BWW Interviews: Cynthia Darlow Talks BILLY ELLIOT Toronto

Billy Elliot is a smash-hit musical already on stage in London, England and Broadway. The winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the show is finally coming to Toronto! The Canadian Premiere of Billy Elliot is already in previews at The Canon Theatre, and officially opens on March 1st, 2011.

Billy Elliot is the story on one boy's journey to make his dreams to dance come true. Set in a small town in England, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his entire community. The show features music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry.

Over the next few weeks BWW is thrilled to be bringing its readers exclusive photos, interviews and behind the scenes looks at Billy Elliot Toronto. Today we feature Cynthia Darlow, who plays the role of "Grandma" and has a scene-stealing, show stopping number in the first act. This is Ms. Darlow's first time in Toronto, and we spoke to her about the city and her journey with Billy Elliot:

Congratulations on Billy Elliot in Toronto! How is the show going so far?

The audiences seem to love us and it's really wonderful. Things are going really well.
Have you noticed any major differences between the Toronto and Chicago audiences?
I don't see much of a difference. Chicago always embraced the show with open arms as they did in New York because it really is a wonderful show. I'm so proud to be a part of it and it is so nice to go out and do something you know people are going to love every night.

Before taking on the role, had you seen the film or the musical?

I saw the film when it came out ten years ago with my husband. I remember we were sitting in the movie theatre alone at the end when the credits rolled and we were both just weeping. We were so moved by what we saw. Two years ago I stood by for the role of Grandma on Broadway when Carole Shelley went on vacation. I never went on because her understudy was available, but I was so thrilled to be a part of the production. And that led to them casting me in the Chicago company, and now I'm here in Toronto!

Is this your first time in Toronto?

It is! I haven't had much of a chance to move around and explore yet but I'm looking forward to getting out and seeing what the city has to offer. I will definitely be going to the CN Tower, the museums, and I have heard amazing things about the Tim Burton Exhibit at TIFF. I live near Chinatown so I have explored that a bit already, and I'm looking forward to the Stratford Festival since I have some friends performing there that I hope to see. I really love going to a new city and just saying "ok, what have you go for me?!?!"

Does having a young child play the lead role change how you approach the show or present any unique challenges?

I would have thought that it would be a challenge but it really hasn't been at all. The children in our show are such professionals; we never even have to treat them like children. They are very disciplined and a joy to be with. They truly are fully fledged members of the company. We are one big happy family and I really mean that.

Are you finding that a lot of audience members are making comparisons to the movie?

I find they are really taking the show on as its own entity. The film was ten years ago now so a lot of young people coming in never saw the film and are experiencing our show with completely fresh eyes.

When and Where?
Billy Elliot
The Canon Theatre

Performance Schedule
On Stage Now!

Tuesday - Saturday 7:30PM
Beginning March 15, Tue performances are at 7PM
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 1:30PM

Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 416-872-1212 or online at http://www.mirvish.com/shows/billyelliot

Lotto Details:

Lottery available for Tuesday evenings, Wednesday matinees + evenings, and Thursday evenings only.

20 box seats (side seating) are available per weekday performance as outlined above. Lottery seats are $25 each cash Only. Patrons can enter the lottery two hours prior to the performance, with a limit of one lottery entry per person. The draw will begin 1½ hours before showtime, at which point no further entries will be accepted.

Each winner will be able to purchase up to two tickets for that day's next performance only. All winning patrons and their guests must be present to purchase tickets and will be wrist-banded by Box Office staff (Photo ID may be required).

 

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