Dish-Houston

By DISH Contributor Mary Kramer Ambrose

WOW! This show sparkles! The cast of Billy Elliott is talented and the show simply flows – and takes you on the ride.

The story brings several elements to life.  First, if you’re of a certain age, you may remember the UK Miners Strike of 1984-85.  It was a pivotal moment in Great Britain’s history, and a subject I simply could not imagine being part of a musical.  Second, the story invites the audience in to share what is left of a family after the death of a mother.  There is a father, an older son and a younger son, Billy.  Actor Rich Hebert gave an excellent performance as the brusque and lonely widower who reacts poorly to his son’s desire to take dance lessons rather than boxing lessons.  He comes around though, and his toughness gives way to provide a glimpse of the underlying love he has for his son.  We are witness to a portion of a young boys’ journey through grief – to letting go of the mother he has already lost to death and to his and his older brothers’ acceptance that Billy’s future will not be in the coal mines that have defined the men of his family for generations.

None of this really sounds like a musical – but obviously I hadn’t taken into account the combined talents of writer Lee Hall, music by Elton John, solid direction by Stephen Daldry and the choreography of Peter Darling.  Inventive sets and staging were present, but the dancing was what held the attention.  The cast assembled truly seemed to be an ensemble – with Billy (Daniel Russell) shining through it all.  The high energy of Billy is countered by the tough but heart of gold dance instructor, Mrs. Wilkerson (Faith Prince).  She came across as someone you’d meet in the neighborhood, someone who’s lived a bit of a hard life, and come through a little jaded, but not destroyed. She sees and nurtures the talent in Billy, then provides the opportunity to him to use dance to forge a new life.

The adult language may be offensive to some however it commonplace during that time. The dancing just takes your breath away, and the finale, or rather encore dance, will make you walk out of the theater feeling like you could dance too.