Billy Elliot: The Musical Live

Mounted by the same team that created the hit 2000 film Billy Elliot—including writer Lee Hall and director Stephen Daldry—Billy Elliot: The Musical Live, winner of 10 Tony awards (including Best Musical) and now celebrating the 10th year of its run, is presented in this 2014 performance from London's Victoria Palace Theatre. Set in 1984-85 during the British coal miner's strike that pitted U.K. prime minister Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government against the National Union of Mine Workers, the musical centers on one boy who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes, suffering the scorn of his older brother and his father, both coal miners, while being encouraged by the ghost of his deceased mother. In what is likely the most physically demanding role for a child in contemporary theatre, 11-year-old Elliott Hanna is astonishing as Billy, dancing up a kinetic storm in a variety of styles, including tap, modern, and ballet, while also turning in a compelling, heartfelt performance. Hanna is ably backed by Ruthie Henshall as the small-town ballet class instructor who sees Billy's potential; Deka Walmsley as Billy's tortured dad, who ultimately wants the best for his son; Ann Emery as Billy's senile Grandma; and Zach Atkinson as Billy's best friend, Michael. Featuring the music of Elton John (with lyrics by Hall), the show boasts a number of fine songs, including the beautiful “The Stars Look Down,” the stirring anthem “Solidarity,” the touching “Grandma's Song,” the caustic “Merry Christmas, Maggie Thatcher,” and the comic cross-dressing number “Expressing Yourself.” A special treat here is the appearance of Liam Mower (the first stage Billy) in a dance scene with Hanna as the latter imagines his future graceful self (a rousing encore also features two dozen past and present Billys). Although some might balk at the profanity spouted by pre-teens in the show—much of it played for laughs—Billy Elliot is ultimately a big-hearted, spirit-lifting musical. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and Dolby Digital stereo on Blu-ray, extras include an introduction and set tour by Hanna, and a behind-the-scenes featurette with cast and crew. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)