Billy Elliot the Forum

Thanks for sharing your impressions of Ben's last show, Sean. I'm sure we all wish Ben and all the members of the BETM - US Tour cast all the best as they once again bring this great show to the people across America.

shimmyshimmy wrote:my pat answer has just become that I'm an addict and that I was unable to find a local chapter of Billyholics Anonymous or a deprogramming or intervention service. So I wind up being pitied. as a pathetic creature.

I'd personally advise against that approach. If seeing a show is already going to mean you're labeled as weird, I'd suggest being and coming across as normal is even more important. =) It definitely affects how the rest of us as a group of fans are perceived as a whole too.

I agree with Sean on that!

angelenroute wrote:His posh "gosh" is perfect

I agree Sean. It's something that I had noticed on numerous occasions.

shimmyshimmy wrote:my pat answer has just become that I'm an addict and that I was unable to find a local chapter of Billyholics Anonymous or a deprogramming or intervention service. So I wind up being pitied. as a pathetic creature.

angelenroute wrote:I'd personally advise against that approach. If seeing a show is already going to mean you're labeled as weird, I'd suggest being and coming across as normal is even more important. =) It definitely affects how the rest of us as a group of fans are perceived as a whole too.

shimmyshimmy wrote:Anyway, yes, I know what you mean, but you're taking me a bit too seriously.

Sorry, didn't mean to infer anything. =) Just saying that we should absolutely be careful how we are perceived as all of our words and actions will very often be a reflection on ALL of us here, whether we like it or not. When I was a monk and was dressed in my black suit, I knew I represented the entire Catholic Church worldwide and often every religion too. When I wore my Prize Patrol jacket for Publishers Clearing House, I knew I represented that whole company and its interests. We are who we're involved with and can be "colored with the same brush" as we sometimes say. Just a reminder. =)

When the question about numbers comes up, I talk about the different Billys and Micheals that I have seen so that the conversation is about what is special about each show, rather than just a number. This helps to deepen others' understanding of the show. I also mention how I took up tap dancing after seeing the show and how it continues to provide inspiration.

I just say "a lot." Would you believe that I actually have no idea how many times I have seen the show? I do have most ticket stubs, so if I really wanted to sit down and go through them, I could probably figure out a close approximation.

LiamM wrote:When the question about numbers comes up, I talk about the different Billys and Micheals that I have seen so that the conversation is about what is special about each show, rather than just a number. This helps to deepen others' understanding of the show.

That is an excellent idea Liam!

Agreed..! I've actually lost track of how many performances, how many venues, (St. Louis coming up), and how many Billies I've seen, notwithstanding, transversing the globe a couple three times to get it done. At the same time, I figure, "who the hell really cares," the point being, everytme I experience the next production it always seems like the first time, and that's the only thing which really counts for me. I rather think it's the elation and rapture that truly matters more than the record number of performances one is fortunate to see. Just a thought above the trivial. Regards, Colin

ERinVA wrote:I just say "a lot." Would you believe that I actually have no idea how many times I have seen the show? I do have most ticket stubs, so if I really wanted to sit down and go through them, I could probably figure out a close approximation.

That's generally my approach too. I often ask the person next to me if they've seen the show before and they usually say "no." Then they invariably ask me, "What about you . . .have you seen this before?" When I say "yes," I usually mention that I've seen it in "several" locations. If I ever do get asked for a specific number, I usually say "A number of times." How's that for a vague answer ? But like Ellen, I really have lost count.