Billy Takes To The Stage

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday December 20, 2007

KILMENY ADIE

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

Capitol Theatre, Sydney

Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au;

13 6100

The movie Billy Elliot wove a magic spell over moviegoers with its tale of a young boy who pursued his unlikely dream of being a ballet dancer.

Now Australian theatregoers have an opportunity to fall under that spell all over again with the stage production Billy Elliot the Musical, which officially opened at Sydney's Capitol Theatre last week.

The production has solid performances from all its leads as well as a terrific set.

The cast includes Rhys Koskowski, Rarmian Newton, Lochlan Denholm and Nick Twiney sharing the title role, as well as Genevieve Lemon (as dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson), Richard Piper (as Billy's father) Lola Nixon (his grandmother), Justin Smith (Billy's brother Tony) and Linal Half (George).

Without a doubt, the stars of the show are the production's younger members: the various Billys, Landen Hale-Brown as Billy's best friend Michael and, to a lesser degree, Taylor-Rose Campanella as Mrs Wilkinson's much maligned daughter Debbie.

Piper and Smith are terrific and their performances provide a lovely contrast between the two characters united by blood and motivations. Piper's heartfelt rendition of his late wife's favourite folk song touched the audience as did Smith's deep-rooted anger about the events taking place within the coal mine.

The set is an integral part of the success of Billy Elliot the Musical. The ease with which scenes are able to change - and the audience can be rapidly taken from the dance school to Billy's house - is impressive, as is the way the same set can be used for different times and places without confusing the audience.

Potential audience member should know the show runs for more than three hours, including intermission. With 90 minutes before the end of the first half, it might be a long haul for those with children.

Billy Elliot the Musical is an enjoyable night at the theatre. The music probably will not stay with you. But Michael explaining there was nothing wrong with wearing dresses because his dad does it when he thinks no-one else is home certainly will.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

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