“Billy Elliot the Musical” reviewed by Al Bresloff and Frank Meccia

This is an unusual review. Jane had surgery last week and we were unable to attend the opening night performance of “Billy Elliott the Musical” produced by Music Theater Works. Frank, my co-host on Around The Town Chicago on WCPT was able to and so, I will first put his review, followed by mine, which is in reality the 3rd performance as they did not perform Christmas Eve and Day. FYI- you will note that there were some opening night problems, many of which have been resolved for future performances.

Reviewed by: Frank Meccia

**1/2 recommended

One of the great theater companies in this city, a hidden gem has been, Music Theater Works. Formally the Lite Opera Works, which used to be in Evanston and now moved to their new home in Skokie, at the North Shore Performing Arts Center. For their third show in their new house they performed, A play that goes wrong, oh, my mistake,” Billy Elliot the musical”.

Billy Elliot is a powerful musical based on the 2000 film by the same name, with musical scores by Sir Elton John. A difficult show because of the theme. A young boy Billy who has to struggle to be true to himself, and at the same time try and help unite a family and a broken community. In 1984 -85 the UK had a major strike. The National Union of mineworkers staged a strike against the National Coal Board. The strike was illegal, because it never came up for a national vote, and it pitted the Great Margaret Thatcher (The Iron Lady) against the illegal strikers. But during this bleak time, an eleven-year-old boy discovers his love for dance. The star of the show Billy is played by Jake Siswick. His moves are flawless, he was great to watch in the role. The standout newcomer in this show is Billy’s best friend Michael, played by Kai Edgar. This young man has tremendous dance ability and is going to be unstoppable later in life. The entire cast is a perfect fit for this show, Mrs. Wilkenson, the constant smoking, down to earth Britt is played by Casiena Rather, who just is dazzling in this role. At first, I was comparing her to Haydn Gwynne who originated the role, but after a few minutes, I really enjoyed her interpretation. And the two newcomers to Theatre Works are Matt Miles as Billy’s father and Brandon Michaud as Billy’s brother Tony. Both were perfect in these roles. The entire cast was what I expected from Music Theatre Works.

What I did not expect was a poor execution of this musical. First, to Michael McBride the new musical director, Music Works uses a 25-piece orchestra for their musicals, this time you only had 10 pieces, and you decided to drown out every actor on stage. You’re not playing at Symphony Hall you’re playing in a smaller venue. And to the Artistic Director and Director of this musical Kyle Dougan, did you at any time rehearse this production with mic’s and the orchestra?? It was total exhaustion trying to hear and understand what anybody was saying. Either the sound was at such a high level that anybody with a hearing aid could have turned them off because it was so loud, or nobody could be heard because the mic’s did not work. I kept looking at the man at the sound board to see if he was awake or dead. And then, I have to unleash onto your scenic designer. First, the sets were more for community theatre then for a major production house. And if you insisted on using that metal garage door to open and close, did you ever hear of rubber or plastic wheels, every time that door open and closed you could hear the bagging of the metal door. But it is the holiday’s so I will be kind. I am prying when Al Bresloff goes on Sunday night, you have worked all these bugs out.

Ticket prices are for 25 y/o and under $20.00 to $54.00. For adults $41.00 to $108.00.
Box office is at 847-673-6300 or go to Northshore center.org. 

Billy Elliot is playing till Jan 2nd, 2022.

Review by Al Bresloff

Recommended *** “Billy Elliott the Musical” is a show about living one’s dreams. It is also a show that details how one person’s dream can affect an entire community. A powerful movie detailing a few stories- one the dream of a young boy and two the story of England’s mining community and the strife brought on by Margaret Thatcher and her policies. These are poor people in a situation that doesn’t allow for dreams and yet, a young lad finds himself liking dance better than boxing. He works himself into a class, is discovered by the teacher who sees his amazing talent and changes his life along with the mentality of Billy’s dad, brother and the community that they live in.

This is another huge production for Music Theater Works to take on in their new home in Skokie. They did have some tech problems, but not as bad as opening night. Tonight, the garage door was fine ( must have called in Danley), but there were a few microphone problems. I know from past experience that a theater filled with cell phones can play havoc with the memory of the sound system or even the blue tooth capability of the units being worn by the performers. Please folks, turn the phones off so everyone can enjoy the production, which is a wonderful one indeed.

I am always impressed with the talent that Music Theater Works finds. Jake Siswick may not look like a dancer, but he will impress you with his moves and his agility. He is Billy! For those of you who know the show, you know about Billy’s young freind Michael- Kai Edgar is a name you should write down, I have a feeling this tyke will be doing lots of theater in our area and then will probably head to New York. He is adorable and can truly dance!. “Expressing Yourself” ( which is truly what the play is about) is a number that will take your breath away as these two do their thing!

The dance teacher who discovers and nurtures Billy, Mrs. Wilkinson (played to perfection by Casiena Raether) changes not only his life, but an attitude of a community. Other cast members that stand out are Rick Rapp who always does great work, Matt Miles as Dad, Brandon Michaud as Tony ( Billy’s brother), Caron Buinis ( as Grandma) and cute as a button Everleigh Murphy as Debbie. Billy’s “mum” is played by Lydia Burke who has a lovely voice and some of the ensemble members of note were Jon Peter Jackson, John Cardone ( who changes characters with ease just by wigs and dances up a storm) and Nick Johnson who does a special number with Billy as “old Billy”.

The choreography (Clayton Cross) is marvelous and the direction (Kyle A. Dougan)works in spite of some tech problems. The set (Lauren Nigri) is very  special and maybe they tried to take on more than possible for a two week production. There are a number of walls and rooms that move and in one number a chorus comes out of the fridge- wow! It may take a bit for this company to get used to their new home.

I am sure they will tackle all the problems by the next show- meanwhile, you can still see this special show with great Elton John lyrics ( that help tell the story) thru January 2nd with performances as follows:

Wednesday, 12/29    1 p.m.

Thursday    12/30  7:30

Friday 12/31   8 p.m.

Saturday  1/1   2p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday 1/2/22   2 p.m.

For tickets call 847-673-6300 or visit www.musictheaterworks.com

The North Shore Center for Performing Arts is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie and there is plenty of free parking.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Billy Elliott the Musical”.