Billy Elliot the Musical presented by Music Theater Works at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...What I did not expect was a poor execution of this musical. First, to Michael McBride the new musical director, Music Works uses a 25-piece orchestra for their musicals, this time you only had 10 pieces, and you decided to drown out every actor on stage. You're not playing at Symphony Hall you're playing in a smaller venue. And to the Artistic Director and Director of this musical Kyle Dougan, did you at any time rehearse this production with mic's and the orchestra?? It was total exhaustion trying to hear and understand what anybody was saying. Either the sound was at such a high level that anybody with a hearing aid could have turned them off because it was so loud, or nobody could be heard because the mic's did not work. I kept looking at the man at the sound board to see if he was awake or dead."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...This is a gritty, exciting and joyously inspiring musical. It's a celebration of the passion and strength we all harbor deep inside of us. This production shows the true need for art in our often mundane lives, plagued by the Covid pandemic. It also demonstrates the need to encourage and train our new, young artists, whenever possible. When the kinks in the sound system finally get worked out, Mr. Dougan and his brilliantly talented company will again bring their "Electricity" to the stage. It's in those moments that the audience can truly rejoice in what it means to follow their dreams and live the life that's meant for each individual."

Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended

"...So let's look at unquestionable highlights this production provides, starting with Jake Siswick's tender voice and stellar dance in the lead role. He's perfectly complemented by Kai Edgar's (best friend Michael) hilarious comedic prowess, impish dance brat Everleigh Murphy's sass and the entire ballet class with nearly every dance line led by one of this reviewer's favorites, Jordyn Helvie, in her first professional production."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...All those triple threat- dancers, actors and singers- were excellent. Poignant and funny in the hands of the young performers as well as seasoned and skilled performers. The costuming, staging and lighting enhanced the performance. Throughout, it was Billy’s show and handled beautifully by Jake Siswick (as Billy Elliot)"