Sao Paulo, Brazil

[kport]

So Billy Elliot The Musical is going to Brazil. This must cost close to a million dollars, so its purpose can't be to make profits. It must be a test to see if this is a good future market.

Remember that Giuseppe's mom is from Brazil, and he speaks fluent Portuguese. He would be a great part of any promotion. It would make a good Summer job. His mom could visit relatives. And the local connection will sell tickets. And we all would love to see it.

Giuseppe as a young Tony. Now that could be interesting. 16 year olds went down the mines in 1984. Even younger one, in some case.

[CJ-Rochester]

16 year olds went down the mines in 1984.

Just as Dad sings in "Deep Into The Ground".

[ERinVA]

In fact, he sings: "On me fifteenth birthday..."

[kport]

Indeed he does. So it would not be beyond the realms of possibility for Tony to be 16............although I see him more around 18-19, the age when a young man would be physically equal to his father.

Back to Giuseppe....he and his mother would be great ambassadors for the Brazil leg, and would be perfectly placed for promotions. If not Tony, I am sure a role for him could be found.

[ActingDude17]

Indeed he does. So it would not be beyond the realms of possibility for Tony to be 16............although I see him more around 18-19, the age when a young man would be physically equal to his father.

I agree completely - this is key. Tony is also supposed to be an extremely strong contrast to Billy. A young adult can easily provide that whereas a mid-teen only three or so years older than Billy cannot.

I can't wait to hear how the Brazilian people respond to BETM. It's so great that yet another audience will be able to enjoy this artful and spirited show.

[dongringo]

Having traveled quite a bit in Central and South America I know that some people speak varying degrees of English, but certainly not enough to understand the show (I know there are a few that will). Therefore, I agree that it may be some kind of testing ground for Brazil. If hordes show up to see it in English, no doubt they would show up in droves for a Portuguese version. Just my 2 cents. At any rate, great to see the show on it's way to Brazil!

[StevenKing]

My theory...Brazil is inviting the world over the next 4 years(world cup, Olympics) and this is part of that push. The backers there may even lose money but think of it as a lose leader.

[kport]

Having traveled quite a bit in Central and South America I know that some people speak varying degrees of English, but certainly not enough to understand the show (I know there are a few that will). Therefore, I agree that it may be some kind of testing ground for Brazil. If hordes show up to see it in English, no doubt they would show up in droves for a Portuguese version. Just my 2 cents. At any rate, great to see the show on it's way to Brazil!

A large screen for translations could be placed above the stage. As in Les Mis.

[kport]

My theory...Brazil is inviting the world over the next 4 years(world cup, Olympics) and this is part of that push. The backers there may even lose money but think of it as a lose leader.

Good observation. I will not be surprised if this is being sponsored in some way.

[Rich B]

My theory...Brazil is inviting the world over the next 4 years(world cup, Olympics) and this is part of that push. The backers there may even lose money but think of it as a lose leader.

Good observation. I will not be surprised if this is being sponsored in some way.

Exactly - I can envision some Brazilian group saying to the tour "Come to Brazil and we'll pay your travel expenses" (or something along those lines.) As Steven mentioned, the spotlight will be on Brazil over the next 4 years with the World Cup and Olympics.