Review: BILLY ELLIOT Leaps Into to Rivertown

This weekend marked the first weekend in a three-weekend run of BILLY ELLIOT at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts. It's not very often that I walk into a theater to see a show that I know little to nothing about, and it's usually a nice surprise. This production was no exception. If you're like me and have no prior knowledge on what BILLY ELLIOT is about other than dancing, rest assured that along with wonderful dancing comes a very touching story about a boy who is trying to pursue his newfound dream while earning his father's affection during a very trying time in history. In other words, expect to be impressed.

The story takes place in 1984 in Northern England during a time when the Prime Minster Margaret Thatcher was trying to shut down mining unions. The workers went on strike in an effort to save the industry in their little town where mining was the biggest employer. If the mining industry was hurt, the whole town would practically be out of work. While all of this is going on, Billy discovers dancing as an outlet not only to deal with the previous death of his mother and the current goings on in his life, but also as a way to one day make it out of the town where he lives. His dad and his brother are not so accepting as they are both in the midst of unemployment while on strike. Eventually they come around to the idea that Billy is destined to be a dancer, but it's not without a little help from Mrs. Wilkinson - Billy's dance instructor.

The set for this production, designed by Eric Porter, was absolutely stunning. There were huge rotating set pieces that transformed the stage into the Elliot home, the town, and the dance studio. I've never seen a set quite like this in a small theater - only in touring productions or Broadway. The costumes, designed by Erin Routh, were equally as brilliant. They were extremely colorful, very detailed, and fit each character's personality perfectly. I especially loved the costumes the Ballet Girls were wearing, Mrs. Wilkinson's shiny spandex teaching attire, and all of Michael's sassy ensembles.

The casting for this show was also quite perfect. Marcel Cavaliere, the freshman at NOCCA who played the title character, showed off his extraordinary talent for telling stories through movement. His acting and singing skills are pretty good too, but dance is where he really shines. He put so much passion into every piece, especially the closing scene in Act I where Billy is angry about not being able to go to his audition. I could feel the disappointment and frustration at putting so much of his blood, sweat, and tears into practicing for the audition only to be told he couldn't go. I also really enjoyed the adorable tap number that Marcel shared with Ryan Smith who played Billy's buddy Michael. The two tried on Michael's sister's dresses and danced and sang about expressing yourself unapologetically. What a great message! Too often I see people who are too afraid to be themselves for fear of others mocking them; but, if we learned anything from Michael it is to not be embarrassed to be who you are.

Other cast standouts were Elizabeth Argus who played Mrs. Wilkinson, Mike Harkins who played Billy's father Jackie Elliot, and Bryce Slocumb who played Billy's older brother Tony Elliot. Props to the three of them for creating characters that we can love, hate, pity, understand, and support in the ways that they each interact with Billy. Each of them cares a great deal about their boy, but each of them has his/her own way of showing it - Mrs. Wilkinson through teaching and encouraging Billy in his dancing, Jackie for working hard to put food on the table and get him to his audition, and Tony for showing Billy by example that sticking to your beliefs is of utmost importance. All three perfectly un-perfect characters ultimately want what's best for Billy and are proud to see him succeed.

With both great talent and a great message, Rivertown's BILLY ELLIOT is a must-see this season. If you missed it this weekend, there's still time to catch them with shows running through January 29 with two performances just added. Check out www.rivertowntheaters.com for tickets and more information on how to experience this show. Coming up next at Rivertown is Alfred Hitchcock's THE 39 STEPS.

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