Hey guys! I haven't seen a show in about a month and today I went to go see the national tour of Billy Elliot in Sacramento with my dad! Now, to start this review off, I want to say that I didn't know much about the show going in. I saw the movie and loved it so I knew the plot but not the music. I love Elton John as a broadway composer but something about rock musicals makes me skeptical. I mean I love Rock of Ages but dislike American Idiot. So I went in with a clear mind. And...I loved every second of it! It is now my #5 favorite musical after Next to Normal! Let me start off by reviewing the performers individually.
Mrs. Wilkinson was played by Janet Dickinson. OH MY GOD! She was amazing! Her voice was just beautiful and that accent! And her sass was just over the top and...yes! Loved her! "SHINE" was absolutely amazing! And she made me cry during the mum's letters scene ( and I usually dont cry at shows).
Drew Minard as Billy was fantastic! That kid is gonna win a Tony some day! His energy was just so over the top and his dancing and singing were flawless! His "Electricity" was outstanding! He got a standing ovation half way through the number! And his "Angry Dance" was so amazing! I could feel his anger just building up inside of him! Great job Drew!
Richard Herbert played Dad. He was really good! Every time he was on stage I could feel his emotion! When he sang "Deep Into the Ground" I got chills! Very moving performance! Jake Kitchin as Michael was so funny! Patti Perkins as Grandma was superb! Her "We'd Go Dancing" was so comedic and I loved the part when she sang "we were sober" haha had me and my dad laughing so hard! The rest of the cast and the ensemble were great! I loved how the sets were so simplistic but well thought out. And the orchestra was the best I have ever heard at a show before! Well done to the entire production team!
STAGEDOOR: I did not stage door because 1. It was a matinee and I assumed no one would hardly come out and 2. It was BCEFA day. So I went down to the lobby after the show and bought a full cast signed poster for $20 from Janet Dickinson who played Mrs Wilkinson and she was so nice! I told her she did a great job, bought my poster, and dropped a couple dollars into the bucket for Broadway Cares! I loved this show. It was amazing! Go see it if you get the chance!
