BWW Interviews: David Keeley - From ROCK OF AGES 'Dennis' to Billy Elliot's 'Dad'

Billy Elliot is a smash-hit musical story of one boy's journey to make his dreams to dance come A Tony Award winning show, it has been a hit in the West End and on Broadway for the last five years and Toronto audiences have been embracing with open arms since it opened here last March to rave reviews.

Set in a small town in England, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprise talent that inspires his family and his entire community. The show features music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry.

BWW was on hand when the show opened in March to bring you coverage of the exciting event as well as interviews with the vast majority of the talented cast. We are now thrilled to profile the show once again in its final few weeks before it says farewell to Toronto for good. The production recently welcomed two of Toronto's favourite leading men to the cast when David Keeley and Jake Epstein joined in the roles of Billy's father and brother respectively. Today we are speaking with David Keeley, recently off his very successful run with the Toronto production of Rock of Ages, on the challenges associated with joining Billy Elliot and just what makes this show so special:

Congratulations on joining the Toronto cast of Billy Elliot! You were coming into a cast that has been working together for quite a few months now, was that a daunting experience for you?

It was. This cast has been on the road and that always creates a very strong bond. But everyone has been very welcoming. It was also made easier in that Jake Epstein was coming in to replace 'Tony', and a lot of my scenes are with 'Tony'. So he and I were on the journey together.

One of the challenges on a show like this is that you are working with four very talented youngsters who alternate the role of Billy, is it hard for you having a different "son" every show?

No, it's just the opposite. It keeps the show incredibly fresh. All of the boys are amazing but they bring their own personality to the role and it's wonderful to experience that every night.

We have heard a lot about how much training the Billys go through before they officially join the cast, what do you think of ‘Billy boot camp'? Have you had much exposure to it?

When we were rehearsing I would watch the boys go through their 'acro' work, or I would see them in ballet class. I had no idea the extent of their days. And they are still in 'acro, or ballet or working on their songs. Demanding doesn't even begin to describe their days. But they all approach it as if is just normal. They all are truly inspiring.

For yourself, was there a lot of preparation coming into the role? Did you work with Armand at all before he departed?

I had very little prep time because I was doing a play in Edmonton when the offer came down. So I had about 3 weeks before I started rehearsal. I spent an afternoon with Armand, tracking him backstage and we had a couple of minutes between his entrances to talk. That was very helpful. Jake and I watched documentaries about the time. It gave us insight into the history. The whole Maggie Thatcher era. I remember it well. I wasn't aware of the miner's strike and the fallout from it so that was enlightening and it gave great context to 'Dad' and the situation that he was trying to survive in with his two boys.

The last Mirvish production you were in was Rock of Ages, which received rave reviews and you were fantastic as bar-owner Dennis. That said, this show is obviously quite a departure from something like that. How do you find the audience reaction differs?

Thanks for the compliment. I've never sung that high in my life. Crazy. We had so much fun on that show. The best vocal company I have ever worked with. The two shows are so different. 'Rock' was a full on rock concert. 'Billy' is a story driven musical. So the reactions are going to be decidedly different. However, both audiences are on their feet at the end.

The show closes in September, do you know what you hope to do next? Is there a dream role out there you would love to tackle?

Funny you should ask. There haven't been many times in my career that I have seen a show and said, 'I gotta play that part.' But it happened a couple of years ago when I saw John Doyle's production of Sweeney Todd. So next April I am going to get the chance out in Calgary at Vertigo Theatre. Very excited.

Finally, what would you say to encourage those people who are still sitting on the fence about checking out the show to get them to come and see it?

It's one of the greatest pieces of theatre I have ever seen. If you don't see it you are cheating yourself out of an experience of a lifetime. Was that too much?

When and Where?
Billy Elliot

The Canon Theatre

Performance Schedule

On Stage Now until September 3rd, 2011

Tuesday 7PM
Wednesday - Saturday 7:30PM
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 1:30PM

Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 416-872-1212 or online at http://www.mirvish.com/shows/billyelliot

Lotto Details:

20 box seats (side seating) are available at each performance. Lottery seats are $25 each cash Only. Patrons can enter the lottery two hours prior to the performance, with a limit of one lottery entry per person. The draw will begin 1½ hours before showtime, at which point no further entries will be accepted.

Each winner will be able to purchase up to two tickets for that day's next performance only. All winning patrons and their guests must be present to purchase tickets and will be wrist-banded by Box Office staff (Photo ID may be required).

 

 

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