Arts & Entertainment
‘Billy’ the kid
Hit-and-miss Elton John-scored musical has soaring moments, spirit
‘Billy Elliot the Musical’
Through Jan. 15
The Kennedy Center
$25-$150
202-467-4600
kennedy-centre.org
Lex Ishimoto as Billy (flying) with Maximilien A. Baud playing the character as an adult in ‘Billy Elliot the Musical,’ on the boards now at the Kennedy Center. (Photo by Michael Brosilow; courtesy the Kennedy Center)
When promoting “Billy Elliot the Musical,” Sir Elton John routinely explains his attachment to the show’s title character.
During a presentation of the film version (on which the musical is based) at Cannes in 2000, the gay superstar recognized aspects of his own life reflected on the screen. Like Billy, a small town boy who follows his dream to dance ballet despite his miner father’s initial misgivings, John’s passion for rock n’ roll was met with equal reservations by his own father.
John so loved the film that he agreed to write the music for the stage adaptation. Directed by Stephen Daldry, the show was a hit when it premiered in London’s West End in 2005 and triumphed on Broadway three years later, earning a truckload of awards along the way. And now a national tour of “Billy” has come to the Kennedy Center Opera House where it will remain through mid-January.
Set in northern England during the bleak UK miners’ strike of 1984-‘85, the action begins when 11-year-old Billy (Lex Ishimoto) ditches after-school boxing lessons for an all girls’ ballet class where he discovers his talent and passion for dance. Billy keeps coming back and even after his family’s remonstrations he continues attending in secret.
Billy’s ballsy ballet teacher Mrs. Wilkinson (the terrific Leah Hocking), a chain smoker in hot pink leg warmers, recognizes her sole male student’s ability and believes in his future. She also sees the writing on the wall: their small mining town is dying and dancing is Billy’s only ticket out.
Librettist and lyricist Lee Hall has pretty much stacked the odds against dance crazy Billy: His loving mother is dead; his father (Rich Hebert) and older brother Tony (Cullen R. Titmas), also a miner, are disdainful of the arts, specifically one that requires boys to wear tights (though Billy typically dances in gym shorts). Luckily, the boy finds some respite in his dotty grandmother (Cynthia Darlow), as well as the occasional visit from his dead mother’s sad sack apparition (identifiable by particularly bland street clothes and bad Princess Diana wig) who occasionally wanders on stage, says or sings a few kind words, then makes a hasty exit.
There’s also Billy’s loyal friend Michael (Ben Cook) — a self-described “poof” — who likes to dress up in his mother’s clothes. After persuading Billy to don a skirt too, their private little drag show explodes into “Expressing Yourself,” a glittery production number with the two boys tapping their hearts out in silver heels backed by a collection of 10-foot dancing dresses.
Despite Elton John’s ardor for the source material, this score is not his most memorable work. But what is unforgettable about the show is Billy’s dancing (thrillingly choreographed by Peter Darling). He unrealistically transforms from awkward novice to the prince of pirouettes in a matter of weeks, but who’s counting? Ishimoto (who performed on press night and shares the demanding role with four other young dancers) sings and acts OK, but he dances phenomenally: Whether back flipping off a table and tap/jump roping in “Born to Boogie” or leading the show’s huge cast in “Company Celebration,” a spirited dancing curtain call, he’s virtually flawless. The second acts’ gorgeous, dreamy Swan Lake sequence pairs Billy with his older self (beautifully danced by Maximilien A. Baud) and he literally soars high above the stage.
At more than three hours, it’s a long evening. Hall’s book is peppered with F-bombs and groan-worthy, cornball humor. Sometimes the show strains to connect the ongoing strike with dance. Case in point: a well-choreographed but improbable number (“Solidarity”) involving miners, cops and pubescent ballerinas dancing together in the same small space.
In the end, Billy’s family and the community get behind the young dancer. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (represented here in monstrous effigy at the miners’ Christmas party) has broken the union, destroying their way of life. It’s time to make way for new dreams.
Though hardly perfect, this “Billy Elliot the Musical” has a lot of glitz, grit and heart going for it.
Out & About
Love board games and looking for love?
Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.
Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?
Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.
At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.
Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Friday, January 16
Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, January 17
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.
LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, January 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, January 19
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, January 20
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, January 21
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, January 22
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.
Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.
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