Archive for Musicals.Net Musicals.Net |
| Dawnstar |
I was at today's matinee & Grantaire was indeed George Miller. I utterly failed to recognise him & had to dash up to check the box office u/s sheet at the interval! For some reason I had assumed it would be Killian, I suppose because he did the Foreman & Martin N & Jeff cover each other's tracks. The other cover highlight for me was Greg singing all three sailors' parts at the start of Lovely Ladies! | ||||||||
| Madeleine |
Quick interval update...the show is great! Jonathan is really giving it everything, David is out doing himself once again, and it is so wonderful to see Jeffert on again.
I'll try and review in more detail later. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Unfortunately, that still has to happen. Yeah, George is second cover for Grantaire. And while he totally wasn't Grantaire to me, he made up for everything by doing the old 2008 blocking in DWM. Which killed me. I was a bit emotional anyway, and that moment - him staring up to David, David kneeling down, the hug and the looks and the silence of it all - had the tears flowing. Goodness, I had forgotten how touching it was, I so wasn't prepared. It was a really good show. I don't think I can review, though, but it looks like Madeleine will. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Update on understudies' last shows... Antony's last Marius show is the 24th May, and it looks like Mark's last Enjolras show is actually the Monday the week later. And Helen is on the same day (although it's not her last Eponine show, as she's not leaving).
In other words: Alistair off: 24th May David and Nancy off: 31st May (I think. Waiting for confirmation.) Oh, and Lorraine is staying for a second year AFAIK. And it looks like a certain Valjean might too... 
Ah and Simon Shorten was on as Valjean tonight, Mark as Enjolras, Jeff as Grantaire. ETA: Oh, and Mark H is staying. And as he's been made dance captain, that would imply that Greg is leaving...! |
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| flying_pigs |
Thanks for the update!
Anyone here going to Antony's last Marius? Might try and get a ticket. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
You bet. Good thing it's my week off from exams. Going to see both Antony's and Mark's last shows. Such great understudies. And I'm still in denial that Antony hasn't been promoted. ETA. http://www.londonmusicalsonline.com/londonlesmis/lmcast.php?CastID=LM1011 Still a few people missing from that list, but if this is correct so far, Chloe Hart is joining indeed, in Sophie's track. |
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| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
 YES! To both.
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| Eppie-Sue |
I just got word from the Queen's that HPJ is off tonight, which makes the understudy list: Simon S. as Valjean, Jeff as Javert, Mark as Enjolras.
And the funny thing is: If Simon is ill, Killian will go on. If Jeff is ill, Killian will go on. If Mark is ill, Killian will go on. o.O |
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| Dawnstar |
Maybe they should just get Killian to do a one man version of Les Mis! Hasn't he done almost every male role/track there is apart from Marius & Thenardier?
As no-one has reviwed Saturday, may I ask if anyone more knowledgeable than I am could tell me which female swing(s) was/were on on Saturday? I couldn't work out at the time if there were one or both on & it's still bugging me. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Yes. He has been in every track and played Valjean, Javert and Enjolras. I don't think he's ever been Bishop, Bamatabois or Grantaire. Well, I know he's never been Grantaire (Oh God I want that to happen), and I'm quite sure they always had the second u/s for both of the other roles, because David said he'd go on "in a heartbeat" if that ever wasn't the case. But apart from that  ...
Sorry, I'm rubbish, I'll try to do it tonight... I think only Daniella and Chloe were off, actually, and Emma Westhead was in Chloe's track (for example as whore Madeleine in Paris) and Katy was on for Daniella. |
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| Dawnstar |
Thanks. I still haven't got the hang of who's who in the female ensemble (which is odd as I have for the male ensemble & there are more of them!) & it's a bit late now as I probably won't be going again till after cast change. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
To be fair, it took me a while to get all the tracks and names in the female ensemble right, too. It has to do with the fact that the male roles in Les Mis just rock - they all get names and personalities as students and Patron Minette. The girls mostly appear as a crowd: Workers in ATEOTD, whores in Lovely Ladies, mourning women in "Turning". Which, sadly, also makes it harder to point them out in reviews, because their roles can't be found in the book, for example, so we don't know what their part should be like or what we expect, what kind of interaction is right etc. Heh. | ||||||||
| PureDiamondLight |
A plea for info...I'm a big Les Mis fan, and I just signed up to this website specially to ask you guys this question: how does the whole stage door thing work?I'm going down to London (sadly i live up north!) to see the show for the third time at the beginning of june. I've never been to the stage door before but I'm dying to meet the cast (especially the legendary Mr. Thaxton!!!). Where is the door? And how do you catch the cast - is it better to hang around there before or after? If someone could just explain to me how it all works that would be wonderful!! Thank you for your help 
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| Eppie-Sue |
Re: A plea for info...
Alright so. The "whole stage door thing" is basically a way to kindly wait for cast members to leave after the performance and, if they have time, to maybe say a few words, and in most cases, to get programme or brochure signed and/or a picture. The Queen's stage door is literally at the back of the theatre, in a small street (parallel to Shaftesbury Avenue) that ends in Wardour Street. I wouldn't advise to wait around before a performance, as it's not usual and also a bit strange, as you haven't seen the performance and they're generally just arriving at work at that point. When you go after the show, bear in mind that their job is technically done. They're all incredibly sweet people, nice and friendly and polite, but many have trains to catch and are facing a bit of a journey home, so they might just leave. I, personally, think it's important to be polite, considerate, to not intrude or bother anyone. I'm sure many don't mind to hear your thoughts and I'd imagine it's nice to have people there who actually care about the performance. So, if they hang around a bit or appraoch you when you're waiting with a programme for example, that's lovely, and if they're not leaving very directly, then surely it's okay to pipe up and kindly ask if they have a moment. It's really not very hard, and don't be intimidated or anything, just generally... stay respectful and patient, always bearing in mind that they have lives of their own or might not expect to be stopped at all. Also, a word of advice... Don't be disappointed if the one that you really wanted to talk to leaves before you can stop them. It happens. |
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| MizH |
I agree with Eppie Sue. As long as you're polite and considerate, you'll be fine. Some performers are more comfortable with the whole stage door thing than others, but most will stop if they're asked. Have fun!
Does anyone know who the new Javert is going to be? I'm dying to know! |
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| PureDiamondLight |
Thank you guys, that's very helpful my problem will probably be that I just stand there with my face hidden in the programme and don't bring myself to pipe up and say anything, just watch them all walk past in an embarassed / slightly awed silence!! Hopefully I'll be able to detatch the programme from my nose though 
thanks again for your help! |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Aw, MizH, I swear, I don't know, and the last update I've got is that it's not certain yet and it's between two people, but I'm not sure how correct that is or if it still stands. As soon as we get official news or a confirmation, it will be posted on here...
So far, it looks like the cast list for next year is Rebecca Seale as Fantine Samantha Barks as Eponine Martin Ball as Th�nardier Lorraine Bruce as Mme Th�nardier possibly Simon Bowman as Valjean No news about Enjolras, Marius, Javert and Cosette yet. But with rehearsals starting next week, I'm sure we'll know soon. ETA: Also, as for the date for Mark's last Enjolras date, it is indeed the 31st May. And yes, Helen is on the same day. |
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| riverdawn |
Well, if you want to get autographs, it's a little easier, because you can politely say "do you have a minute to sign my program?" and then if they have a minute they will stop and will probably say a few words to you as well as sign. It gives you something to say rather than just standing there and going "great show" as people walk by. Also, if you're standing there with a program and pen, cast members are more likely to notice you and stop for a moment. But I second what Eppie-Sue said: don't be too disappointed if someone just walks past and doesn't stop. It's the end of their workday and many want/need to leave in a hurry. And since you specifically mentioned wanting to talk to David Thaxton, I will say specifically that while he is very kind and sweet when talking to people at the stage door and I have often seen him stop and give autographs etc. - he is also often in a hurry to leave at the end of the show so don't get your hopes up too much.
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| PureDiamondLight |
Thanks, that's really helpful! Knowing what to say is always good I'll be seeing a matinee, so I don't know if that will affect the cast leaving or not...? Anyway, thanks for the advice. I'll keep my hopes strictly down, and if I get to see any of them, great - if not, oh well
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| BlueEyedGirl |
I know exactly how you feel. I went to see the show in and wanted to go to the stagedoor and get a picture with Thaxton. We almost couldn't find the stagedoor and I felt incredebly akward, so I almost gave up, but I knew I would be angry with myself if I went home to Copenhagen without even trying to get a picture. Luckily we found the stagedoor just as he came out. As someone mentioned he seemed in a hurry, but I apologized for bothering on his way home and was very nice and of course agreed to have his picture taken with me
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| Dawnstar |
Out of curiosity, who are the understudies for Bamatabois? I've only seen George & the programme doesn't list them. |
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| riverdawn |
Simon Shorten is one, not sure who else. |
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| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
Yes, Simon Shorten is first cover. Greg is second. (David is third )
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| riverdawn |
If only...
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| Eponines_Hat |
I'm just going to put this out there.... VERY disappointed if this is true. Boo. 
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| MizH |
Thanks for the info. The line up seems good so far. I had hoped that Martin, Lorraine and Rebecca would stay. Martin and Lorraine are my favourite Thenardier pair. It's the first time in ages that I've liked both the Thenardiers. Usually I like one and hate the other. I was asking about Javert as he's my favourite male character, both in the book and in the musical. I really love Jeff Nicholson's Javert. I think he's a bit young at the moment, but I hope he gets the role full time in a couple of years. |
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| Wandering Ranger |
I reallly hope Simon Bowman doesn't come back as Valjean. No slight to him but he has shown VJ is not a role for him, Javert on the other hand would, in all likelihood, be a different story. | ||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
I can't imagine him doing another year as Valjean. This is not even about liking or disliking him, it's just about if he CAN do it. From what I have seen in the past seven months - and I've seen him a lot of times - he didn't seem to be up to it a lot of times, and you don't have to be a trained singer to hear that he often struggles. (Yes, I know the obvious argument would be that the casting team surely knows what they're doing...)
By the way, I saw the show last night and enjoyed it - Simon as Valjean, Jeff as Javert, Mark as Enjolras. As HPJ seems to be fit again and David is back from holiday, it's only Simon Shorten as JVJ tonight. |
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| Wandering Ranger |
to be honest I agree with you. From the audios I have heard (which I know aint stella quality) his upper notes simply are forced because they are out of his range. He is a baritone being put into a tenor part and tbh the casting team obviously dont know what they're doing because doing that is not only daft but vocally unsafe for the artist in question. Not only was the primary VJ but the first u/s was and even he has noted its vocally demanding when your voice doesn't hang up there naturally. They need to cast a tenor this time round whose voice is upto it. | ||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Isn't Bowman a tenor? I can't "hear" a vocal range very well, but I'd place him as a tenor, not a baritone... and let's be honest. No one forced him to audition for principal Valjean in the first place (knowing there'd be a certain amount of show per week, unlike someone who is put into the position of first understudy). If he's a baritone, then a high baritone, and normally, that should be okay to sing a role like Valjean... it's high, but it's not all out there. | ||||||||
| mm10 |
What is Simon Shorten's Valjean like? I've heard a lot of talk of both Jonathan and Killian but can't remember much being said of Simon Shorten | ||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Simon Shorten's Valjean is amazing.
The most outstanding thing must be the "FLIIIIGHT" - I have never heard anyone hit that note so beautifully and clearly as him. It's pretty amazing. He is very obviously a tenor, and I find myself missing the low notes, but he also has the most lovely upper range. And his acting is wonderful. He is right up there with my favourite Valjeans acting-wise, I just wish his voice was stronger and fuller. Acting-wise, I think I even prefer him to Jonathan, he is just so convincing as a very modest, very withdrawn Valjean. I love how he goes "THEY GAVE ME A NUMBER" in the Soliloquy, and his interaction with little Cosette is lovely because he's not The Perfect Daddy, but you can see that she's in good hands. Also, he made me tear up really badly when he said "Rest now." to Fantine before he turned around to leave. Shannon used to do that. Oh, Shannon. 
ETA: And the way he reads the letter is perfect. He really takes his time and the audience really understands the impact it has, so that's great. And he is convincing as an old man. Oh, and he must be one of the most experienced 2 u/s in the West End. I think he's gone on more than some first understudies usually do... |
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| mm10 |
Better than Colm Wilkinson? |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Absolutely. At least compared to the TAC. Don't have the OBC one here, but I prefer to compare live performances. You can actually hear it here (around 1:20. I tried linking the exact point in the track, but the link wouldn't work). And I think it's only gotten stronger over the past months. Last night's was definitely even better than this. | ||||||||
| Elbow |
Having never seen Colm Wilkinson live, I couldn't say. But I agree with a lot of what Eppie Sue has said about Simon Shorten. In parts he is outstanding, his higher range is just so strong. However, I also agree that his voice could be fuller and stronger. In "What Have I Done?" he acts it wonderfully, but his voice doesn't project that well and he seems to sort of "swallow" some of the big notes, making the song that little bit less dramatic. But he is a wonderful Valjean, and the way he reads the letter gets me every time. | ||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
He must also be one of the youngest to ever play the part. I know he was 24 in October. But as he was second understudy for 08/09 already, it's very likely that he actually went on at 23 already... | ||||||||
| The Very Angry Woman |
I've never seen Simon Shorten (I've actually never seen Les Miz in the UK, period), but I did see Colm Wilkinson live. That line was simultaneously thrilling and hilarious. Thrilling because I was seeing him live and he really rocked it out, but hilarious because he was totally showing off. |
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| mm10 |
Thanks for the link it was very good.
I was just gonig to ask what age he is thought he was probably quite young - no doubt he will get better and better. I hate to sound ageist but Valjean is one role that I really think needs somenoe older |
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| Eppie-Sue |
To a certain extent, I would agree, of course, but then, I'd argue that if you have someone exceptional who can convincingly play a 50, 60, 70 year old man, including mannerisms, voice, etc., I don't see a problem. And, to be fair, the understudies have to be young, after all, most of the time, they have to pass as students on the barricade. And, just to add one note... I thought Killian was outstanding in that regard. He was so convincingly old, it was scary. And Shannon was, too - he's in his thirties, I believe. Actually, Shannon was the oldest Valjean imagineable in the Epilogue. The way he sang was old, without overdoing it. It was so believeable. |
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| Elbow |
Agreed.
Oh Shannon I would give anything to see one more Shannon show.
(Although, with how much Jonathan Williams has been on recently - I am very very happy.) |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Woe. Serious woe. And this isn't boding well for cast change at all. I miss Shannon even when I see Jonathan, whom I like so much. |
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| mm10 |
Yes I know what you mean - I saw Colm Wilkinson live when he toured with Les Mis and I was just so thrilled to hear him live as he was "Valjean". Was also very memorable as I saw him in Dublin with Peter Corry as Javert on St Patrick's Day and both of them wore their shamrock so it was another one of my special Les Mis memories
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| MizH |
You're so lucky you got to see Colm Wilkinson. It must have been incredible to see the original Valjean. I like him on the TAC concert, I bet he was amazing live. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Citizens. Antony is on as Marius today AND HELEN IS ON AS COSETTE. So happy, I really wanted to see Helen again, and although she's staying for a year and chances looked good anyway, this is with "my" cast, so that's amazing.
Now, of course, I need a ticket. |
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| flying_pigs |
According to FaceBook, Antony is Marius today. | ||||||||
| riverdawn |
WOS forum lists a supposed "confirmed" cast list for next year with Killian as Enjolras.
Since I always take the WOS rumors with about 50 grains of salt, if someone could get confirmation for that it would be totally awesome! |
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| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
Yes, I saw that. As I said when it was speculation, I don't know what to think about that. What I really want is a proper cast list - i.e. with ensemble roles and understudies. I've been doing a bit of research, though - Matthew Seadon Young is going to be 'a student' (he needs to learn quickly that he's not just any student, though ) but also seems to be first cover Marius. (Which ties in with what I heard some people who seemed to know about it discussing in Queen's a while back). Here's [url=http://www.ram.ac.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/musical theatre/Musical Theatre Students 2009/James Smoker.pdf]James Smoker[/url] - it doesn't mention Les Mis, but is it just me, or does he look like a Prouvaire? I think that's probably because I've just seen Jamie Muscato on tour, though.
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| Lauraa |
I saw that as well, I really hope it's true! Apparently Alistair is staying on too... What happened about Rhydian as Enjolras then?
Does anyone know when we will get confirmation of the new cast? Surely the rehearsals must start pretty soon. |
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| riverdawn |
I though Scott Garnham (sp?) was supposed to be cast as both first cover Marius and first cover Enjolras? Anyway, yes, I agree, an actual official cast list would be great. As for Killian as Enjolras, I think it would be good if true. He'll have to work at it, of course, but at least it's someone who knows about student interactions and about giving more depth to roles rather than just singing them. |
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| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
According to londonlesmis he's second cover for both.
Yes, but I'm also worried he'll just always be not quite David. In some ways, I'd rather have a complete fresh start. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
I saw the matinee today and it was great. I love Helen as Cosette so much. I wish she was first cover. Hell, I wish she was principal.
About the Killian as Enjolras thing... for now, let's just say it's very possible. No official announcement yet, though. I won't say anything about it until it's official. ETA: That said, I'm quite convinced it's true. Hah, easy for them. Now they don't have to change the posters with Enjolras on them. People won't be able to tell the difference.
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| mm10 |
I was wondering about the comment that Alistair isn't stayig the full year - so how long would he be doing? I know there was talk about a mini cast change before so is that what this is - or is it called a mini cast change because not everyone changes? Sorry if that is a stupid question? | ||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
There was never talk of a mini cast change, was there? And yeah, cast change in June is actually a very small cast change. Only a few people leaving. So it's a "mini" cast change. But it's THE cast change, there was never talk of something like in October 2009. Echoing my friend here - if the Alistair thing is true, could that mean that, when the tour goes to the US, Gareth Gates...?! |
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| mm10 |
No I meant previous talk of mini cast changes - before this cast I mean. I just wasn't sure what it meant exactly |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Hm.
Looks like the only people leaving this year then are David, Nancy, Emily, HPJ Antony, Mark D, Joe, Thomas, Greg Sophie, Laura, Daniella, Katy Or am I forgetting anyone? |
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| Eppie-Sue |
No idea how reliable this is, but yeah. Pretty much confirmed.
http://wwwmusicaltheatrenews.blogspot.com/2010/05/les-miserables-cast-changes.html |
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| flying_pigs |
Lucie Jones from X-Factor as Cosette?
Seriously?! I saw her perform at a club near my uni and, if this is true, I'm not sure if she's really Cosette material. |
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| BlueEyedGirl |
Oh Killian as Enjolras, I don't know how I feel about that, because that would meen a third trip to London this year... ! my poor poor economy...
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| PureDiamondLight |
Lucie Jones as Cosette? I really loved her voice on X factor and she's certainly pretty, in fact I really enjoyed watching her perform, but the big range? we shall have to see...
And as for Killian, at least his hair is long enough that he won't have to wear that ghastly wig!!! (I always wondered why the Enjolras wig is dark brown, not blonde. It just doesn't make sense!! grr) Anyone know if Jonathan Williams is staying on? He was beyond unbelievably incredible when I saw him as JVJ u/s last month. To quote my sister, who saw the show with me, "I want to MARRY his voice"!! |
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| Wandering Ranger |
The principals remaining with the show are Simon Bowman (Jean Valjean),
Damn! And yes, Jonathan is staying on although its unlikely he will be playing Valjean as often as he has been. If Simon Bowman is staying on they may as well make Jonathan the principal VJ. grr hope that ain't true. |
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| Eponines_Hat |
Bowman? Seriously? WHY?????? Quite pleased about Killianjolras. I know he will "get" the character and since he has proved himself awesome as JVJ and Javert, I reckon he will nail this one too. Let's face it, he's about the only one I can accept trying to follow on from Thaxton. Will miss his great ad-libbing as a swing tho... |
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| Wandering Ranger |
yeah Killijolras will be great, I've only seen him once live but he was damn hilarious in MoTH and Look Down.
Re. Simon Bowman I can only think its because, with two new girls coming in, they needed an experienced VJ to hold it together. Thing is, he ain't one!! He hasnt even been at the theatre for ages and vocally the part is clearly beyond him. i thought he was gonna be Javert anyway, or was that just a rumour? |
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| Eponines_Hat |
lol seriously - talk about going from one extreme to the other -HPJ who doesn't really act, to OTT Bowman. Can you imagine the baton movements??? They should just give Javert to Jeff. He has come a long way in that role - I reckon he'd be great if he could work on it full time. |
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| Wandering Ranger |
HPJ doesn't really act? I am going to pretend I didn't read that 
I do agree though that SB as Javert would be, interesting, to say the least and he deffo isnt my first choice. Jeff is too valuable in other parts though, look how many track that guy can cover. They wouldnt risk putting him in a permanent lead role slot and losing his skill there. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
I'm just so happy that, finally, they seem to get who they have to go for with Enjolras. Let's hope the role is now always cast a certain way, following this pattern, instead of jumping between completely different performers that were all quite disappointing. I'm beyond happy that the Rhydian Roberts thing did not happen. Serves him right for talking about it everywhere. That said, I will miss Killian so much as a swing. That's the problem with people like him getting principal roles, they are missed in the ensemble. But for him, it's absolutely amazing. And for the role, too. It clearly seems to have been re-defined now.
Quite surprised that they can promote Killian, but not Antony. Wonder what the "Alistair is staying until January" thing is about. Still worried it has to do with Gareth Gates. But oh, isn't it unfair? There aren't even that many leaving, it's such a small cast change, but of course the four who I'll miss the most, David, Nancy, Antony and Mark D, are leaving. Boo.
That surely isn't the reason. I'm sorry to say this, but Simon Bowman is the most erratic Valjean I have ever seen. Lots of pages back I wrote about how the way he plays his part influences everyone else's performance, and I stand by that argument. I have no idea why he was offered to stay, but clearly, they think he's done a good job, which is surprising, considering every other Valjean I've seen so far (which, admittedly, includes three understudies) has been better, vocally, and most of them had a better grasp on the character without going way over the top. Maybe it's only until October...?! I have no idea. ETA: This said, I can't believe AJ and Helen will f'ing understudy someone from X Factor. Helen was so wonderful as Cosette, and she clearly enjoys playing that role. And vocally, she's great, and she suits the part so well. She might actually be my favourite, and I think she could be amazing if she finally got to play the part more often or regularly. I like her Eponine, but I love her Cosette. If not principal, they should reverse the way the understudies are. I've seen AJ as Cosette and didn't like her nearly as much as Helen, although I think she's a great performer. I can even see her as Fantine (she will be second u/s). And I've heard she was a great, great Eponine. So I wish it looked more like Helen - 1st u/s Cosette, 2nd u/s Eponine AJ - 1st u/s Eponine, 2nd u/s either Cosette or Fantine. |
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| pastaeater |
Really excited to hear the Killian Enjolras news although I can understand people's concern if they think he is going to be a sort of "Thaxton light". I haven't seen him in the part of course, but I do know that he has a fantastic voice and I'm sure that when he has time to concentrate on the part he will really develop it and grow with it. After all, he has hardly had a chance to show what he can do as Enjolras when he has practically been covering every other male role on the stage these last few months!
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| Eponines_Hat |
I can understand the concerns, but I think this is selling Killian far short. He has exceeded all expectations in every role he's done and I think he'll totally blow us away. That said, it will be hard to avoid similarities with Thaxton - especially if Killian goes for brick!Enjolras (which I think he will). But, hey, I'll take diet-Thaxton-Enjolras over pretty much any other option at this point! Could you imagine if we got Oliver Tompsett (who I love, but just, no) or Daniel Boys or someone similar in the role? |
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| Eppie-Sue |
I don't think anyone meant it like that, just saying. It's simply that, automatically, it will be a reminder that it's not David, simply because they are quite similar. That said, it's a very good casting decision - you get an Enjolras who already knows what he has to do and, even if he imitates a lot of David's acting choices etc., can go with that for a short while during the time when everyone settles in and the cast grows together, acting choices that will definitely work, that are definitely in character and all that, and, during that period, he can develop his own take on it. And this is why I think they should only ever have ensemble members taking over as Enjolras, not completely new actors coming in to an already perfectly working ensemble, who have never experienced the dynamics in the ensemble. Karimloo was in the ensemble before, and second u/s, and he was good, Jonathan got so much praise when he took over, we don't even have to mention David anymore, and I have no doubts that Killian will be a further example for why it's a good strategy. I know it didn't work for Drew Sarich , but he was just wrong for the part to begin with.
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| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
About Killian imitating David. Having seen his Enjolras myself, I can say he's very good at this. And in many ways I hope he does, just because what David does is right, and anything else would be wrong in a lot of places. However, last time, I got the impression he was doing it because David did it, not because it was right for the character. I'm not criticising him for this - it's very understandable as a (second) understudy. And it worked, because in many places it made his Enjolras very good. However, as principal, I hope that where he copies David it will because he truly understands the character and feels that he is doing what is right. There is a difference between copying and replacing. However, provided he does this, and I think he will, I'm sure he will be amazing. | ||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
The best bit about Killian taking over is that he can sing and act and that he just seems to GET the characters and that he is already close with the ensemble, so I won't experience utter heartbreak to have people like Gavin and Martin there with an Enjolras that just doesn't do it right.
The worst bit about Killian taking over is that he can sing other roles and act other roles and that he seems to get every character and that I will miss his Montparnasse and his Drunk and his Queer and his Prouvaire and his Brujon and his Foreman and his Claquesous and his Constable and his Pimp and his other Pimp and his Babet and his Courfeyrac and his Simon!student and his First Traveller and Second Traveller and his helpless professor and his Old Man in MotH and his Innkeeper and his convict and his Feuilly and his Bahorel and very much his Combeferre because he always forgot to spread the flag over the table ... and his Javert and his Valjean, and this is all making me rather sad. |
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| PureDiamondLight |
aww, poor you!!
I've looked up some clips of killian as enjolras on youtube, and agree that his voice is excellent I will miss DT as Enjolras - I always found myself holding my breath when he started singing becuase it was so gorgeous - but I'm sure Killian will be great. I'm glad it's a member of the current cast and not an outsider that's taking over as E. Even the swings and understudies of the current cast are so good, they definitely deserve the chance to have bigger roles.
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| Eppie-Sue |
Awh. Earl's doing a concert tonight on the Isle Of Wight, and Nancy, David, and Gina Beck, too, were called in as replacements in the last minute. Not that I could have afforded to go. But it's Earl, David, Nancy and Gina. Humpfh. | ||||||||
| Eponines_Hat |
Yep - wish I had known about this sooner. I would have been there for sure! Anyone know what the concert is for or what they are singing? |
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| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
A Touch of West End. More info here.
David, Nancy and Gina all seem to be last minute replacements, though. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
JONATHAN IS COURFEYRAC.
Apparently. I'm so happy. He will have so much fun with that. |
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| riverdawn |
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| Eppie-Sue |
So, I very much doubt that Jonathan will cover Enjolras, as he's first u/s Valjean and will have enough to do with that. Besides, he's maybe a bit old for that. So the "Courfeyrac is first cover Enjolras" rule doesn't apply. Neither does the "Feuilly is first cover Enjolras" tour rule. But now Elbow has found this, and this is our new Montparnasse, and I really, really, really want him to be first cover Enjolras. Please. | ||||||||
| flying_pigs |
Ok, some of the new cast I'm looking forward to. Although I was kind of all for a new Marius and Valjean. I could probably just about live with Simon Bowman but am not Alistair's biggest fan. I know he's improved this past year, I would have just like to have seen a new Marius. Hoping the Javert casting will be exciting!
Still in disbelief over Lucie Jones as Cosette. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
I'll just put this out there - it doesn't look like they put a whole lot of effort into this cast. From what I can tell, if the ones that are leaving hadn't left for whatever kinds of reasons, they would have kept them for a second/third year. Not that I would have complained about another season of David, Nancy and Emily, but as they are leaving, this also leaves us with performers that really aren't my favourites who are still staying on. And the replacements are very logical replacements, or just lazy. Killian is a logical solution to fill the gap of David leaving, because Killian is awesome and the same kind of performer. Samantha Barks is yet another IDA person, and while I love Nancy, it mirrors this a bit. Casting Lucie Jones is completely illogical, and it looks like it's pure stunt casting, I doubt she was the best at auditions, especially if, I imagine, someone like Helen auditioned.
And now they all make up the 25th Anniversary cast. I'm happy to say that, thankfully, I'm excited about Enjolras and a few roles in the ensemble, as those were the biggest holes for me. But overall, I'm disappointed. |
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| MizH |
On the tour, the first u/s Valjean is also the 2nd cover Enjolras, so you never know. I suppose Jonathan would play Enjolras if they were stuck. I'm really looking forward to seeing Killian as Enjolras. He really stood out in the ensemble last time I was there, I think he was in Mark Dugdale's track.
From what I've heard, Samantha Barks seems to have done well since IDA finished. I can't comment on her acting because I've never seen her in a show, but she's got a great voice. I had to google Lucie Jones to remember who she is. It's impossible to judge her from X Factor, because she was singing in a different style. She might have a brilliant soprano voice that we haven't heard. She might be a great actress too. We won't know for sure until she starts. Looks will also play a part in who gets the role. With Alistair playing Marius, they need a very young looking Cosette, since he is very young looking. I'm going to wait until I've seen her until I judge her. I'd totally written off Gareth Gates before I saw him, but I thought he was an excellent Marius. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
I'm sorry, I wasn't very clear: We've already got a second cover for Enjolras, so he would need to be first understudy, and they can't make him first understudy for two principal roles. That would be insane. And yeah, I think it's come up in this thread somewhere, Jonathan is indeed somewhat "emergency cover" for Enjolras. At least he has been the past two years, and said that it almost came this far in 2008/09. They also almost needed an emergency cover in late January, but Mark and Jonathan were both on holiday when both David and Killian called in sick, from what I know. At least that's what Mark mentioned. So it's good to have an emergency cover for the roles in there, too... somehow.
Regarding Samantha Barks, I wasn't criticising her, I was just pointing out the similarities. And about Lucie Jones, her voice sounds anything but clear and secure in all the videos I've watched of her singing, and I couldn't find anything about theatre experience. I simply don't believe she auditioned like anyone else and was cast on the same terms. And I still stand by my opinion that not a lot of effort went into this cast. If you read people's opinions of this cast, not just here on MdN, most of the criticism is focused on Bowman, Rebecca, Alistair and Lorraine. And they're all staying. Most of the praise has gone to David, and to Nancy and Emily. And look who's leaving. |
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| MizH |
Of all the people who have seen the show in the last year, only a tiny proportion post comments on the internet. Personally, I love Rebecca Seale and Lorraine Bruce is my favourite Mme T. I have a habit of adoring people others hate. I think Alistair is OK. I prefer Antony Hansen. I'm one of the few who actually like Simon Bowman's Valjean. I've seen worse. I'd have loved Emily to stay for one more year, she's my favourite Cosette. By the time cast change rolls around, Nancy and David will have been in their roles for 2 years. It's probably time for them to move on and try other things. Their replacements will take a bit of getting used to, but I hope they're given a fair chance. |
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| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
Of course it is true that only a tiny proportion post on the internet. However, those people are not selected based on an opinion - it is, I imagine, a representative sample of fans. Also, speaking for myself, and I think this applies to others here as well, I don't think Rebecca or Lorraine or Alistair are bad. I actually quite like Alistair and Rebecca. Lorraine perhaps a little less so. But none of them bring that something really special to the roles, and having had them for a year, it's a pity not to get someone with that little extra for the 25th anniversary. Although I'm certainly willing to admit that it could have been a lot worse. As for what you say about Nancy and David, it is of course true. While for selfish reasons I would love for them to stay, it really isn't best for them. Especially in David's case where he has now been in Les Mis for four nearly consecutive years, and not done much else. And of course he has Passion coming up, which is very exciting. I don't think anyone's saying they should stay. It will probably colour people's views of their successors for a little bit, but I'm sure they will be given a fair chance. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Thank you. Just to make this clear: I like Alistair a lot. And I actually quite like Rebecca, even though I, personally, wish there would be a new Fantine, because I tend to get bored (other than with, say, Nancy's Eponine). But that's not why I pointed them out, my personal opinion is not what a new cast should be chosen by, because I'm a regular and most people will only go once or twice.
The point I was making is different, and please allow me to use "I'm a regular" as an example here, as with every time I'm at the theatre, I show interest in what the people around me think of the cast, experience curtain call and overhear conversations at the stage door. From that alone it's obvious who people like and don't like, and most of the time, it's the same kind of opinion for the same performers. This all comes down to the: How much have they really invested in with this cast? It doesn't look like an awful lot of thought went into this. I wasn't criticising the new ones per se, I was simply pointing out how similar this cast has remained. And this year's wasn't a particularly strong cast, the only outstanding performance everyone agreed on was David's, and that's Enjolras, a supporting role. I'm just saying that with the 25th Anniversary, I was expecting a cast with a lot more going for them than this. Rebecca is not going to blow many people away as Fantine as she hasn't done so for the past year, I wonder how Simon Bowman will cope after two months away and struggling with the vocal performance before all this, Alistair is not a particular favourite of many, as much as I like him, etc. Lucie Jones is an X Factor singer and yes, I have judged her voice on her performances there, and as for Enjolras and Eponine, you get a similar kind of casting behind those two as the performers this year were like, and while I'm sure Killian will deliver, obviously the jury's still out on Samantha Barks.
For them, personally, yes. I think it's a good time to move on, I have no idea what Nancy wil be doing, but things are looking fantastic for David. For the show, not so much. Say what you want about it being two years, but these are still the most likeable and energetic performances you're getting with this set of principals every night, and I can assure you that most in the audience agree. I'm certain that they would have been able to keep it up, but especially with a role like Enjolras, this is very taxing and maybe shouldn't be tried. But the audience wouldn't see them and go: "Oh they seem tired and should have left at the last cast change." |
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| Violet |
It does seem a bit of a lazy casting choice, but presumably the powers that be have been distracted with the concert or whatever else they've got planned for October.
Fans are describing this as the 25th anniversary cast, but I don't think that the production office are thinking of it in the same way. For them, the celebratory cast will be the one for the concert, or the one that they chose for the tour that will be on the CD. I also wonder if some of the tour cast might be brought back into London after October, and so they are just extending the contracts. I have my doubts about Lucie Jones too. She was a good singer on X Factor, but we didn't ever hear her sing anything like Cosette, so unproven for me, but so are most people cast. I had to have a bit of a think to remember who she was, so I don't think she's so famous that it would be worth casting her unless she could do it well. I have a vague memory of there being a couple of news stories claming she might be doing some acting after she was kicked off as that's something she had a talent for. For all of the talk of stunt casting for the concert, or Rhydian playing Enjolras, that doesn't seem to have happened for the actual show, so no reason to presume they'd do it now. Those in charge of casting might be a bit more open-minded about seeing people from different backgrounds, especially after the success of Gareth Gates on the tour. |
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| flying_pigs |
Anyone going to Antony's last possible Marius next Monday? | ||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
This is making me so sad, somehow. I mean, really. It's the 25th Anniversary of the London production, and no one seems to care about the actual production in London. That said, maybe we should be glad that the people in charge of making the tour what it is aren't doing anything on the West End. At least the West End isn't the pure over the top-ness of the tour. And yes, flying_pigs. As said a few pages before. I will most definitely be there next Monday.
ETA: They're reheeeaaarsing.
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| Eppie-Sue |
Quick update from the Queen's: Full cast except for Bowman tonight! How extraordinary to only have one understudy and technically no one off in the ensemble. I don't think this has happened once in the past six months.
And I'm sure Bowman was expected to be bacl today... |
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| Quique |
Oooooh, who's the dude in the middle?
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| riverdawn |
That would be Jonathan Williams. |
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| Violet |
It seems you have read something into my post that wasn't intended. I wasn't saying that it was OK that they were being lazy, just giving an opinion on why they might have been less focused. I remember a news report of Cameron Mackintosh telling a journalist how they'd worked hard to get the best possible cast for the tour causing a lot of upset on here because shouldn't they try hard with every cast? That's my view too, but all of a sudden the London cast for the 25th year needs extra attention. I also think they should put the same effort into each cast, hence my disappointment at it being lazy. That doesn't mean I can't be realistic enough to recognise that the people in charge of all of these decisions have been busy planning other things to celebrate the anniversary. Feelings towards the tour direction should be irrelevant to London casting. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Oh, no, I didn't mean it like that either. I just quoted you because I agreed and extended it to say that I think it was really sad. Also, the thing is, the new London cast is the first new cast since the tour has started. I suppose I would write the same about it if it now was the 24th or the 26th Anniversary, but the fact that it's "the cast that is going to be the cast that was around at the 25th Anniversary" makes the point even clearer, somehow. I, too, think they should put a lot of thought into casting at any point, and I'm sure I stated that at some point in autumn last year already. I'm perfectly willing to give this new cast (or, well, the few bits that are new about it) a chance, and I am very excited, but I know five of the principals in these roles and I don't think much about them will change... I think I want to review last night. Maybe in a few minutes. |
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| SarahBvK |
Thinking of coming this evening or tomorrow. Does anyone know if Jonathan Williams is still on as JVJ? | ||||||||
| Elbow |
Bowman wasn't back Monday. Not sure about yesterday. I'd say it's 50/50. If Bowman is back, I'd say after such a long time off it's unlikely he'd do both shows on a two show day, but which he'd do I don't know. So yes, which Valjean you'd get is a lucky dip. | ||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Bloody hell.
Just checked the u/s sheet. Simon Shorten as JVJ and... Killian as Enjolras. No idea what the cast was like on Tuesday night, by the way. |
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| pastaeater |
Wooo!! Killian as Enjolras! Please let him still be on on Sat when I finally get to go again................. oh, but then I'll never see the Thaxton masterclass again....... 
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| stelllar |
I was there last night and it was Simon Bowman as JVJ and David Thaxton as Enjolras. | ||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Against better judgement, I'm sitting in the Queen's. And Jonathan is on tonight, apparently he couldn't make it in time for the matinee. And yes. Killianjolras. Am quite excited that I will have seen him in this part before he becomes principal, after already seeing him as JVJ and Javert. | ||||||||
| SarahBvK |
and for the matinee it was Simon Shorten as JVJ | ||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Yes, as I said. Wow, that was an experience! I'm so glad I went, it makes me all the more relaxed and optimistic about cast change. I have to calm down a bit, then I'll review as well as I can. Just to address the most vital question - yes, Killian did wear the wristbands.
Ah. May I ask how it was last night? |