Elton John Mesmerizes In Broadway Musical "Billy Elliot"

"Billy Elliot," the musical, opened Thursday at Broadway's Imperial Theatre, to a grand reception. This adaptation of the 2000 British film has the best-ever music for theater scored by pop guru Elton John.

All elements combine here for a mesmerizing mix: a riveting storyline set against the bitter struggle of the miners against the establishment in the eighties, excellent screenplay and lyrics by Lee Hall, and adept direction by Stephen Daldry.
Choreographer Peter Darling gets even the audiences on their feet by the ending, even as Ian MacNeil's sets create realistic backdrops all through. Rick Fisher has also done a good job at lighting.
The title character has with three boys serially playing out the role of Billy – incredible performances by the youngsters. Together with a collage of vivid supporting characters, they create a magical experience in the play.
The main attraction, however, remains Elton John. The 61-year-old musician, composer for Aida and The Lion King (which are still playing on the Great White Way), has outdone himself with "Billy Elliot."
Elton’s range here encompasses extensive, hymn-like numbers, striking rock music, and also some jaunty comic renditions like "Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher," to regale all kinds of music lovers.
Elton John has expressed surprise at his Broadway success. "I'm looking up at the street and I'm seeing the sign for The Lion King, and I'm standing here and I'm thinking, “I had never thought in a million years I'd ever be standing in Broadway and talking about something I'd written for the stage," said John.
About the story line of "Billy Elliot", John commented, "It's a triumph over adversity. It's something beautiful coming out of something tragic." With the help of partner David Furnish, John said he'd prefer writing musicals with story line and characters rather than simply record albums.
"I love it — but I've got a lot to learn," he said. "I'm a novice at this."
"Billy Elliot," is about a coal miner's young son, hailing from North Country, who yearns to dance and be part of the Royal Ballet School in London. The play studies his struggles and conflicts, while at the same time following the fortunes of the striking coal miners.
There is an interplay of the way the political situation affects the older generation as against the promises in store for the upcoming younger generation. Some sentimental twists and turns notwithstanding, the musical, which enjoyed successful runs in London and Sydney, will undoubtedly go down well with New York audiences too.