Archive for Musicals.Net Musicals.Net |
| olly |
Jeff vs. HansI went to the West End production again last night (making it an even ten), my first time after the 21st Anniversary. I'm not going to give an extensive review for a number of reasons. One being because I gave a huge review of the Anniversary with pretty much the same cast, and two being that I have little time.I just thought I'd bring up an issue of Javert (my favorite character). In the Anniversary, it was Hans playing the part. I thought he had a strong, juicy bass tone and hit his notes well. His style I didn't like: his cutting short of notes, and his lack of emotion in his songs. As I said, I felt he was very good; his notes were finely tuned, but his acting, I suppose you could say, was not up to standard. At any rate, he was better than Cornell John! Jeff Nicholsen, Hans' understudy, was in the role last night. He had a similar tone to Hans, and his style was initially similar, however he began to draw out his words for longer, which I preferred. One major achievement Jeff had over Hans was that Jeff's were far more emotive. When he was singing, I felt he really meant what he was singing. All three of his major songs: The Confrontation, Stars and Javert's Suicide came across far better than Hans'. His enunciation of his words and his tone made him, especially in Javert's Suicide, seem as though he has a difficult inner struggle that is tearing him apart. Whereas Hans' didn't strike me as this. I really brought this thread up to see if any of you who've seen one (or both actors) agree or disagree with this. I felt Jeff, the understudy, portrayed a more realistic Javert than the co-star, Hans. |
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| olly |
Just a little addition from last night's production. A little blooper (if you haven't read the other thread):
The West End production last night, during the curtain call, Eponine came running on then stumbled over her coat and fell over onto her front. She put her hand over her mouth and started laughing, then when she was walking back, she brought her coat up over her head. Then Javert came on laughing, and mocked her tripping by doing a fake stumble. Very amusing. |
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| MrMarius |
I too saw the show last night and agree with ollie on all of his points. Hans does lack emotion and it is hard to gauge any kind of opinion about him (character wise) as a result.
His Image is great as is his voice, but jeff- although young- has both and still manages to carry off a very emotional journey within the role of Javert. Great bows at the end! Sabrina is one of my fave 'Ponines and tonight she gave a blindingly powerful performance as the young ill fated girl. But the bow- stole the show! 
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| flying_pigs |
I like Jeff and Hans, I prefer Jeff's acting but Hans singing, he has a slight accent but he really does justice to some of the notes he sings which I liked. After seeing this cast twice I've decided I an not fond of Sophia as Fantine at all, anyone agree? | ||
| Aimee |
 as her voice wasn't as tuneful as I think fantine should be.
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| LesMisForever |
Hello
I liked Sophia's Fantine. Not as good as JO, but i liked her. Certainly more than the previous one. I guess i like her voice 
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| flying_pigs |
You preferred her to Kerry? Interesting as most people prefer Kerry! |
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| JulieJordan |
Jeff vs Hans- that's easy- Jeff, of course  I've seen him four times in the role and he's astonished me each time. He has the most gorgeous, powerful voice.
I'm also not too keen on Sophia Ragavelas's Fantine. I quite like her voice, but she doesn't seem to really connect with the character. The only time I really like her is in the Finale- I love the way she smiles when she she sees Cosette. |
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| olly |
What do you think of Hans? |
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| JulieJordan |
I like Hans well enough. Certainly anyone would be a breath of fresh air after Cornell John. He has a very good voice that does justice to the songs (except the staccato-ey way he sings Stars gets on my nerves a bit) and I think the accent works in his favour. Acting wise, I'm not convinced he is Javert, due to the default facial expression. I'm not too delighted with this cast as a whole as the only principals I whole heartedly like are John Owen-Jones and Gina Beck and I'm not planning on seeing them again unless Jeff is on as Javert. |
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| LesMisForever |
Yes, i know that . But, here you go
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| EponinesRain |
If you didn't already know...
New vids of Jeff Nicholson as Javert. There are also clips of Kerry Ellis, Cornell John, and JoJ. http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=londonvids A different poster has an entire clip of Kerry's IDAD... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2Cpd2RK5A0 |