My daughter was in the last 20 ballet girls. She of course had a fun day, and although I am thrilled for her successful audition, I wince at the memories of the little faces walking out of the room as they were cut (and cut again, and again). I know it's all part of it, but ouch. Especially toward the end, as we went down from 50, to 40, to 30, to 20 it reminded me of a spelling bee. My daughter was also bothered by it, she said on the way home that she knows she was lucky not to get cut, and she felt sorry for the ones who cried (she's only 9). She was very quiet (rare) She hasn't mentioned it since, hasn't asked if I've heard anything, none of her usual post-audition questionings.. I really think it bothered her. And it makes me wonder if I'm exposing her to too much, too young.

Congrats, Supermum, to your DD for making it this far. It is an exciting, yet sometimes grueling and disheartening, process. My DD, unfortunately, had to miss the Monday callback as we had plans to travel out of the country that week. Needless to say, she was terribly upset that she "lost her chance". One thing I'm confused by is that I was under the impression that they needed 30 ballet girls (10 girls in each of 3 separate casts). Do you know why they've narrowed it down to only 20 girls??

they probably have most of it cast already. even before this last cut. they saw over 1300 girls for this ensemble...i have been through this many times..making it all the way through...it is very frustrating. It would only make sense that they have kids in mind that is if in fact they are triple casting the ensemble. that is just how it goes. My daughter got cut on Wednesday, she is nine and said...oh well Im kinda hurt but whats next mommy?...it hurts the parents more sometimes...but if you audition enough you get used to it..sad but true..congrats to all who booked!

Broadway double casts kids. They treat kids like adults. London has different work rules for kids.

And Broadway doesn't even always double cast - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang didn't, nor did Grey Gardens (if I'm not mistaken). With Chitty, if kids were out, they were just missing from the "group" and if a lead/featured kid was out the understudy from the ensemble would have taken over and left his/her place in ensemble empty.

I'd guess with this, though, that they'll have a couple of swings, esp. those who can dance on pointe, as they can't do without those girls.

This is a great production and should have a long and healthy Broadway run.

*proposes a toast to years of opportunity for our kids*

For the future - would you share with us the final cut process?

It is my understanding that this is not being double cast. We were told BE needs 14 girls..9 ensemble, 1 Debbie. 4 subs..

my daughter was one of the twenty- i agree, it was sad to see all the girls get cut, especially the last few, but to make it that far- WOW- we are just waiting- i wonder how soon the calls will come...........

Congrats to all the kids that have made it this far!

supermum-
do you mind if i ask... how did you find out BE needs 14 kids? just wondering..........

I asked her agent & that is what I was told..& I think that the kids were also told 14 (I don't always trust the info my daughter comes out with, but I heard some others say the same)
anyway, the chosen ballet girls are supposed to be notified mid-march. I guessing it's probably going to be about a week into March..
they will cast the billy/michael/debbie 1st, then the ensemble.

supermum-
thanks- my daughter did not hear 14 - thanks for the info- good luck!

The Billy/Michael's are in a 5-day audition starting today. There are only 6 of them.

Wow, that must be so exciting for those boys! 5 days of auditions will be so nerve racking, but i am sure they will make it as fun and positive as possible. I already feel bad for the few they end up not choosing after so much. But they should be proud to make it that far.

How many Billys and Michaels will they pick? Is your friend's son one of the final 6? Break a leg to him if he is.

It's my friend's son, my daughter's good friend. They have performed together for years. They said they are picking 2-3 Michael's; that's the part he is up for. I don't know about the role of Billy. A couple of weeks ago, he was there for two long days. They had a dialect coach and everything. I think it's nerve-wracking for the mom's waiting. They boys are having a blast!