‘BILLY ELLIOT’ COMMUNITY THEATRE AT ITS MUSICAL AND BALLET BEST
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
BRACEBRIDGE — Charming, witty, inspiring with great performances.
That’s “Billy Elliot,” which wrapped up its first weekend run at the Rene Caisse Theatre Sunday.
Community theatre at its best. Entertaining, intelligent, heartwarming and atristically true to hit movie and play’s original 2005 West End London production.
The buzz about “Billy” and ballet in Bracebridge is contagious with its great music by Elton John and memorable tunes like “Solidarity” and “Individuality.”
The first shows drew rave reviews (“Billy! Billy! Ballet! Ballet!”) — and four standing ovations — for the cast of 41 striking miners, police, ballerinas and supporting stars led by an uplifting and endearing performance from lead actor Shannan Pratt as the fictional Billy Elliot.
And there are three more shows to go — Thursday and Friday nights and Saturday afternoon. Tickets are limited as word spreads of the British boy who defies long odds at getting in to the Royal Ballet School.
From its moving and illuminating overture — the musical opens with a contextual video of the 1984-85 northeastern England coal strike — 11 miners in overalls march into the darkened hall singing the “Stars Look Down” with their coal-covered helmet lanterns leading the way.
“We’re out! We’re on strike!” miner Keith Montgomery shouts rushing out on stage.
Eruption ensues as dozens more community members celebrate hugging and patting each other on the back.
Out of this tumult emerges Billy Elliot, a lad who prefers a pirouette to a punching bag.
Boisterous boxing coach Shawn Gardiner can’t convince him otherwise, despite attempting a spirited sparring match that hilariously ends in a near KO when one of the ringmaster’s rug rats hits the pugilistic promoter below the belt.
It’s left up to the lad’s energetic, resplendent and potty-mouthed ballet teacher Mrs. Wilkinson, played brilliantly and breathlessly by “Born to Boogie” Amy Bridle, to encourage and nurture him toward his dream of dance; while going also toe-to-toe with single dad Jackie Elliot (Allen Hutchings) and her confronting Billy’s strike-happy brother “Comrade” Tony (Kyle Buckley).
Hutchings, who is torn between coal’s past and Billy’s future, proves to be as at home with his tempestuous emotions as he is tender in singing a beautiful, haunting lament to his late wife while eventually admitting to being a bit of a “balletomane” — fan of the ballet.
He even tears himself — and the audience — up when he thanks Mrs. Wilkinson for “all the help” she gave tutoring his son for the audition.
Buckley, too, turns in a powerful performance trying to protect his little brother while struggling to save the pit and the community in a bitter battle with the National Coal Board. A family trait, his youthful temper is as intense as his dad’s. But after Billy gets accepted and big bro’ gives in — like the strikers — Tony offers an affectionate farewell, whispering “Knock ’em dead kidda!”
Billy doesn’t just toy with tutus, he’s all in. Especially in a fun scene with his friend Michael (Pearson Butler-Commins). The two bring down the house with “Expressing Yourself.”
Michael particularly when after doing the splits he moans: “No wonder they call this the Nutcracker” and gets the show’s biggest laugh.
And when he sings “What the hell’s wrong with expressing yourself. Being who you want to be. … The world’s grey enough without making it worse. What we need is individuality.”
Other leading lights include Paula McIsaac as “Grandma,” whose touching scenes with Billy are enlivened by her lovely dance steps, jumps and spins.
“Dead Mum” Aussa Penniall shares a touching moment of tenderness with a ballad in which she says “Always be yourself, Billy. And always be true. … Love you forever.”
Terry Bridle brings comedic relief as Mr. Braithwaite, the ballet accompanist, and who shows he’s no slouch on the dance floor matches steps in a wild waltz with daughter Amy before collapsing in a chair.
Nicole Moore and Allison Holder hit some really nice high notes in various roles.
Lyla Stanton leads a lovely, lively ballet chorus line that keeps the story moving. She also lends her solo talents to the role of Mrs. Wilkinson’s daughter Debbie, notably in a pair of interactions with Billy in which she asks him: “Don’t you fancy me?”
The entire versatile ensemble ushered in by the miners, dons different hard hats, caps, costumes and tutus to the sheer delight of the smiling audience.
The bring great voices to “Shine” in “Solidarity”
A highlight is when dance pro Aaron Rusak leaps across the stage in a dream sequence an “older Billy,” a portent of what one day he will become.
But it’s really all about Billy.
Pratt is loveable as the vulnerable kid caught between his feelings and his family. And who finally finds his legs when struck by the “Electricity” of his daring and venturesome dance moves.
His acting and dancing are so believable, bringing joy, hope and ultimately success in an otherwise hopeless state for his community if not himself.
He unites the cast around him who enthusiastically shout “Billy! Billy! Ballet! Ballet!”
Director Amy Grimstead, artistic director Amy Bridle and her sister Emily Bridle, the musical director, continue 46 years of Bracebridge Rotary Musical theatre in Muskoka with another fine performance that is thrilling patrons of the Rene Caisse Theatre and Theatre Muskoka.
“Billy” is a tribute to them and their bustling backhouse team that ensures the show must go on without a hitch.
It’s wonderful winter respite even if cold comfort for coal miners.
EMAIL: news@muskokatoday.com
30 years of TRUSTED ‘Local Online Journalism’
Twitter: @muskokatoday, Facebook: mclairmont1
Leave comments at end of story
SUBSCRIBE for $25 by e-transferring to news@muskokatoday.com
Mail cheque to MuskokaTODAY.com Box 34 Gravenhurst, Ont. P1P 1T5
And include your email address to get stories sent to your inbox
