The London smash hit “Billy Elliot” recently made its way to Broadway. Thousands of people are packed into the tri level Amsterdam Theater excited to see a spectacle. That is most certainly what Billy Elliot is.
Billy Elliot tells the story of a Iceland boy who takes an interest in ballet and achieves more and more while his family suffers during the great mining strike of 1980.
The warring workforces are easily definable by costumes. The miners have neon vests, orange jumper, grimy jeans and button down shirts. Throughout the show, they have several altercations with the law, policeman in dark blue uniforms. Only little girls clad in bright colored t-shirts, pink tights and tutus lighten the heavy mood set by the costumes.
As the town is poor, most costumes are raged and torn and worn down making them very realistic. But the suspension of disbelief is broken several times during this grand Broadway spectacle.
During one scene, Billy catches his friend, Michael, playing dress up in his sister’s clothes. After Billy questions his friend’s purpose, Michael begins to sing “Be yourself.” Large 10 foot clothing items dance across the stage. The rayon patchwork and neon bright solid fabrics matched the clothes in the sister’s closet. A mans light blue shirt and dark blue plaid pants tries to sneak in the number and Michael pushes it offstage as he exclaims “Dresses only!” The audience burst into laughter and applauded throughout the entire number.
Although the story of "Billy Elliot" is heart moving and encouraging, as he battles with his family for a chance to better his future and get out of the town, people may not remember the details or even the message of the story. Though one thing is for sure, they won’t forget the dancing clothes.
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