Billy Elliot

           You may have seen the 2000 movie about a boy ballet dancer during the British coal strike of 1984. But you haven’t seen anything until you witness the Elton John rendition of the film, which (yes, I agree with the Tonys on this one) is the best musical on Broadway, and most likely will always be.

           Of course, I am talking about Billy Elliot, the musical that took audiences by storm when it opened in the fall of 2008, and hasn’t stopped. I would gladly see it again several more times. The music, lyrics, and acting skills this show possesses are irresistible, not to mention the comedy in between.

           It’s not every show you see that every song is your favorite. Billy Elliot will leave you humming each song in turn and hoping to buy the soundtrack afterwards. I, for one, enjoyed Expressing Yourself; Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher; Shine; Electricity; and Born to Boogie, immensely, and the entire score almost as much.

           My cousin Zach Drucker and I were privileged to watch the newest Billy, Tommy Batchelor, who might be the best child actor I have ever seen live. Haydn Gwynne as Mrs. Wilkinson and Gregory Jbara as Dad could be the funniest and most vocally agile actors in the world. As for David Bologna as Michael, the kid is just plain funny, however you look at it.

           This is a great play to see no matter how old you are or when you want to see it. Buy tickets now! I guarantee you won’t regret it.