Washington Post - Highly Recommended
"...Choreographer Peter Darling, working closely with director Stephen Daldry, evinces a keen understanding for how the gestural virtuosity of a solo turn or unison dance number can intensify what the characters need to declare about themselves. This is especially true of the ethereal choreography of a duet between Billy (the marvelous J.P. Viernes, one of the touring production’s five Billys, at the performance I attended), and a mature dancer (Maximilien A. Baud), who is the embodiment of older Billy and the young boy’s guardian angel."
MetroWeekly - Recommended
"...Even if you've never been a motherless 11-year-old boy taking ballet class in secret, using the money your father gave you for boxing lessons despite the withering economic climate he faced during the 1984-85 British coal miners' strike, the story of Billy Elliot is your story."
Washington City Paper - Highly Recommended
"... There’s a lot going on in this musical, but fundamentally, Billy is a story about family. What makes it great family theater, as opposed to family entertainment, is that it’s never sentimental. Just when the show gets poignant, someone starts throwing punches. Mature themes—including sexuality, class, and socialism—are woven in such that a parent can discuss as much or as little as they wish. It’s unfortunate that the Kennedy Center is recommending the show for ages 12 and up; the 6-year-old in front of me was sporting a mohawk and totally engrossed. Grandma appeared to be having a great time too."
The Georgetowner - Highly Recommended
"... If you go to the Kennedy Center’s Opera House—and you should—to see “Billy Elliot the Musical,”, you might be amazed to think that this was ever anything you could call small. The touring version is big—a really big show—big in physical size, in production qualities, and most importantly, big in ambition and heart, while rarely mushing or stooping to out-and-out sentimentality."
MD Theatre Guide - Highly Recommended
"...You don’t need to be a ballerina or know how to tap dance, you just need to get down to The John. F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC to see Billy Elliot the Musical."
DCTheatreScene - Highly Recommended
The touring production of Billy Elliot, the Musical is a driving, energetic, and oddly appropriate holiday feast for thoughtful theatergoers. Spun off from the eponymous film version, the stage musical has a less oppressive feel than the original. But it still packs an emotional and political punch, particularly in the context of our current economic doldrums.
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"... There are five different Billys. I was fortunate to see Lex Ishimoto who did an outstanding job. He's not the best dancing Billy I've seen, and his voice sometimes was lacking, but his acting more than made up for any difficiences. Also I was fortunate to see local DC area native Ben Cook playing Billy's best friend Michael. Ben almost steals the show."
