cglaid
#8re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 7:40am

I'm glad you liked Kiril. I've seen the show twice and have seen him and Frank both times. I think that his Billy is so sweet. I saw him for the third preview and then again in January and his performance had come such a long way. His crying was an addition between the two shows I'd seen and you could tell how much he's grown into the role.

What a shame about Tommy though! I am seeing the show on May 12 and was hoping to see him. Oh well!

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LTinOregon
#9re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 8:54am

WishingOnlyWounds, is there something beyond amazing? Can you please be more precise on your reviews? Ah..., is it true that Kiril has now a tenor voice? LOL

You didn't keep your word about not comparing David with Kiril; you finally did it! Was it intentional? If so, you play the timid better than Kiril!!!

Oh, last question? Was Kiril shorter than David, as you all were saying?

Billy Whiz
#10re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 9:44am

"Was Kiril shorter than David, as you all were saying?"

I haven't seen them live since October but going by the Regis & Kelly show it looks as if Kiril is slightly taller than David. Of course TV cameras can be very deceiving. Both boys seem to have grown a lot since they first started though.

I remember David standing in front of me waiting to buy an ice cream at the Victoria Palace last May and he was so small. He has grown a lot in 12 months.

WishingOnlyWounds2
#11re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 10:34am

I never compared them, I made sure of that..."Which one did I like better? I honestly can't decide, day and night different." Anything I wrote about Kiril after that had nothing to do with David, just Kiril's individual performance. My "beyond amazing" was a hyperbole for all of you who insist on the questions like that... take it as you wish, but he was great.

As far as who being the tallest... David seemed a touch shorter than me in February... I'm 5'7", Kiril still seemed a touch shorter than me last night too, but not by much.


2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot
Updated On: 5/2/09 at 10:34 AM

WishingOnlyWounds2
#12re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 11:19am

Oh, one more thing I wanted to include, but of course forgot... the last two times I saw the show was from the first row, center mezzanine and I was absolutely raving about the seats... but after sitting in the orchestra I found I could see a lot more things (for example: finger puppets during "Solidarity?" Have they always been there or could I just not see them from the mezzanine?)But don't get me wrong, the mezzanine seats are great... I just preferred the orchestra seats, even with the slightly obstructed view they offered.


2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot

lindatnyc2 Profile Photo
lindatnyc2
#13re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 11:39am

Thanks for the review. Glad you got a new/different Billy. Kiril was my first Billy (preview opening night) then David. Saw them 7X each before finally getting Trent followed by Tommy. They are all amazing. Hope you get to see the other two boys, too.

Someone questioned height, at the moment, Kiril is slightly taller.

As for PV Orch, yes, I agree you don't miss much at all.

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Tom's Cat
#14re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 6:33pm

I've now gotten to see the original 3 a couple of times each and while Kiril remains my favorite, I've learned to appreciate and fully enjoy the different performances from each of the boys.

It was Greg who confirmed that Kiril is the tallest of the boys. He said he's also the heaviest - but the easiest to pick up on his shoulders. That was because he doesn't actually pick him up - Kiril 'leaps' up, making the job a little easier.

I do have to comment on the character of Jackie Elliot. After hearing Grandma's song at the beginning I find myself in complete sympathy with that character. Can you imagine what it was like for that little boy to grow up in a house with a drunken, abusive father and a mother who doesn't shy away from hitting back when she can? Naturally he grew up learning to hit first and ask questions later. And his song? At 15 he left school and went down into the mines. He's never done anything else. CAN'T do anything else. Now that one job is taken away from him. He defines himself as the head of the household, the one who must provide shelter and food for his family and now he can't.

I have GREAT sympathy for him and I delight in watching the transition he takes in the show. (And Greg Jbara deserves a special Tony award as the hands-down nicest human being on Broadway.)


Meow!
Updated On: 5/2/09 at 06:33 PM

WishingOnlyWounds2
#15re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 7:11pm

JbaraFan1, You don't accept PMs so I'll try to keep this pretty watered down, but I didn't mis-quote Greg. He said "newer" which I remember because I found it very odd.


2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot

lindatnyc2 Profile Photo
lindatnyc2
#16re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 8:08pm

WOW2,
You can email Barb aka JbaraFan1 at webmaster@gregoryjbara.com -this is noted in her signature -so no big secret. re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
-L

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lindatnyc2
#16re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 8:08pm

double post ... strange, but it happened ... Yikes! Updated On: 5/2/09 at 08:08 PM

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B3TA07
#18re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 9:01pm

"potential spoiler Billy doesn't hug his mom after "The Letter (reprise)" end of spoiler "

Really? "Billy doesn't hug his mom after 'The Letter (reprise)'"...oh ****, now the show is completely ruined, the entire plot hinges on that non-hug. Thanks.


-Benjamin
--http://www.benjaminadgate.com/

JbaraFan1
#19re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/2/09 at 11:41pm

Updated On: 6/13/09 at 11:41 PM

WishingOnlyWounds2
#20re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/3/09 at 12:08am

It is, I'm not trying to start anything as he probably meant nothing by it. I almost said "but, Trent isn't new." But, I didn't feeling like questioning him. He probably didn't mean anything negative by it, I'm just likely assumed the worse. You can ask him if you like but please don't make it seem like I'm switching all his words around.


2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot
Updated On: 5/3/09 at 12:08 AM

JbaraFan1
#21re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/3/09 at 12:21am

Updated On: 6/13/09 at 12:21 AM

WishingOnlyWounds2
#22re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/3/09 at 12:22am

Ok, thanks :]


2008: Feb. 18- Rent, Feb. 19- Curtains, April 18- Xanadu, April 22- Wicked, April 26- Legally Blonde, May 31- Wicked, June 13- The Little Mermaid, June 28- Wicked and Young Frankenstein, July 2- The Little Mermaid, July 6- A Chorus Line and Legally Blonde, August 16- Xanadu, September 13- Legally Blonde and 13, September 28- Xanadu and Spring Awakening, Oct. 12-GYPSY and [title of show], Oct. 19- Hairspray & Legally Blonde, Nov. 9- Wicked and 13, Dec. 14-13, Dec. 26- Billy Elliot, 2009: Jan 1- Shrek, Jan 2- 13 and Wicked, Jan 4- 13, Feb 17- In The Heights, Feb 19- Billy Elliot, Feb 22- Sweeney Todd (tour), March 28- Mary Poppins, April 4- Mamma Mia!, April 15- Jersey Boys (on tour), April 25- next to normal & 9 to 5 May 1- Billy Elliot, May 3- Spelling Bee (tour), May 8- Chicago, May 21- Wicked, June 6- Everyday Rapture, June 23- The Wiz, June 25- Hair July 15- Shrek, August 9- Wicked, September 7- Rock of Ages, October 11- Next To Normal, October 23- The Marvelous Wonderettes, November 7- Ragtime November 29- Dreamgirls, December 25- Billy Elliot, December 30- Finian's Rainbow, 2010: January 9- Bye Bye Birdie, January 16- Memphis February 17- The Phantom of The Opera, February 18- God of Carnage, March 7- Billy Elliot, March 31- American Idiot

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yankees1253
#23re: 'Billy Elliot'- third go around- 5.1.09
Posted: 5/3/09 at 1:40am

Thanks for the review,very detailed :)
Thanks for update on Tommy