Archive for Musicals.Net Musicals.Net
 


       Musicals.Net Forums -> Les Miserables
eponine5

over ten years since...

It's been over ten years now since an english recording of Les Mis has been made. Personally, I think that a new one is overdue. If they did make one, who do you think should be in it? (considering ages)
flying_pigs

The Jodge Very Happy
MrMarius

Good Thread!!!
I think that we should definately have a new recording of Les Miserables- perhaps- taking a risk here- with a new generation of performers?!
I just think that Micheal Ball, Colm Wilkinson, Francis Ruffelle, Phillip Quast etc.... have been phenomenal, but is that because they were the original, and we have shaped their voices around their characters?
No question they are all wonderfully talented and inspiring in their own individual ways, but I think that a new cast should take the reigns now- or have we come too far to let go of old favourites?
I vote fresh new voices, perhaps current cast members (on the exact date of its 21st) from all over the world!!!!
Orestes Fasting

MrMarius wrote:

I vote fresh new voices, perhaps current cast members (on the exact date of its 21st) from all over the world!!!!


How many professional LM productions are currently running? With the US tour closing, will the London production be the only one on the 21st anniversary, or is there a non-English production running? Will the Chinese one be up by then? Has the Prague one closed? *woefully out of the loop*
AndrewShatterhand

I think chances are good that we'll get one within a year or so. They could make one for either the Broadway revival or the 21st Anniversary Concert, maybe both Shocked Very Happy


....I hope

The thing I REALLY want is another recording of the entire show, like the CSR but in the current show format. It's a shame that the only complete, official recording that we have has such a lackluster cast.
flying_pigs

Orestes Fasting wrote:
MrMarius wrote:

I vote fresh new voices, perhaps current cast members (on the exact date of its 21st) from all over the world!!!!


How many professional LM productions are currently running? With the US tour closing, will the London production be the only one on the 21st anniversary, or is there a non-English production running? Will the Chinese one be up by then? Has the Prague one closed? *woefully out of the loop*


I think it's still playing in Czech Republic too
eponine5

MrMarius wrote:

we have shaped their voices around their characters?


ha, I just tried imagining Lea Salonga shaping her voice around Frances Ruffelle's... it didn't work. But yeah, I do associate all the originals' voices with the characters.
I think they should use this generation's voices if they ever make a recording, but maybe some of the older characters could still have the same voices, like Barry James, and who knows? Maybe Frances Ruffelle could be Madame T now!
But come on, it would be a crime if they didn't use John Owen Jones!
MrMarius

eponine5 wrote:
MrMarius wrote:

we have shaped their voices around their characters?


ha, I just tried imagining Lea Salonga shaping her voice around Frances Ruffelle's... it didn't work. But yeah, I do associate all the originals' voices with the characters.
I think they should use this generation's voices if they ever make a recording, but maybe some of the older characters could still have the same voices, like Barry James, and who knows? Maybe Frances Ruffelle could be Madame T now!
But come on, it would be a crime if they didn't use John Owen Jones!


Actually, and I shoudn't be saying this but, rumour has it that Francis Rufelle is coming back to les mis in jan to take over from sophia in the role of Fantine!!!!
Now, don't go getting yourselves worked up kids- it is only hearsay at the mo- but you know what they say- no smoke without fire!!!!
JOJ is a given I reckon, it has to be him on the next recording- oooh, maybe we (as a forum) can try and piece together recordings from all the productions past and present that we have seen and make our own 21st anniversary recording!!!! Very Happy
eponine5

too late about the worked up thing.
Seriously, as soon as I read your post about Frances Ruffelle returning, I stared (in both excitement and fear) for a long, long long time. Even if it just is a rumour, it is still cool to think about it. It would be pretty cool though if all of the former Eponines are coming back as Fantines.
Isn't she a bit too old even for Fantine though?
MrMarius

eponine5 wrote:
too late about the worked up thing.
Seriously, as soon as I read your post about Frances Ruffelle returning, I stared (in both excitement and fear) for a long, long long time. Even if it just is a rumour, it is still cool to think about it. It would be pretty cool though if all of the former Eponines are coming back as Fantines.
Isn't she a bit too old even for Fantine though?


LOL!!!
Well, have you seen Francis recently- hasn't changed at all!!! And she does have an eternally young voice!!!
Maybe she is going to be part of the celebration cast, as they have postponed the celebrations till next year!!! Watch this space.....
And you have a point with the identical (not) voices of Lea Salonga and Mrs Ruffelle!!! Laughing
AndrewShatterhand

MrMarius wrote:

Maybe she is going to be part of the celebration cast, as they have postponed the celebrations till next year!!!


Really? No more concert in the park this october? Sad
eponine5

I haven't ever seen her live (grrrrrr) but I recently found out that my parents saw her when she was on Chicago...... without me!!!!!!! I never even knew that they saw it! How did this happen????? She's my favourite Eponine!!!!
But then again, she might not be......if there's a new recording.
MrMarius

AndrewShatterhand wrote:
MrMarius wrote:

Maybe she is going to be part of the celebration cast, as they have postponed the celebrations till next year!!!


Really? No more concert in the park this october? Sad


Well thats what I've heard. They have already began hinting at the fact they will start celebrations next year on www.lesmis.com - if you click on the 21 years icon on the top right hand side of the screen.
The concert in the park is definately off, but they will be doing something on the 8th Oct I'm sure. Although maybe on the 9th as the 8th is a sunday. Or maybe a concert version at the theatre on the sunday!!!! Now I am just rambling!!!!
javertsw

MrMarius wrote:
that Micheal Ball, Colm Wilkinson, Francis Ruffelle, Phillip Quast etc.... have been phenomenal, but is that because they were the original!


Excuse me! Philip Quast was not the original!

I'd rather have Jeff Leyton than John Owen Jones. JOJ is abit overrated methinks.
eponine5

oh, I'd sooo like to go to something like that.
Back on topic, I think that if they did do a new recording, they shouldn't be restricting to the current casts. Although I do think that the current London cast at the moment (even though its changing soon *sob*) is exceptional. With all 4 english recordings there were always some actors in more than one. It would be interesting to have a recording with a completely new cast.
MrMarius

Is he not? Oh well, I meant well!!! Who was the original then? Does the original sound similar to Phillip Quast? If so, at least my point is still intact- barely!!!
Having not seen every JVJ I cannot say who is the best out there to date, I can only give you my opinion. I do feel that JOJ is pure magic to watch, and I haven't seen or heard Jeff Layton in that role.
Does anyone have a recording that I can listen to of Jeff as JVJ?
MrMarius

eponine5 wrote:
oh, I'd sooo like to go to something like that.
Back on topic, I think that if they did do a new recording, they shouldn't be restricting to the current casts. Although I do think that the current London cast at the moment (even though its changing soon *sob*) is exceptional. With all 4 english recordings there were always some actors in more than one. It would be interesting to have a recording with a completely new cast.


They have done well with this years cast I think, but I also think they can do better!!!!!!
The energy levels are not what they used to be, Hayden will be sorely missed, but the others who are not staying on really doesn't affect me.

What would be your ideal way of celebrating the 21st year?
An audience with Les Mis?
A park concert?
Another concert version?

I would like, a show at the theatre with loads of special appearances and with the parts being handed over as the show progressed, ie- starting with colm wilkinson as JVJ, then onto the next guy who played the part and so on!!!!!
AndrewShatterhand

Roger Allam was the original Javert.
MrMarius

AndrewShatterhand wrote:
Roger Allam was the original Javert.


Thankyou- I will have to listen to the cd again to refresh my poor old mind!!!! Very Happy
AndrewShatterhand

I like Allam better than Quast, he has a somewhat snide temper to him. Do give him another listen.

Does anyone know if Allam's voice is still what it used to be? I'd love to see him in a "dream cast"-type concert.
Pshhness

Orestes Fasting wrote:

Will the Chinese one be up by then? Has the Prague one closed? *woefully out of the loop*


From what I hear, the Chinese production has been delayed to the winter of 2007... =(
The Very Angry Woman

Lazarus (Adam G)

Damn...crazuh kids never know when to stopah.
eponine5

MrMarius wrote:

I would like, a show at the theatre with loads of special appearances and with the parts being handed over as the show progressed, ie- starting with colm wilkinson as JVJ, then onto the next guy who played the part and so on!!!!!


that would be cool, but maybe they should begin with the current JVJ and end with Colm Wilkinson. That way Valjean is getting older, not younger!
MrMarius

The Very Angry Woman wrote:


Laughing I guess I do get a little carried away, will tone it down a bit! Laughing

I think that we have come up with a genius way of celebrating te 21st anniversary Eponine5, we should write to Mr Mackintosh with this right away!
Timmy_Wishes he was Quast

I think you have to call him Sir Mackintosh...
MrMarius

Timmy_Wishes he was Quast wrote:
I think you have to call him Sir Mackintosh...


Oh God.... hope he isn't reading this, I'll never work again! Embarassed
Think you're right, well, from now on he will be referred to as Sir Mackintosh then! Laughing
Colle

It does look like we will have to wait for the concert, assuming it will happen. As for a recording I would like either a Broadway revival cast recording and/or the concert. Another dream of mine, probably will not happen, would be another CSR type recording with some the best in their roles for the past ten years or so. Two of my dream actors for this recording would be Randal Keith as Valjean, and Ma-Anne Dionisio as Eponine.
javertsw

AndrewShatterhand wrote:
I like Allam better than Quast, he has a somewhat snide temper to him. Do give him another listen.

Does anyone know if Allam's voice is still what it used to be? I'd love to see him in a "dream cast"-type concert.


I agree.. I like Allam MUCH more than Quast.

I saw Roger Allam in Aladdin not Christmas gone, but the Christmas before and his voice was still up to scratch (though he sounded a lot different than he did as Javert... but that could be down to characterization too). He was in Aladdin this Christmas too... so presumably he can still sing now.

Methinks Allam should have been in 10th Anniversary Concert.
Janni

A new CSR would be fine, especially when you compare the orchestral sound of the TAC and the CSR. Damn 80s synthies ruining the music! As for the cast, I don�t give a damn. As long as they can sing and have performed the role everyone�s ok with me, fresh voices welcome. Don�t think we�d need another Colm album, but Michael Ball as Valjean sounds interesting. I heard he had done well at the Entente Cordiale concert.
       Musicals.Net Forums -> Les Miserables
Page 1 of 1