Billy Elliot: The Musical

August 1, 2009 has been a hell of a day. Those who have me on facebook may have already known this, but today was the day I finally got to see my favorite musical ever, Billy Elliot: The Musical. Earlier this week, my loving father bought me a ticket for today's 2:00 matinee. So this morning, I got up at a decent hour (being 10:30 am) to get ready for the big day. I headed down to Times Square and got to the Imperial Theatre way early ahead of the crowds.

Now, I had been crossing my fingers that it would be one of the original three Broadway Billy's (Kiril Kulish, Trent Kowalik, David Alvarez) performing in this showing (they rotate/take turns playing the title role), but I found out that the cast line up was Tommy Batchelor as Billy (he's a new fourth Billy, formerly an understudy, added to the rotation), and I admit I was upset that I wouldn't get to see one of the Tony Award-winning originals, but of course, as soon as the show began, I forgot all about that, because Tommy Batchelor was every bit as wonderful! Keean Johnson was also adorable as Michael.

But I'm getting ahead of myself now. As a mildly interesting subplot, just ten minutes before they opened the doors, I realized I forgot to bring a sharpie (for autographs after the show) so I had to make a mad dash to the Walgreens to waste my money and buy a pack. Ah well, I didn't want to miss the opportunity for autographs.

Anyways, I got back to the theater, but not ahead of the crowds this time. Still, it only took a few minutes to get in and find my seat on the front mezzanine row F (which wasn't a sucky seat, in case you're wondering, but it wasn't fantastic either). The lights dimmed, and over the speakers the voice of a boy with a Geordie accent prompted us to turn off our cell phones.

And so the dream began... and ended. Like a flash. I've been in a tired daze ever since.

That's the kind of effect an experience so moving has on me. Billy Elliot: The Musical was one of the single most joyous times I've ever had in my life--the fulfillment of a dream. So naturally, now that it's over, I am incredibly depressed. That's just how it goes with me.

Some photos to document the day... Disclaimer: Please ignore the fact that I look gross and my hair is a disaster.

The Imperial Theatre

Front:

Back:

Inside the Lobby:

After the performace, Keean Johnson (dark hair) and Tommy Batchelor (light hair) sign autographs:

Me with Tony Award-winner Trent Kowalik:

Me at home with my autographed souvenir program:

"Wow. Huh? Did that really just happen?" That kinda sums up how I feel right now. I've anticipated this day since I first saw the Billy Elliot movie and bought the Musical soundtrack two years ago, and now it's gone in a flash. It was such an emotional day. And I would give you more details now, but I'm pooped.

Latest update: Tonight at around 10:30, I went back to the theater and waited at the stage door to catch some more of the stars as they exited after their evening performance. I got a few more autographs. More details on the day and possibly more photos coming tomorrow!