I remember watching the film Billy Elliot late night in bed beside my hubby and crying. No, not crying. Racking. Loudly. To the point that I burst blood vessels around my eyes. Why? Cuz I could relate. Painfully. My son, like little Billy, is a creative kid - the non-hockey playing, gentle, artistic soul. And in some ways he didn't fit in. I feel that pain it in my gut even now.
So, fast forward five years, and I'm given a pair of tickets to see opening night of the Billy Elliott - the stage musical. Of course, the only person I wanted to share the experience with was my son, now ten.
Borth the British and Broadway productions of Billy Elliott won a bunch of awards. So expectations were high for the Toronto premiere. Plus my son's best buddy had gone to a preview a couple of days earlier and decided he wanted to be a ballet dancer after being inspired by the show.
There was special electricity in the lobby on opening night - Elton John, who wrote the music for the show, was in the house! As he took his seat, everyone at the Canon Theatre gave him a long, loud, standing ovation. Dim the lights and let the magic start.
If you don't know the premise of the show yet : ten year old Billy Elliott, who lives in a northern mining town in the Thatcher era, discovers a love of ballet. Having lost his mother, Billy is bullied and shut down by the macho culture he's raised in.
The underlying concern of all the men in his small town when they learn Billy is doing ballet is that he's "a poof" or "queer" - when, in fact, there's no co-relation between sexual preference and passion for dance. My son was on the edge of his seat trying to comprehend the difference between Billy and his cross-dressing best friend Michael - both not "typical" boys.
The young boy who played the role of Billy Elliott, Cesar Corrales, was nothing short of magnificent. His portrayal of a tortured young artist was fiery and believable. But it was his spectacular dancing that brought the audience to their feet several times during the show! The boy was on fire!!
In my humble opinion, Billy Elliot is one of the best pieces of theatre I've ever experienced - resonating with adults and kids. Aside from fantastic, deeply emotional performances from the entire cast, I adored the imaginative and modern direction and choreography. While some say the music isn't memorable, I disagree. The songs are written to blend into each characters' voice and extend the story, as opposed to become a stand-along hit song.
But what threw me over the emotional abyss, holding my son's hand, tears rolling down my face, was the intertwined ongoing themes of motherhood and inspiring your child's passion. I'm sure there were many parents in the audience who were reminded how important it is to listen to your child's heart and give them the power and tools to soar.
I was thrilled how my son came home after the show, inspired to be true to himself and do what he loves, no matter what it is.
I hope one day he will find his own inner Billy Elliott and pursue what makes him soar. And I'll be watching from the sidelines applauding him!
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