Billy Elliot the Forum

It took me eighteen months and many, many trips to see the Tour before I finally saw Kylend in action in Boston. Twice, in fact. He is without doubt the consummate Billy star, and I have seen most in the US and in London. The fact that we have had his presence (in various roles) since before the last Tour began is, in itself, a remarkable achievement by a very seasoned and just plain nice young man.

I would have loved to see him play Michael to Ben's Billy - and vice versa! A pairing right up there with Liam Mower and David Bologna.

I guess the Liam Mower/David Bologna pairing is intended to be fantasy, since they were divided by an ocean and a few years. By the way, Liam was the first Billy ever to play Michael, and that was at the last minute with no prior preparation because none of the regular Michaels was able to go on.

ERinVA wrote:I guess the Liam Mower/David Bologna pairing is intended to be fantasy, since they were divided by an ocean and a few years. By the way, Liam was the first Billy ever to play Michael, and that was at the last minute with no prior preparation because none of the regular Michaels was able to go on.

Not a fantasy; just a theoretical matching of incredible talents, made to illustrate the enormous talents of Kylend and Ben in both roles. Having seen Liam in London and David in the US some time in the past, I am well aware that duo can never happen! Ben and Kylend HAVE played these roles together, a unique moment in the Tour history.

Kylend posted on his Facebook fanpage:

"Yesterday was so much fun! Loved playing Michael to Ben's Billy. Off to Austin tomorrow for my final week with Billy."

http://www.facebook.com/KylendsFans

I always hate that announcement but especially with Kylend. I saw him exactly a year apart in 2010, 2011, and 2012. It has been like seeing a fledgling seedling grow into majestic and tall force to be reckoned with. Best of luck Kylend and only wish I could be there for your final week. Also...Much appreciation goes forth to his fantastic parents who have had their lives uprooted to make his dreams come true. Special people in their own right.

Here's a picture Ben Cook posted on instagram which commemorates the show when Kylend played Michael one last time, to Ben's Billy (December 8, 2012):

http://instagram.com/p/TEhaY1zKp9/?fb_a ... map=%5B%5D

Tour Physical Therapist Ashley Hodges treated the Billys to Jamba Juice today, in honor of Kylend's last cardio class with her:

http://instagram.com/p/THL8xYAKm8/

Wow, thought the day would never come when there were no more Billys/Michaels since my first Billython in Portland. Kylend was my first Billy and I only got to see him once, but when I think back on that wonderful week, he's the one I think of most. The first time is always the best. Thanks Kylend for such a great show that made such an impression upon me. Nobody else was able to top it!

Hey I just got news from Kylend uncle on my fan page of him on facebook, that Kylend last performance is tomorrow.
https://www.facebook.com/KylendHetherin ... therington

This tweet tonight from Kat Hennessey:

"Here we go. Saying goodbye to the longest running Billy, who owns a piece of my heart. #billyelliot

http://instagr.am/p/TPZ0IoLsyR/

https://twitter.com/kathennessey