The world is finding itself in difficult times. There is great division about the future of the nation, strikes are breaking out and families are finding themselves finically strapped. Amid all this turmoil, there does not seem to be any bright moment to show that everything is going to work out fine in 1984-era England. These very events are taking center stage at The Fabulous Fox Theatre as it welcomes “Billy Elliot the Musical.”
The story of young Billy Elliot is one that is sure to touch the hearts and minds of all ages. Set during the coal workers’ strike for control of the industry between the conservative British government, “Billy Elliot” illuminates and transcends the period to correlate with modern-day issues.
The story of Billy is one of struggle, soul-searching and acceptance. The plot follows the Elliot family, composed of Billy, his dad Jackie, his older brother Tony and their grandmother, living together during the turmoil of the strike. The family is no stranger to suffering after enduring the death of Billy’s mother, Jenny.
The musical takes us through the journey of young Billy, from being forced to participate in boxing, something he hates, and eventually finding freedom through ballet dancing.
Billy struggles to keep this passion for dance a secret from his father, all while developing into a talented dancer. More importantly, Billy finally finds the maternal touch that he has been missing in his teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson. Throughout the musical, the audience enters into sentimental moments with Billy, imagining time with his mother. A break from the usual merriment, fast-paced music and dance, we feel the affection and love that Billy and his mother once had.
It is ballet and the arts which help Billy rediscover the love for his mother, and now his love for Mrs. Wilkinson, and it is ballet that brings closure to his tragedy.
With wonderful ballet movements from “Swan Lake” to modern tap, the entire show highlights the beauty and the power the arts have to transform people. For Billy, the gift of the arts is an escape from difficult times and a power to transform relationships. Ballet brings together his family amid turmoil, helps him define who he is and provides the foundation for relationships to be transformed. Moreover, the arts allow Billy to befriend his best friend Michael, despite his homosexuality.
“Billy Elliot” is more than just a performance with exquisite dance and toe-tapping music by Elton John. Rather, it is a story of encouragement that resonates with our modern time and struggles. In an age where it seems there is no light at the end of the tunnel, “Billy Elliot” reminds us of the power the arts have to take us away from the difficulties of life.
In a time when it seems like more and more of the youth have committed suicide because of sexuality-specific bullying, Billy Elliot and Michael reminds audiences of the need for acceptance of individuals, as well as of the power of friendship.
The lesson of “Billy Elliot” is that, despite how difficult times may seem, it is the simple things that bring us together: the acceptance of a friend’s sexuality, following your dreams and hopes despite the constraints, the rallying of a community around someone with a chance for greatness, the gift of confidence in talents, the transcending love of a family and the healing power of the arts.
“Billy Elliot” is a musical that is going places because it is a story about each of us. The musical will have you laughing, crying, singing and applauding.
Running through Nov. 13 at the Fox, “Billy Elliot” is one performance that you do not want to miss.
