This was at a benefit for the theater. So most of the audience had or would see the actual show. Of course it's easier to understand in context, performed on a stage.
No, I mean they just get the whole performance. Most of them dead expressions on their face throughout the number. In the comments of other and better performances, many people complain about kids that young being involved with "drag" as opposed to seeing it as just kids messing around with "dress up." But I admit I may be wrong. Thanks for the answer.
I just re-watched the beginning. There's lots of laughter. You're looking at the "back" of the stage, not the audience members they are facing (where the laughter is coming from). They shifted around during the #s to play to the audience on each side but obviously not ideal to attempt to do it that way. It's a very modified version. When they performed at the Palace, there was always lots of laughter (as well as at every theater where Jamie performed). I think generally audiences love this scene and #. I've watched this show 50+ times and never saw it to be misunderstood or maligned.
Also, here's the # from the Palace (but not the beginning). Incorporating all the boys into the dance was a great twist on the traditional choreography. The crowd loved it. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-neS9D9RhelQ.html
I saw it twice in the theater and have seen different video clips of it at least 100 times, plus I have the Blu-Ray video. As an ex-professional tap dancer it is my favorite number. Hanna may not have the best footwork but no one sells a number like he does; he dances with every inch of his body including his eyebrows. I love it!!!! I think Jake Evan Schwencke was far and away the best Michael, but I don't want to start a fight about it. (Everyone has their favorite.) I saw Ben Cook as Billy in Boston and he was sensational. The first Billy I saw in Boston had outgrown the part in it and it ruined the whole thing, but I was already so in love with the play that I bought a ticket for two days later and it couldn't have been better. It was even the last performance of the Michael and they used their real first names to say goodbye -- a great piece of theater -- Ben Cook had tears in his eyes as he came back down into the audience. Sorry to have outworn my welcome but, as you can see, this play was the closest thing to a religion I've ever had.
There are a lot of Billy Elliot videos of Jamie online (although not from some of the bigger shows, where it's harder to get footage). Here's a montage: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--3wisZrhbM0.html
Zach Atkinson spoiled the role of Michael for me. He was way too good at it, but this is the first time I've seen Shane Boucher, and I have to say he's in the same league, at least in this clip.
