Billy Elliot the Forum

According to MTI, the Landmark Community Theatre in Thomaston, CT, is licensed to perform BETM from 07/09/2016 - 07/24/2016:

http://www.mtishows.com/show_detail.asp?showid=000437

The theatre is housed in Thomaston's historic 1883-5 Opera House, which today serves as the Town Hall, as well as the Community Theatre on the upper floors. Theatre seating appears to be about 435.

http://www.landmarkcommunitytheatre.org/

(Tickets for the upcoming production of Memphis The Musical are a very reasonable $24., or less.)

Tickets are on sale:

https://tickets.landmarkcommunitytheatr ... in&event=0

Just 7 performances over 3 weekends. A shorter run in terms of number of shows than NSMT. Curious.

My guess is that the clue lies in the words "Community Theater." If it is truly a volunteer "community theatre" organization of the type found all around this country, and not a semi- professional regional theatre, then that would explain the weekends-only schedule, and BETM will be a huge undertaking for them.

Yet it has been licensed and performed by a high school and by a summer arts camp. There can be no doubt that a new tier of performance standards (amateur regional theatre, schools and the like) will be forthcoming, just as it has for nearly every musical, from Fiddler on the Roof to Les Mis. I have heard rumors that a school's version is either extant, or is under preparation. Presumably this could be used for amateur productions as well.

It will be a challenge for many smaller regional theatres to produce, but it should not be impossible. I have seen this show in just about every form, from the VPT to the Billy Youth Theatre; to Ogunquit and NSMT and Raleigh and many, many touring venues. Each has been a little different; but what has encouraged me is how this powerful story can be successfully presented, in a number of ways. As they say, variety is the spice of life.......

I didn't mean to imply that it won't be a good production. In fact, if this is truly "community theatre," I think it is fantastic that they will be doing it, and I would expect it to be good. I would love that to happen all across the country.

Auditions are announced:

http://www.waterburyobserver.org/node/2162

Please note that there will be eight, not seven, performances.

Several names popped out: Michael Berkeley, Music Director, is well know in the musical theatre world:

http://www.michaelberkeley.com/biography.html

Katherine Ray, Director, won the 2013 Broadway World award for Best Director of a Musical : Young Frankenstein - Landmark Community theater, Thomaston Opera House. This musical was also awarded Best Musical, Best Set Design and Best Ensemble.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/20 ... e-20140123

Jeri Kansas, Choreography, also has extensive Broadway and film experience:

Jeri has appeared on Broadway in the original casts of 42nd Street and Sugar Babies. She has also been a dancer in films such as Saturday Night Fever and The Goodbye Girl, and performing as a Rockette at the world-renowned Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

https://m.facebook.com/events/711145155576470?__tn__=*s

.

The Landmark Theatre has published this press release:


http://www.landmarkcommunitytheatre.org ... ss-release

Billy will be played by Charlie Pelletier.

Here is Charlie, jumping for joy in front of the Thomaston Opera House:

https://www.facebook.com/LandmarkCommun ... =3&theater

From the Register Citizen:

http://www.registercitizen.com/article/ ... /160709776