Can I just ask you Billy? What does it feel like when you're dancing?
Don't know..
Sort of feels good..
It's sort of stiff and that.. but once I get going.. then I.. like... forget everything and.. sort of disappear.. sort of disappear
.. Like I feel a change in me whole body.. Like there's a fire in my body
.. I am just.. flying like a bird Like electricity.. Yeah.. like electricity
The First Non-English Production in Asia, the musical "Billy Elliot Korea'
Billy Elliot, the spectacular show with the heart, humor and passion to named Broadway's Tiny-winning Best Musical and TIME Magazine's "Best Musical of the Decade!" is based on the international hit film Billy Elliot. It is a story about a boy who wants to be a ballet dancer despite hardship and frustration. "Billy Elliot Korea" which is the first non-English production in Asia, was finally unveiled in August, 2010. Soon after that, it became one of the most popular musicals in Korea. For this reason, I was extremely excited to see it. Let's find out about the first Korean Billy and what the Billy Elliot Korea is like.
A Mega-hit Musical Got a Stamp on its Passport!
The LG Arts Center was buzzing with anticipation. Even some japanese visitors had come to enjoy the Korean version of the musical Billy Elliot. Since it was its debut in a non-English speaking country, the musical drew nor only attention in Korea but also internationall attention. Four boys were selected in an audition for the lead role in this musical. They were trained for a year and a half to play Billy Elliot with their outstanding ballet sills. Their efforts filled the show with energy. One of the Billy Elliot, Kim Se-young was cast for the show that I saw. He is an up and coming atar in Korean ballet. He won 1st place in the 2009 Youth America Grand Prix. This title seems insufficient to explain the power of his expressiveness that emanates from his body. Critics and spectators say that Se-yong's song is a little weak to fill the theater. According to his interview with the Magazine Play DB, Se-yong's voice changed recently and he did not expect that. The Supporting the actors' witty attracted audiences interest. Especially, a little boy Lee Sung-hoon, who was cast as Michael, his unique voice and tone makes the audience laugh. Also, Jung Young-joo, who is cast as Billy's ballet teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson, has a voice that is full of energy that captivates people's attention and makes them breathe altogether as a one.
Keep Dancing to reach real freedom
Needless to say, the most important point of this musical is the dancing of a small boy, Billy. The average age of boys who perform Billy is 10-13. However, it was hard to believe when I saw it. Although he is young, Se-young Billy expressed himself to his fingertips by dancing. He flew down the stairs, glided across the yard and crisscrossed through crowds of other characters. Some impressive scenes were the Angry Dance, Swan Lake and Electricity. In every performance, the small boy takes the audience's breath away. In "Angry Dance" he described his pent-up rage when his father bars him from attending the audition for the royal ballet school. "Swan Lake" is the background music that accompanies small Billy dancing with adult Billy and this shows a vision of Billy. "Electricity" is a scene which describes Billy's feeling when he is dancing. It id performed when Billy sees the audition committee and it is the most exciting sceneof the second act. Almost everyone in the audience ruse as one in a standing ovation at the end of this scene.
Trinity of Music, Dance, Mise-en-scene
There are no great musicals without great music. The musical Billy Elliot is originally from Stephen Daldry's movie Billy Elliot (2000). What happens when the storyline of Billy meets Elton John's music and Lee Halls lyrics? Above all, the melody from the music inspires the audience ti fall deep into the story. Peter Darling's vigorous, but delicate choreography ensures that the stage engulfs the whole center. During the show, I wanted to jump on the stage and follow the characters' movement. Although it is an excuse to make noise in the hall, I could not help myself tapping on the chair and nodding to the beat of the songs. 2.5billion won of investment during three years may seem like too much, but when you see the stage you will Just understand. The stage is detailed to portray Northern England in the 1980s. According to the Megistella, a Korean production company, the team imported ever small props to reproduce reality on stage.
A Glimpse of Light and a Big Shining Star
HJ : In the darkness of Northern England, Billy did nut give up his passion for dance. He started dancing unintentionally, but he enjoyed it and overcome all the obstacles and obstructions to achieve his dream. This storyline might seem obvious to some people. However, the most important lesson that the musical teaches us id never give up. I suggest this musical for these who are tired of the daily life which is full of stress. Powerful tap dance, smooth but charismatic ballet from a few boys and little a few laughs in each scene may give you an unforgettable experience.
YJ : It will be more interesting if you already watched the movie Billy Elliot. Compared to the movie, the musical Billy Elliot id more conspicuous and spectacular. The only thing I regret was that they did not do well on describing the character of the supporting actor. In this musical, I could not feel father's love as deeply as movie. Also, Debbie who is the daughter of Mrs. Wilkinson looks naughtier than in the movie. After all, this story reveals not only the boy's relentless dream, but also the social issues portrayed in a serious working-class. The success story of a boy in a poor mine village might give you hope for a better future.
By Cha Yoon-jae CP Reporter , yukixiah@cnu.ac,kr
By So Hae-jin CP Reporter , @cnu.ac.krI
