We're treated like visiting royalty backstage at the Imperial Theatre. The show was stunning. While watching it, had no idea moments later I'd be onstage chatting with the cast.
I was close to tears through much of the performance, a heart-rending story of becoming a man against all odds. Being misunderstood in the world from which you come; the power of art to shape life.
There is an exquisite skill and artistry to the young man playing Billy Elliot.
He's like a bird, a black swan, a dinosaur that can fly! An angel on wings wowing the crowds, atonishing the masses. His grace, strength and agility as a dancer seem otherworldly.
We chatted with him briefly. He says he'd traveled with the show for two years and just recently came to Broadway
"I would like to stay in New York. What am I going to do in Switzerland? Milk cows?" says the precocious (Swiss) lad.
Perhaps I should backup and begin at the beginning:
The usher who led us to our seats, a haggard late middle-aged queen named Ron, gushes superfluously, "Oh Giuseppe! You're in for a treat. He's fourteen years old and speaks 5 languages. Oooh, you're going to love him!"
The enthusiasm feels a bit NAMBLA-suspect, at least initially. How fabulous could any kid be? The voice of a wee lassie comes over the intercom, some chipper English 5-year, announces perkily: "Please check that your cellphones are turned off..."
Not having seen the film, wasn't sure what the play was about? A friend explains: "A boy is supposed to be going to boxing, but instead takes ballet class. His father does not approve."
The music by Elton John & friends is adequate, though unmemorable. But the dancing, what a glory to behold! Watching Giuseppe Bausilio dance is a magical experience.
Giuseppe has a movie star aura, like a miniature Gene Kelly or a young Travolta (had Travolta been a excellent ballet star). Sweet and soft-spoken and good-natured, a handsome kid with devastating charm. Graceful even when not performing. Impossible to not wish him all things good.
When we were standing on the street fans walked by.
"He hit them with the Giuseppe smile!" chortles one jolly cast member. 'Giuseppe' becoming an adjective, not a noun. Describing this particular brand of effortless charm-devastation.
"He loves it," his mother says.
"Are you in school?"
"I go to Term 4," he says as if we know what this means.
"He goes August to September. Home school. On the computer," his mother clarifies. Faced with the effusive compliments her son inspires in everybody, she says simply, "He's a good one."
