Some times you'll see a production, and you'll enjoy it, and you'll say "I'd like to see that again". That was the case when I first saw Billy Elliot back in January of 2009 with the original Tony Award winning Broadway cast. Three years after it opened, and two months before Billy does his last fuete on Broadway, I took in the production again. I'm happy to say that the production is not showing it's age one bit.
Often over time, a show can grow tired, and seem illustrious. That is not the case with Billy Elliot. The production is just as vibrant and full of energy as the first time I saw it. The current cast is just as buoyant as the original, though there are now five (5!) boys alternating the role of Billy as opposed to three. The Billy I saw was a wonderful dancer, and an adequate singer, as most Billys' are.
Emily Skinner was out when I saw the show (some things never change), so I cannot evaluate her performance, however her understudy, Donna Marie Asbury was fantastic. The rest of the supporting cast is also doing a helluva job. The choreography is absolutely astounding as always.
While sitting in the theater, I started to wonder to myself "Why the heck is this show closing?" the answer is - I have no idea. They are not the sell out show they once were (the show is regularly available on TKTS) however they have long recouped their original investment and have still been doing healthy box office numbers. The show does have a large cast of nearly 50 including swings and alternates, plus the orchestra. I'm sure it's an expensive show to run week to week, but I can't imagine that they're not making their nut.
Either way, Billy Elliot IS closing on January 8th 2012, so if you haven't seen it, you really really should.
