BWW Interviews: Talking with BILLY ELLIOT's 'Big Brother' Patrick Mulvey

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 speak to Patrick Mulvey who plays Billy's older brother in the show. He talks about the British history in Billy Elliot, and about his own personal experience in the UK and how he is settling into Toronto.

Congrats on Billy Elliot Toronto! How have things been going so far?

We are having so much fun doing the show in Toronto! I did a nine month run in Chicago, took a month off, then started rehearsals up here. It's been fantastic.

How have the Toronto audiences been responding so far?

Just wonderful. There are a lot of British references in our show - things about Maggie Thatcher, the miner's strike and British history in general. Toronto just seems really ready for Billy Elliot. There's a lot to digest and understand and this show just seems so perfect for this city. Hopefully it continues to be as much fun as it has been over the last few weeks. The audiences have been very generous.

Personally I always loved "Merry Christmas Maggie" and was glad that it was kept in the musical - could you tell us a bit about the historical part of the show?

The main story in Billy Elliot is that Billy comes from a family of miners and it takes place during the strike between the national union of mine works and Maggie Thatcher as she essentially eliminated the union. It was a very heated time in Britain and there was a great fire between her and the Union. It is a big part of the story along with Billy learning to dance. It is explored more in the musical than in the movie, and it is very powerful.

We have been hearing a lot of people talk about how the "community" aspect of the story is developed more in the musical than in the movie. Do you think that is true?

Yes. There wasn't as much of the miner story in the movie and I think that is has been developed in a lovely way in our show. You go in knowing it's going to be a dance story but there is also this beautiful story about a very interesting part of British history and I think that makes the show very dynamic and fun to do.

What is it like when new Billys come in and how does having a young child in the lead role affect your performance?

It is the coolest thing! I'm not just saying that - it really is. I get to work every day with kids and it's a breath of fresh air. Whatever happened yesterday, whatever drama there may have been, it all disappears and they are always fresh. These are actors between the ages of 11 and 14 who can dance, sing and act a major role, and it is a huge burden to put on tiny shoulders. It is really wonderful to get to work with such talented children. And it is a neat show because you have an eclectic mix in the cast. Young and old, actors and dancers, singers etc. It is a well rounded cast.

Seeing these young children working harder than most of us is one of the most interesting things about the show. And then to be reminded of the fact that they are just kids - it is incredible. All this talent comes out of them but they are humble and lovely and excited to just be working with you.

Is this your first time performing in Toronto?

Yep! It's my first time in Canada at all! I left the US and went to college in the UK when I was 18, and I had only been back in the US for about a year and a half before leaving to come join the Toronto company of Billy Elliot. I didn't quite know what to expect but when I got off the plane I fell in love with the place. I adore Toronto. Possibly party because I was in the UK for so much of my adult life and there is a British feel here, but also it's a wonderful city with wonderful people who are incredibly nice. It has a relaxed feel but also an exciting buzz with lots to do.

Is there anything on your "must-see" list of things to do while you are here?

I really want to see Barrymore with Christopher Plummer and I also want to see the latest Mamet play that Soulpepper is doing (Oleanna). I hear there is a lot of great theatre here and I'm looking forward to exploring that.

What would you say to encourage a younger audience to come and check out the show?

The show is in wonderful shape right now and I really think everyone will enjoy it. It just has so much and a variety of talent in different ways - truly something for everyone. And no matter what you think about the show, there will be a part that you would have never expected that will blow you away. You will laugh, cry and you will be lifted up. I really believe there is something in Billy Elliot for every kind of audience.

When and Where?
Billy Elliot
The Canon Theatre

Performance Schedule

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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