THEATER REVIEW - Billy Elliot
Produced by: The Gateway Theater - Reviewed by: Jeb Ladouceur
When I first saw ‘Billy Elliot, the motion picture,’ in 2000, I assumed it would be only a matter of time before the British story of a young coal miner’s son … all boy, but born to dance ballet … would be staged, and would stun audiences in New York. It did … to the extent that the show received a record 14 Tony nominations, and won in 10 categories! … one short of the all-time mark set by ‘The Producers.’
Long Island’s Ethan Eisenberg: Wins the audience’s hearts as ‘Billy Elliot’s’ lovable cross-dresser The story of Billy Elliot has everything: The power of The Arts to fuel the human spirit … the tension created by the clash of performance for art’s sake, against the negative stereotype of the male ballet dancer … the emergence of a butterfly from the sooty cocoon of a coal mining town … the specter of a seemingly insurmountable struggle, and ultimate fulfillment … even the revelation that the straight protagonist’s best friend is, in fact, gay.
The story was red meat for the flamboyant Elton John, of course, and significantly the gay piano man from across the sea latched on to it, confident that, with his music superimposed on the tale, it couldn’t miss! Sir Elton’s conclusion was correct, as the record shows … but his music has little or nothing to do with ‘Billy Elliot’s’ success.
As America watched Neil Patrick Harris emcee the 63rd annual Tony Awards show in June, 2009, the preening Sir Elton waited to be honored for the year’s ‘Best Musical Score’ – but alas that accolade went to the forgettable show, ‘Next To Normal.’ The point had been made by the American Theatre Wing: ‘Billy Elliot, the Musical’ had dominated … not because of Elton John’s music, but in spite of it.
The same observation might be made for every production of this wonderful show since its Broadway debut, including the one The Gateway recently put on the boards (and high above them) at the dazzling Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Those who found ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and ‘Mary Poppins’ jaw-dropping, got another dose of theatrical magic when they saw ‘Billy Elliot’ take to the air at the south shore venue during the past few weeks. But beyond the spellbinding aerobatics and exquisite dance execution, audiences found that The Gateway produced something that inscribes itself on the human heart … for at the core of this inspiring story is a tale essentially of courage and perseverance.
Finding performers (and especially young performers) to fill the roles in this gut-wrenching play could not have been easy, so credit the Gateway’s casting director for coming up with a superb group of players … but especially for recognizing the talent that absolutely bubbles from the incredible Ethan Eisenberg. He played Michael, Billy’s cross-dressing friend, and he wowed the audience with his carefree interpretation delivered opposite the gifted Mitchell Tobin as Billy the night I was in the audience. (Mitchell alternated with Brandon Ranalli in the title role)
This observation takes nothing away from Tobin, who deserved every minute of his sustained standing ovation at the end of his demanding performance. The simple fact is that the character of Michael is one of those roles virtually guaranteed to steal a show like this if played well … and Ethan couldn’t have done it better.
I would have preferred that a more gifted song stylist than the limited Elton John had written the score for this superb story of a boy destined to dance his way out of a coal mining town in Newcastle. I can think of a dozen composers who might have done better. Still the performances of Janet Dickinson (Mrs. Wilkinson, the dance teacher), Richard Gatta (grown-up Billy), and Kilty Reidy (Mr. Braithwaite) could hardly have been improved upon.
As always, The Gateway produced a show that was at least faithful to the Broadway version … and in many respects, even better.
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Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of ten novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. Ladouceur’s newest thriller THE QUANTUM SYNDROME is patterned on the Atlanta child murders of the 80s. His eleventh book, THE SEQUEL, will explore the odd relationship between Harper Lee and Truman Capote. It will be released in September.