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.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Friday, November 28
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website or email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, November 29
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.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.
Sunday, November 30
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Coffee and Conversation” at 12 p.m. at As You Are. Guests are encouraged to come and enjoy stimulating conversation. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, December 1
“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]).
“Soulfully Queer: LGBTQ+ Emotional Health and Spirituality Drop-In” will be at 3 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This group will meet weekly for eight weeks, providing a series of drop-in sessions designed to offer a safe, welcoming space for open and respectful conversation. Each session invites participants to explore themes of spirituality, identity, and belonging at their own pace, whether they attend regularly or drop in occasionally. For more details visit the DC Center’s website.
Tuesday, December 2
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Friends of Dorothy Cafe will host “Choose Our Blend” at 6 p.m. at Stardust Vintage & Gift. Guests are encouraged to come sip, sample, and vote on a lineup of custom coffee blends from Rustic Route Coffee Co., a DMV-based queer-owned roaster. Guests’ votes will help Rustic Route choose the café’s official signature roast. Event organizers will take donations, and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, December 3
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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 www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, December 4
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 is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
API Queer Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for the Asian and Pacific Islander Queer Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Theater
D.C. theater scene has something for everyone this holiday season
‘Nutcracker,’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ and much more
With its familiar music, yuletide imagery, and storytelling, theater can be a big part of the holidays. Add to that making memories and theater tickets wrapped as presents under the tree, and it’s a seasonal no brainer.
Folger Theatre presents “Resplendent Joy: Christmas Traditions from Spain and Portugal” (Dec. 5-14); the marvelous Folger Consort will perform early Spanish Christmas carols and traditional holiday music from early modern Spain and Portugal: folger.edu/resplendent
At Round House Theatre, playwright Sam Holcroft’s “Rules for Living” (Dec. 3-Jan. 4) makes its U.S. premiere. The darkly funny holiday comedy was a hit in London and is now hoping to repeat that success with a version tailored for the states. The seven-person cast includes versatile actors Naomi Jacobson and real-life spouse John Lescault. Ryan Rillette directs. roundhousetheatre.org
Theatre J presents “Chanukah in the Dark” (Dec. 6-21), an hour-long play ideal for ages five and up. “When the lights go out during Chanukah, Max and family begin sharing songs, stories, and traditions — only to discover the lights they needed and the miracles they searched for were in their midst all along.” edcjcc.org
The Cathedral Choral Society’s “Joy of Christmas” (Dec. 13-14) presents a wonderful program of carols and beloved holiday favorites at the festively decorated National Cathedral. The program features Seraph Brass, organist Edward Hewes, Carillonneur Edward M. Nassor, percussionist Mary La Blanc of “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, and the Eastern Concert Choir from Eastern Senior High School. Cathedralchoralsociety.org
With “The Holiday Show,” (Dec. 13, 14, and 20), the Gay Men’s Chorus returns to entertain audiences with its annual and most popular show.
This year the holiday extravaganza is bigger than ever at historic Lincoln Theatre with new, soulful arrangements of favorite holiday carols: “The reindeer will be high-kicking and the snowflakes will sparkle. Songs include “O Holy Night,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Let It Snow,” “We Wish You the Merriest,” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.’” gmcw.org
At Olney’s intimate Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab, out actor Michael Russotto is back for the holiday season in his solo show “Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas” (through Dec. 28). The talented Russotto portrays nearly 50 different characters from the Charles Dickens classic, that proves “funnier and far more relevant than you might imagine.” Olneytheatre.org
Also on holiday offer in the DMV are a jolly bunch of musical chestnuts as well as reliable Christmas crowd-pleasers.
Included on the roster is Olney Theatre’s production of Jerry Herman’s “Hello, Dolly!” (through Jan. 4) starring the mega-talented Nova Y. Payton. Based on the play “The Matchmaker” by famed gay playwright Thornton Wilder, the musical has proved a vehicle for many a diva including Carol Channing, Pearl Bailey, Bette Midler, and Barbra Streisand. Now Payton dons the mantle and the buzz is good.
Another beloved musical is “Fiddler on the Roof” (through Jan. 25), the story of Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, his family and their tight-knit community who honor tradition while contending with pogroms in Czarist Russia. Currently being performed intimately in the round at Signature Theatre in Arlington and directed by Joe Calarco, the large cast features actors Douglas Sills, Chrisopher Bloch, and terrific out actor Jake Loewenthal as the poor tailor Motel Kamzoil, all singing Broadway favorites like “Sunrise, Sunset” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker.” sigtheatre.org
At Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall is Frank Loesser’s “Guys and Dolls” (through Jan. 4). Based on tales from famed American journalist Damon Runyon, the show focuses on two overlapping love stories set in Depression-era Times Square. The terrific score includes songs like “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” and more songs you’ll know. Directed by Francesca Zambello and choreographed by Joshua Bergasse.
The cast includes Julie Benko, Lamont Brown, and Holly Twyford as General Matilda B. Cartwright, which is reason enough to buy a ticket. shakespearetheatre.org
And for hardcore traditionalists there’s the Washington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” (through Dec. 29) with its balletic magic at the charming gilded Warner Theatre. The beloved production of Tchaikovsky’s ballet, here set in 1882 Georgetown, features a retinue of agile partiers, children, soldiers, rats, and notable figures from American history. washingtonballet.org
And last but hardly least, historic Ford’s Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (through Dec. 31), an enduring Washington tradition since I was youngish. Conceived by Michael Baron, this charming Dickens’ moneymaker again spotlights Craig Wallace as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who after a night of ghostly visits, rediscovers Christmas joy. Fords.org
Comings & Goings
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Calendar: November 28-December 4
D.C., Va., Md. to commemorate World AIDS Day
D.C. theater scene has something for everyone this holiday season
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