Los Angeles Times - Recommended
"...Yes, Hall's book is too obtrusive by Act 2, more than one scene screaming to be musicalized. No, John's score, though catchy and apt, isn't going to go down in history. And, in a rare misstep, Solimando's moves for Billy's Act 1 closer, "Angry Dance," aren't half of what Tobin and the moment could provide. These are quibbles, though; this "Billy Elliot" delivers the electrifying heart and soul of the material, and La Mirada has a major hit on its hands."
LA Weekly - Recommended
"...I couldn't stand the cloying 2012 touring production at the Pantages, yet I was at times quite moved by Kite's staging of a very strong ensemble at La Mirada, and by Dana Solimando's original choreography - not to mention the superb pit orchestra (musical direction by John Glaudini). This is a new staging, contrasted against the production-line creative process of touring shows. Perhaps it was the freedom that allowed this production to feel so human. A motto about musicals: Just because they're shlocky doesn't mean they can't be true."
LA Splash - Recommended
"...The cast, as a whole, was remarkable. Charming, fun, and entertaining, Billy Elliot the Musical was one of those musicals that permitted a multitude of talent to flourish."
Stage Scene LA - Recommended
"...Few Broadway shows of recent years combine the drama, the laughter, the heart, and the emotional punch of Billy Elliot The Musical, now playing at the La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts. Factor in the music of Sir Elton John, brilliantly original direction and choreography by La Mirada's very own Brian Kite and Dana Solimando, and a cast who prove that nobody does it better than our SoCal triple-threats and you've got not only the first Must-See big-stage musical of 2015, you will likely find yourself waiting a good long while before any other locally-staged musical achieves the heights to which Billy-at one point quite literally-soars."
StageHappenings.com - Recommended
"...My utmost praise to the cast and Mitchell Tobin for a superb show and to Brian Kite for an amazing job of directing under these circumstances and to Dana Solimando for some exquisite choreography."
ArtsBeatLA - Recommended
"...The huge cast (37 in all) is up-to-speed under Brian Kite's astute direction. Dana Solimando's choreography allowed this talented combination of adults and kids – Equity and Non-equity members – a grand way to show off their talents."
ArtsInLA - Recommended
"...Casting is at the heart of the success of this production, and McCoy Rigby has gathered a colorful group to spin out the story. Though at times a bit too formulaic, it still provides a worthwhile foray into British musical theater."
OC Register - Recommended
"...La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment's new staging gets it right, emerging as a paean to individuality."
Neon Tommy - Recommended
"..."Billy Elliot" is overall, an emotional rollercoaster and a masterpiece of performance."
TheatreMania - Somewhat Recommended
"...Billy Elliot relies heavily on its cast and direction, and Mitchell Tobin, who possesses the talent of several adults, gives audiences someone about whom we care deeply. However, resting an entire musical on the shoulders of one actor is not enough. Had La Mirada Theatre's production felt fresher and expanded beyond the focus of the cast, Billy Elliot could have had a much greater impact."
Musicals In LA - Recommended
"...The ensemble effort of La Mirada Theatre/McCoy Rigby's cast of Billy Elliot is an extraordinary accomplishment and especially resonant in a musical that is all about solidarity and overcoming the odds."
Grigware Blogspot - Recommended
"...Billy is finally taking its first bow in regional theatre at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, with a sensational cast that will have you standing, cheering and singing its praises, through February 8."
The Los Angeles Post - Recommended
"...Billy Elliot is one of those shows which, when done well, is particularly satisfying, for while it deals with hard truths and life lessons – the tension between fathers and sons, the ache of a parent who wants a better life for his kids, the frustration of wanting to be true to yourself but not knowing if you can make it – it's entertaining without shortchanging the drama. The show has almost too much heart, but it leavens the tears with genuine comedy, and leaves the audience thrilled and uplifted at the end. What more do you want?"
