Archive for Musicals.Net Musicals.Net |
| Eppie-Sue |
First off:
OH I WISH I HAD GONE TONIGHT. Okay. Because I, citizens, saw the matinee, and I had Bowman the entire show, obviously, and, strangely, Rebecca!Fantine (who was really strong! But I love Natalie!Fantine so much more)...
I don't know. I even feel bad for listening, tbh. It's so... it's Enjolras and Grantaire! 
And oh, to see Jonathan!JVJ again! We have to ask him for Bowman's holiday dates! He's so good. My main problem with Bowman!JVJ is still his unbelievable self-righteousness and cockiness. 
Re: the Marius dilemma... See, I love Antony!Marius a lot. And I normally don't care for Marius at all. But I think I'm the only one who has seen both Alistair and Antony with Katie (I miss Katie), and I'm going to be completely honest - Alistair and Katie had more chemistry than Antony and Katie. They just worked very, very well together, with their youth (I know Antony is younger than Alistair, but Alistair looks younger!) and na�vety and innocence. So I can understand why they might have cast Alistair, because, you know... Alistair is not bad. Actually, he hits all the notes. His voice is just not very strong and assured (and acting-wise, Antony is much better, I think. But Alistair has improved a lot, thankfully)... Now that Emily is Cosette (which of course they couldn't know back when they cast the 09/10 season), it's all a bit different... and I think Antony and Emily work soo well together. As do Antony and Nancy, which evokes "Jon and Nancy" memories... (and I do think they had too much chemistry. Because Marius and Eponine shouldn't have any). So, while I would have cast Antony regardless of MariusandCosette chemistry, simply because he's AWESOME, I can kind of understand the casting decision. (at least, it makes more sense to me than casting Bailey over David back in 2006. Or casting Bowman now when they had Jonathan right there! etc.) |
||||||||||||
| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
Knowing David it's probably different every time. And hopefully very E/R-ish
And he's a mini Michael Ball - that must be what swung it in his favour! 
But I am making sure I get down to London to see Anthony, whatever it takes!!! |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
You at the barricade! Listen to this!
Please  It's Natalie's IDAD. (there's more from that performance up there, mostly students, including Antony's ECAET which is amazing, and a pretty epic Final Battle, etc pp)...
I was thinking the other day... technically, they could have a parallel Les Mis production with all current understudies as principals - that production could easily hold its own against the current first cast... Actually, this is what my current perfect cast would look like... JVJ - Jonathan Williams Javert - Jeff Nicholson Fantine - Natalie Day Marius - Antony Hansen Eponine - Nancy Sullivan Enjolras - David Thaxton M Th�nardier - Martin Ball Mme Th�nardier - Rachel Bingham I haven't seen AJ as Cosette yet, only Helen, who is second understudy... I really liked her, though, not sure if I would even prefer her to Emily... but I've heard great things about AJ!Eponine and love her in the ensemble, so jury's definitely still out on that. but, yeah. that's... three of the current principals. and all the others are the first understudies... |
||||||||||||
| aquirkofmatter |
I pretty much agree with that, although I don't mind Lorraine that much. I really want to see Joe as Marius though, I don't think he'll compare to Antony at all but it'd be interesting to see him against Alistair. (and Helen's actually 2nd u/s Cosette, 1st Eponine, isn't she?) |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Yes, yes, of course. That's what I meant, too. Brain failure. Thanks, corrected it. Joe Evans is hilarious and yes, I really, REALLY want to see him as Marius xD! I mean, I can't quite imagine it, but it would be awesome. (LOL I have a similar feeling about Joe!Marius as I do about Jon!Enjolras.) I also need to see Killian as Javert or as Enjolras. Oh man. And Sophie as Mme Th�nardier, sound like she was really great! |
||||||||||||
| aquirkofmatter |
That's the thing, he's absolutely hilarious in the cafe scenes, and I'm sure he'd be a good Marius, but I wouldn't be able to watch without laughing, I don't think. It'd still be good to see him.
Yes, yes and yes! Killian needs to be seen in a bigger role, and I think Sophie might possibly be better than Rachel as Mme T, as good as Rachel is. I can't quite picture Sophie!Fantine, though. |
||||||||||||
| MajorTordoArthur |
Hi, I'm new here ^_^ (I have been lurking for 3 months, though) I just wanted to say that I saw Sophie as Mme. Th�nardier on the 7th November and she's really good, one of my favorites in that role |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
Just so you know, you are all TERRIBLE people. I was just thinking to myself "NO LES MIS THIS WEEK. NO." And then I read through these last couple of pages, and now I have decided that I'm getting a ticket for tomorrow. Oops?
Oh oh oh, and as for what Enjolras and Grantaire say to each other in The Final Battle - I've never listened to what Neeley says, but when Jeff was playing Grantaire he was shouting at Enjolras to come back and not to leave him  (leave him with dying Marius, obviously. But it made me giggle because it sounded just like a general "DON'T LEAVE ME" )
I'm too easily amused, really I am. |
||||||||||||
| Eponines_Hat |
See, this, THIS is why I can't wait to see Jeff!R this week!
The man is a genius. Had me in absolute stitches in Master of the House last night I wonder if that is what always gets said by R? It did look like Thaxton was saying "Forgive me" last night. Hmmm..... 
Btw for those who missed the understudy love this week, I happened to find these... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWinGdxIM9U http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7Zqz9Yzrbw |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Understudy love!
I just remembered Jonathan made me cry actual tears when I first saw him back in June. And I'm normally not one to cry during BHH. And oh Antony does the "Oh my friends! My friends, don't ask me!" every time, doesn't he?! Here, too. I love that so much. It's so raw and a bit insane and wonderful and I might just lose it there one day. ETA: I don't (want to) believe he says "Forgive me". Davidjolras won't have any kind of that nonsense. I remember Alistair going crazy over Gavroche going to get bullets and shoving him with a "All your fault!" expression, and David basically went "In. Your. Place. Don't you dare!" at him. And there is no "Oh let's blame Enjolras for this"-notion in any of the scene, even Grantaire's bit in DWM avoids that so well. I love it. |
||||||||||||
| Eponines_Hat |
<3 <3 <3 Reminds me a bit of the changes that Jon made during his last matinee btw I can't believe Hansen is younger that Alastair!! Is that right? He looks Thaxton's age! |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Yes. Yes. Antony just turned 20. Which makes him 6 months older than me. Which is an intimidating and slightly depressing thought. He is amazing.
To be fair, David also looks younger than 27. And, I'm sorry, but the changes Jon made at the final matinee are not all made of pure win xDDD |
||||||||||||
| Lauraa |
Now I really want to go to London and see him, but I have no money 
Random question, I didn't know where to post this but does anyone know the name of the person who sings at 6:47 here? |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
That's Matthew Gent, last year's Feuilly. He was also first understudy for Marius and was really good from what I've heard : ) | ||||||||||||
| Lauraa |
Thanks
He was on as Marius the first time I went to see it. I just never listened to the understudy announcements before the show and I really wanted to know who it was. He was pretty good actually, I LOVED his ECAET! |
||||||||||||
| Eponines_Hat |
Well, now, I never said that they were made of *pure* win... but I do think if he had pulled it off better vocally then I would have rather liked them (yes, you can shoot me now) |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
I went tonight. Not an awful lot to report, mainly due to tiredness.
Jonathan Williams was on as Valjean again, I was ever so happy. I love him.... anyone know what's up with Bowman though? Natalie Day was still on as Fantine. And Mark was on for Thaxton. I take it Thaxton's neck isn't fully recovered. Jeff was on as Grantaire, obviously. Twas good. Laura Medforth was still off. Katy cried in her place though. Naughty Katy. Killian was on as Brujon and Neeley's track. Hedges was covering Mark's track and Greg was covering Jonathan's track. And Brenda was covering Natalie's. And... as I said Katy was on for Laura Medforth. It was a very good show, Mark was very impressive tonight, and I am warming to Natalie's Fantine. I mean, I prefer her to Rebecca but I'm still sort of in two minds about her. I'm not even sure why. I just can't seem to find a Fantine I like. I liked Kerry Ellis, I think. Anyway, tiredness is making me vague. I'll stop. |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
I suppose he's simply ill. His voice gave in a few times last Saturday matinee... I mean, his voice always fails to impress me, but it was really noticable that day (obviously, because he went off in the interval at the evening show).
Ah, dear. :-/ Will it sound strange if I say that I was half-expecting this!? And I guess Mark is getting quite some routine lately. Nice to hear he was good. Did he say "shall" instead of "will" again? heh. |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
He did
I also meant to mention last night, I really am warming to HPJ. I still prefer... just about every other Javert I've seen live, but he's really growing on me. A lot more than Bowman is. |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
Hmm, Twitter implies that the matinee was cancelled today. | ||||||||||||
| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
I saw something about that, because of a power cut - I don't know if it actually was though, the last I heard was shortly before the show.
ETA: According to Nancy's twitter it was cancelled. I'd be so gutted if that happened to me! |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
Nancy just confirmed it was on her Twitter, so it seems it was cancelled. Powercuts seem to happen quite frequently in Shaftesbury Avenue. I wonder why 
|
||||||||||||
| aquirkofmatter |
I nearly went to the matinee today as it woulda been my only chance to see Jefftaire - glad I didn't now, nearly �20 train fare woulda been for nothing! | ||||||||||||
| Ricey |
Thats bad. At least it happened before the show and not during... what would they have done then? |
||||||||||||
| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
Apparently, 500 pensioners had been given free tickets to see the matinee today. I feel so sorry for them! | ||||||||||||
| Elbow |
Oh that's happened before, the box office was riotous with people trying to get refunds! It was on a matinee Wednesday as well, coincidentally. |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Oh my God.
Today was crazy. Madeleine, who went just to make it a Markjolras double day, is seeing the evening show right now and will probably report back later. We hung around the entire day, which was LOVELY. ALSO: She's seeing Simon (Shorten!) as JVJ! AND SOPHIE IS ON AS FANTINE! I couldn't go because they wouldn't sell tickets because the system is down because of the power cut! argh! Yes, yes, the matinee was cancelled! The entire cast (plus some people who are actually on holiday *coughDavidcough* xD) were waiting in front of the stage door for a good hour and a half, according to Mark they wouldn't let them in... it was really odd, people were lining up for the show and the cast watched them... and around 3, I think, Jeff told us it was cancelled and they all went off rather cheerily having an afternoon for themselves. Poor audience, though!
We came back for the evening show, no one of the cast knew anything (LOL Thomas asked us if there were any news and was generally lovely!), they didn't open the doors so people kept queuing and queuing around the theatre till they reached the Avenue Q stage door! At one point Martin Ball waved at us from a window in his convict costume, and Alistair did, too, so we assumed they'd get it to work and... I think it took them till 7.40 to open the doors and I can only assume the show went on tonight. ... phiu! ETA: Oooh. Madeleine just messaged me saying that, apparently, Rebecca went on as Fantine tonight. So don't bother getting a ticket just to maybe see Sophie!Fantine... |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
Sophie's on as Fantine!? ARGH! Want.
Maybe she'll be on tomorrow as well. But I have an essay to do... Oh woe. |
||||||||||||
| Madeleine |
Yesterday was INSANE! But yes, very lovely. Although, and I never thought I'd say this, I was sick of the sight of the Queen's theatre by the end of it! All that stress, confusion and hanging around waiting. 
I was so happy to get Simon Shorten as Valjean again and I loved him even more than last time. He reminds me of JOJ. Why he (or Jonathan) doesn't play that role all the time is beyond me. It was so nice to have a Valjean who you actually liked and cared for...and nice not to spend half the show giggling at silly OTT gestures.
Alistair and Emily were adorable. They killed me in the Epilogue. Emily kept whispering "Daddy..." at Simon all through his 'On this page...' bit which was very touching. I really liked Alistair today. I think I've finally warmed to him, and 'get' his Marius. 
Jeff as Grantaire was amazing as always. There was Drink With Me adorableness but Mark had his back to me so I couldn't see too well. Jeff stayed sat down and Mark came and knelt by him, and talked to him a bit? Then Jeff suddenly reached out and pulled him into a hug, then handed his bottle over. It reminded me of last year's blocking, which makes me very happy as I much prefered it. Joe Evans is a legend. Absolutely hilarious. "Bravo monsieur!" gets louder and more over the top every time and I love it. His laughing when George gets slapped in MOTH is brilliant.
The swings were all on and working SO HARD! The men's tracks all seemed mixed up as there were so many of them off. For example, Killian covered, among other things I'm sure, Jonathan in the Prologue, Martin Neely as the Lovely Ladies pimp (AMAZING!!) and Jeff as Brujon. Markjolras! Final Battle was just phenominal. Lovely note on 'free', followed by a fairly big (maybe not quite as good as David's Jump) jump down from the barricade, accompanied by a very loud "MARIUS!!!!!". He then backed away slightly from Marius and Grantaire, froze there for a few seconds in shock before running up the barricade to wave the flag. His fall when he was shot was scary! David's looks all controlled and he seems to grab onto a bar on the way down. But from where I was sat, Mark literally just seemed to fall forwards and disappear! He's terrifying at times. You really wouldn't want to cross him. 'Enjolras was a charming young man, who was capable of being terrible.' totally fits him. The Fight was the most intense one I've seen since the days of David and Jon. Mark got so angry and fierce. Simon then gave Alistair an extra shove when he came over.
The audience were pretty dead though.
Mark got a solo bow (and lots of cheers), so I don't know if Gavroche (I'm pretty sure it was Jamie Davis but I didn't check the cast board) was ill, or if they can't legally keep him there past a certain time or something. The show finished about 20 minutes late, which I don't think was bad at all, considering. Also, at the interval, they were giving out free ice cream and water in the bar, which was nice, although I couldn't be bothered to move and get any. 
It's a shame Sophie wasn't on as Fantine after all, but Rebecca was great. (are you sure you didn't just imagine that understudy notice in the box office, Eppie?)
|
||||||||||||
| Eponines_Hat |
Why oh why is Jonathan Williams not principal JVJ??? | ||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
xD I'm absolutely sure! I don't just make that up! Fantine was on the understudy sheet and it wasn't Natalie and I freaked out and tried to get a ticket. Ah well.
Seconded. Did you go tonight, then? How was it? |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
Thanks for the review Madeleine
I think I might go tomorrow, I have an essay deadline tomorrow so it will be nice after I have handed in said essay. Hopefully there will be a seat left in the slips or something. I hope Simon or Jonathan will be on as Valjean... And when I say Simon, I don't mean Bowman. |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
A few days ago, there were still all BB seats available... Orestes Fasting and I got two of them, but maybe you're lucky. I'm hoping for Jonathan, too... that would be amazing, I haven't seen him in a while, I think middle of September was the last time. With Jeffert.
Whoo, I haven't gotten my ticket in advance in quite a while. Recently, it seemed like a good idea to wait for the understudy sheet in the box office, one hour before the show. Madeleine teased me a bit about it, I think... ah. But I don't like certain surprises... Also, I love student discount. |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
The last few times I've been, they haven't put the understudy sheet up, I thought they'd stopped doing it, I'm glad they haven't.
I'll ring the box office tomorrow morning and see what they have left. If they don't have BB or slips... well, I'll probably go anyway, frankly. I'll just go later on and get a student ticket. |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Oh, maybe you missed it - it's not hanging in the window anymore, it's on the desk beneath a glass surface, on the left... so you can have a look at it from the foyer, too. But that also means you've got to squish through the people waiting in the box office, if you want to have a look before you go inside...
ETA: LOL I love how lesmis.com had still a slightly messed up cast list. Are they ever going to get it right? Brujon: Nik Page Dance Captain / Swing: Christopher Key Head Girl / Swing: Samantha Mercer ETA: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT? AJ was on as Cosette last night! Oh please, PLEASE let her be on today, too. She's the only first understudy I haven't seen yet, and I'm not the biggest fan of Emily. That would be so of the win. With Jonathan, maybe? Aww. |
||||||||||||
| Eponines_Hat |
It was a funny show. Weird audience which kinda ruined it for me. I was sat near the most inconsiderate group of people ever and found it really distracting! (People coming late in my row and the one in front - both at the beginning AND at interval; no clapping after prologue; and the lady next to me became obsessed with watching the conductor on the monitors behind us which was very distracting!!!!) It was the third time in three shows I have seen Williams as JVJ (just rubbing it in! )
Even though he seemed to be having a slightly off night he was still amazing - especially in BHH (he freakin nails that song! and how does he make himself sound so old? isn't he like 28?). I really do not get why he was not made principal. I was wondering if Cammack thinks Bowman is vocally stronger and therefore a better choice? Williams acting is just perfect IMO and fills me with so much pathos for the character. I just love him. I hope he gets his Mondays back again soon!
hmmm... what else? Totally random blocking in Drink with Me. I was all like WTF??? I felt very confused! As mentioned previously, Jeff plays it similar to the 08/09 blocking. He just stayed sitting and actually sounded quite upset about the 'waste of life' on the barricades. DT stayed up the top of the barricade hugging everyone and so on for much of Jeff's verse! I was like GET DOWN THERE! Which, of course he was planning to do anyway. There was a long chat between the two of them (no idea about what due to having Thaxton's back to me the whole time ) and then Jeff gave DT the bottle. NO HUG!!!! But a bit of forehead touching but that was it. I kinda expected a bit more subtext between these two than there was - but it was still there and was awesome
AJ was on as Cosette and she did a good job. She is sooooooo little! Like, Nancy- sized. I thought she sounded nice and was a sweet enough Cosette - she just didn't add anything new or different to the character. She played the role exactly the same as Emily Bull does. So, yeah - I'd say that she is a good understudy but doesn't make me want to see her as principal. Natalie:  I wont say much as I would just be repeating what I said last week but I LOVE HER AS FANTINE and want to see her take the role in 10/11. She is amazing and considering the appalling lack of stage time her character gets, really makes you feel for her. If she had a bigger role, I think she might actually steal the show all together! BTW she actually spat on JVJ and it was huge.
Nancy had a great night - though I do prefer her with Antony ( well, Jon really) than with Alastair. Her ALFOR was really sweet and heartbreaking - but Alastair seemed a bit distracted and not all that upset until after she died. An honorable mention to Jeff for MOTH also. His reaction to "raise it up the master's ass!" was hilarious and I totally lost it. I also can't stop giggling over Simon Shorten's obsession with cleavage during that track! It's so wrong! |
||||||||||||
| Ricey |
Alastair really needs to focus otherwise his performance isnt going to be convincing. It would be like "Oh its fine you just die while i sit here looking like a idiot." (don't want to sound mean but thats how I inagine it to be like). I also realised today that I am insane because I was jealous of someone who got to see the 2008/2009 london cast twice. |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
Totally mad show tonight.
I got to the theatre and looked at the understudy piece of paper (which I have now located ) And it said, Jonathan was on as Valjean, A J as Cosette, Helen Owen as Eponine, but the biggest surprise was Sophie Jossilyn on as Fantine.
Joe Evans was also off, along with Martin Neeley of course and Simon Shorten... and Natalie Day, so a tiny cast! Not that you would have noticed as everyone was so full of energy tonight. Firstly, Sophie as Fantine was SO GOOD. I'd come to the conclusion that maybe I just don't like Fantine that much and that's why I never particularly enjoy Fantines scenes, but with Sophie I genuienely enjoyed it. Her voice was so pretty and for the first time in ages I felt really sorry for Fantine. I wouldn't mind seeing her as principal Fantine in the future. You know... I had loads to say about tonight but I've forgotten... I think I got far too overexcited after the performance and I've forgotten all the important bits. Actually, I really did get quite overexcited afterwards. I wouldn't shut up. It must have been the murray mint that I managed to swallow whole during Bring Him Home. The perfect time for a coughing fit, I think you'll all agree. Yes, I really do fail. Oh yes, and Antony Hansen disappeared halfway through act one, making the tiny cast situation even, well, tinier. Mark Dugdale told me afterwards that Antony had lost his voice and had to leave. So yes, the swings had loads to do tonight! Especially Killian, who was Brujon, Neeley's track AND Feuilly. |
||||||||||||
| KatyRoseLand |
That happens to me on a worryingly regular basis. Sounds like a great show. What do you think are the chances of all those understudies being on again tomorrow? I really want to see Sophie as Fantine... |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
I heard her saying that she wasn't sure yet whether she'd be on tomorrow or not. I'm sort of hoping she will be though, if she is I think I'll go again tomorrow
I think tomorrow might be worth checking out anyway - what with all this understudy madness, you're bound to get a few understudies! |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
OMG.
That was crazy. Absolutely crazy. I loved it! WHOO. Elbow has already reviewed a bit, and yes, Sophie!Fantine! OMG! She has such an incredibly nice voice, and I loved "Come to me". Best Fantine's Death I've ever seen, very quiet, very soft and ... aw! I think I still prefer Natalie, but Sophie is amazing! I loved her. I didn't want her to die! And Jonathan. I can't believe I finally got to see him again, he was always on when I was not going (which, come to think of it, is really weird, considering I'm going... often). ISN'T HE AMAZING? OH MY GOD! sorry for the capslock but I love him so much and I want to see him every. single. time I'm going. What the hell is up with the casting? He's brilliant. Utterly brilliant.
So... Helenponine. I've seen her back in September and I really liked her then, but she didn't really impress me today, I'm afraid. She was alright, I just didn't feel anything for her. At all. Which was a bit odd. She seemed a bit like a tomboy and while two months ago I loved her voice, I can now (without any bias) say I prefer Nancy. Simply because she's rougher and crazier and does more with the lyrics. But Helen is still a great understudy. Strangely, I prefer her as Cosette, for whom she's 2nd u/s. Heh. AJ!Cosette... was good. She was nothing OMG sensational, but oooh she got the ringlets-wig! How I've missed it! And she had a great upper range, her voice was wobbly at all, very strong... middle and lower range... not so much, I thought. But I'm not really sure what to make of her character interpretation, because I don't feel there was much she worked with... might have to see her again when I'm not in a kind of "THIS IS CRAZY THERE ARE ONLY UNDERSTUDIES ON STAGE" state of mind. As for the others... First off, a big OMG about the swings, too! Elbow has already said it, there were lots of people off. The three guys had to cover Martin's, Simon's, Joe's and Jeff's and Antony's (from Look Down on) track, the two girls were on for Natalie, Sophie, AJ and Helen. And they did an incredible job. They were fantastic. One line went missing in "Lovely Ladies" and they had to work with five whores anyway, but I'm so impressed by them. They were wonderful and deserve all the praise they get : ) (special mention to Killian because he was in... three or four tracks in one show? A bit of Joe Evans's and also Martin Neely's until Paris, and from that point on Jeff's and Antony's. CRAZY.)
And: David. Epic. (I know I'm always saying that but I was pretty speechless tonight.) It literally was a "OMG Thaxton" moment I had there, and that's just... I love it. It was... perfect (his voice. His voice.) and uh, very slashy at times (because, of course, we also got Jefftaire! And he got on that chair in the caf� and swung the bottle in front of him and David walked up and stared at him and Jeff swung it again - just like in the 05/06 video, bless them! and then Jeff patted him on the head. And DWM had them sitting/kneeling there and there was a long hug and WHOO subtext! ), and it all worked so well and Red & Black was just amazing and oh, The Final Battle. and ... everything. Literally everything. So Enjolraic.
... I like to think Orestes Fasting agrees whole-heartedly. HPJ was surprisingly strong today! I thought he was actually really good... and Alistair, too! What is up with this cast! He was so adorable. Rue Plumet might have been my favourite one so far, he was just... so utterly in love and dorky... whoo. I'm really out of breath from all the excitement. I'm sorry, this review is just basically me paraphrasing "OMG" over and over again. Can't believe we thought next week was going to be understudy madness. Hah. |
||||||||||||
| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
Have just been to matinee and am also going to evening today. Still understudy madness though sadly no sophie fantine. Currently sitting in pret few m from martin ball who �s discussing the show with some friends/family. sadly can't hear much though (not that i.'m trying to eavesdrop or anything.. .). Will post reviews when I have a computer instead of my phone.
|
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
I must have been in Pret a Manger at the same time as you. Ha. I just went in there before I went home, I didn't go to the show, I was just in the area as I'd been to the cinema and just as I went out of Pret a Manger Martin came in
|
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
xD Madeleine and I did both shows today, too! That is crazy, we must have seen you... I can't be bothered to review, actually. I loved the matinee, evening was alright... and oh, David. <3 |
||||||||||||
| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
I think I was sitting a couple of rows back from Madeleine in the matinee
I'm afraid you're all in for another long rambling string of disconnected reviewing from me. It was my first time seeing most the cast, so I am still excited, and there's no-one to talk to about it here! But first, I am seriously worried about my sanity. I am living 264 miles away from London, and treat it as though I still lived on the doorstep! I got a train at 4.45 in the morning, and then a coach back after the evening show, because its too late for the trains, and didn't get back til 6.30 this morning (and don't even mention how much I end up spending on these trips!) all just to see Jonathan Williams et al. Seriously, I just can't stay away! I'm already planning the same on the 12th December to see Antony - even though term finishes the next Wednesday. BUT it was SO worth it! Jonathan Williams was amazing! I loved so much of his performance! His soliloquy was phenomenal - his 'take an eye for an eye' was so powerful, esp. in the evening. Much better than I've heard Bowman do, who kind of fails at that. I loved his acting when the Bishop gave him the candlesticks, and after the runaway cart with Javert - he was really acting it as though he was acting nonchalantly if you see what I mean. Other Valjeans couldn't be more obvious at that point. And he looked so old in the finale - the way his hands were shaking and everything, he looked so much older than he is (how old is that by the way, does anyone know?). I really like how he died - with some JVJs I think I wouldn't realise that they died if I didn't know, because they barely drop dead when they start getting up slowly, and it looks like they've just found a bit more strength. Jonathan was obviously dead for quite a while, and then he got up really strongly - which made it seem more obvious that it was in another life, as it were. (sorry, I'm not making much sense!). I loved how he read Marius' letter - it sounded like he was actually reading, but without overdoing any hesitations. I really liked BHH as well, although I don't tend to pay much attention to that song, as I love watching DT there On the whole I think he was a very dignified Valjean, which I like, and definitely prefer to Bowman's sarky one.
Jonathan does need to learn his words though! Matinee he forgot 'if he is caught, she is disgraced', and in the evening his 'a moment of your time, Javert, I do believe this woman's tale' was turned into some awkward muttering. I wasn't particularly keen on his Who Am I in the matinee, but I liked it in the evening - perhaps not his strongest song, but it was fine. HPJ was same as usual. I don't dislike him, but he could be much better. There was a woman BB21 who looked exactly like him, I thouht she might be his sister or something. His lack of low notes really does annoy me - it's not only in the confrontation, but that was the worst. In fact, now I think about it, all his singing is a bit 'approximate' - it sometimes feels like he's following the shape of the notes, but doesn't really care if he gets the little passing notes right or not. Maybe I'm being fussy. One thing I don't like is when he sees Valjean at the barricade - he looks rather scared, instead of the 'so here we are' not moving a muscle or showing any reaction attitude. The Thenardiers were as usual - I never really have much to say about them. Lorraine needs to sing more - especially at the beginning. The blocking is the same every show, so I've now seen it quite a few times, so maybe that's why it's becoming increasingly irritating. But I don't like her face when Cosette sings 'please do not send me out alone', and her dancing in Beggars at the Feast REALLY annoys me too - it's the superhero hand, as well as the spinning away off stage thing. And her first lines are eurgh. But other than that she's fine. Same for Martin. I liked Helen's Eponine. I thought she really looked the part, in fact I was surprised how young she looked. It took a while to adjust to a brunette, having seen Nancy so much, but I thought she looked much more like a cross of girl and woman - it might even have just been the fringe. I was surprised how good at belting she was - I didn't expect such a big voice to come out of her. I must admit, that I'm not the biggest Nancy fan in the world or on this forum - I like her, but not as much as a lot of people. I think I prefer Helen's first half and Nancy's second. Helen's ALFOR wasn't as emotional as Nancy's often is, and I didn't really like the crawling forward thing she did. Her OMO was very good, but it lacked something of the passion of Nancy, which is I think Nancy's strong point. However, I preferred the way she sang her little lines, which are mainly in the first half. I felt she made more sense of the words, particularly the 'I don't want your money, sir'. I really liked some of her acting here, like when she was preparing herself to go up to Marius right at the beginning, and trying to straighten her top and stuff. Her Rue Plumet was good but she could have been a bit more violent. Given some of Nancy's passion, I think she would be amazing. AJ Cosette was ... fine. There was nothing wrong with her, but nothing particularly good about her either. I quite liked how she got really stroppy with Valjean, but you could tell it wasn't here usual behaviour, because she was really apologetic afterwards. I liked her in the finale as well. But otherwise, I didn't really notice her. Alistair was pretty much as usual. Some bits I like, some I don't. While I don't have a problem with his vibrato - I do when it makes the rest of him shake - it makes him look permanently either cold or scared. Also, why does he look at DT for the whole 'Lamarque is ill and fading fast...' bit? It's not like Enjolras needs to be told - or is that what he's trying to do? It just seemed off. (That was a typo - I was going to write odd, but I think off expresses what I mean better...) David Thaxton, David Thaxton, David Thaxton... Fantastic! (No surprise there!) There was one part where he was standing behind someone and from my seat I could literally only see the tip of his nose and his lips while he was singing - and it was still amazing! Not really much I can say about him that's new - have I ever mentioned how I love his face on the cart? It's so ... I don't know ... happy? That doesn't really describe it. Still love his 'Marius, rest!'. I have come to the conclusion that he just generally can't stay still for long - I think he's just a bit of a fidgeter! He also can't stare - during ECAET the barricade boys all stand there staring, and some of them (Gavin esp.) are really scary because their eyes go really wide and glassy, but DT just keeps blinking which ruins the effect a bit. And when they turn to Marius, he does a long blink as his eyes change direction, so you again lose the 'phantom faces' bit. But if that's the worst I can say about him... I love him as the policeman in Fantine's Arrest as well - especially when he takes a couple of steps in any direction and everyone runs away! And after DYHTPS when he's still in character miles into the wings, it's amazing when you're sitting on the LHS of the auditorium and can see him keep it up to the very end. Gavroche was rubbish! He said pitch instead of patch, and then manage to rhyme scratch with it. And he waved his flag way too much. And what was with that mini shrugging shoulder dance thing on little people??? Gosh, I haven't mentioned Natalie yet! She was fantastic (although I would have loved to have been able to catch Sophie) - Fantines who can act AND sing seem surprisingly and unfortunately few and far between. I loved how you really felt her degradation, and she really turned into a woman with language that would have shocked an army sergeant. I loved how she was staggering around at the end of Lovely Ladies and how derisive and mocking she was towards Valjean. She coughed enough to seem ill, but not too much so that it was ovedone, which is, I think, what Allyson Brown often ended up doing. Sheseemed to struggle a bit with the low notes at points, but maybe her voice was just a bit off - the rest of the time she sang really well! The swings were fantastic with all the tracks to cover (Jonathan was playing Valjean, Martin Neely, Antony Hansen and Joe Evans were off as well). One thing - if they've got Greg playing Bossuet, which he was, why did they have to give him a long-haired wig?? Couldn't he have gone on without hair? Also, I really missed Martin as the pimp in Lovely Ladies - the long black hair really didn't suit Mark Hedges, and I love how Martin half prances half stalks around stage, especially when trying to get Fantine. If I could have swapped Martin for HPJ, then we could have had Jeffert and it would have been an almost perfect cast! Jefftaire was good, but there was a sad amount of E/R - especially in the matinee. As I have said before, Jeff ignores Enjolras too much for my taste - I'd rather he played it a bit more like Martin who is always aware 100% of what Enjolras is doing, even if he tries to disguise it. But I did like how, when Gavroche said Lamarque was dead, he barely glanced at Gavroche, but was just watching Enjolras the whole time, and seemed to be thinking, 'Oh no I'm going to lose him - he's going to get himself killed'. I don't know which pronunciation of Don Juan I prefer... I'm more used to Jeff's Don Ju-an though. My only other problem with Jeff is that he's too tall!!! He makes DT look distinctly average height, and an Enjolras looking up to a Grantaire doesn't quite work in my book. I have lots of other random comments to make, but I'll try to contai myself! I really like how bored Sophie Josslyn seems in turning - she has a really bored face, and her voice is too. It just adds a bit more pathos somehow (maybe bored isn't quite the right word - sort of resigned and not trying to change the fact). Also I loved how Courfeyrac was put in charge of Javert - rather a risky move, I thought, considering how angry Mark was about the shooting thing! And Mark Hedges was a really stroppy Jehan - I can't remember exactly what happened, but when Valjean came over the barricade, he was about to shoot at him, and someone stopped him and Mark got really stroppy at whoever it was, and then started complaining to Enjolras, who wasn't paying any attention at the time, because he was singing his own lines! Love Gavin's face at the wedding, and David's for that matter. Talking about the wedding, is there some significance to the symbols on their stockings??? Sorry, I'm really going to stop now. I just get so excited about seeing the show I seem to get verbal diarrhoea! I think that's everything I have to say though! (Haha - 2155 words!!!!!) |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
I think the strongest "Who Am I?" I've heard/seen in London yet was Simon Shorten's, to be honest! Easily my favourite part of his entire performance. But it was good hearing a strong "OOOOOONE" again. Jonathan definitely deserved the applause there (as did Gavin!Bishop for the longest "Gooooooooooooood" in ages. And Davidjolras for LiD).
I still don't know about Helenponine. She doesn't seem to be madly in love with Marius, and I was missing Nancy in The Attack on Rue Plumet. She acts and sounds so raw... and I'm not sure about Helen's low notes. I actually prefer her as Cosette xD About the blinking in ECAET - seeing as Markjolras blinks quite a lot there, too, I've been thinking that it could also be because of eye irritation due to the fake blood that's running down their face as dead!Enjolras... to be fair, you don't really notice it from further back. (and him still whipping the flag on the cart in the wings at the end of DYHTPS? brilliance.) Awww, I really like this Gavroche. The only other ones I've had recently (waah Tristan left. I'm still in denial!) either sound like a mouse and act all cute or just deliver the lines in slow-mo. At least Jamie can sing and is all tough and bratty. Natalie is amazing. Her low notes weren't quite as strong as I've heard them a while ago, but she makes up for that with the most wonderful "there was no ransom to be PAAAAAAID"... also, she's so, so pretty. I've been thinking about Jefftaire... I love him in the caf� scene and in DWM (especially that he doesn't do the stupid thing with Eponine's hat!), but I agree with this
Ah, they put Markfeyrac in charge of Javert because they had no one to cover for Jeff's track (normally Jeff leads him up)... very risky, yes. "SHOOT THE BASTARD! ... BUT ENJOLRAS!"
ETA:
xD yes. I nudged Madeleine last night just because of that. It's hilarious. The Evil Stare. |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
I have been wondering that for about a year. One day I will remember to ask. |
||||||||||||
| Madeleine |
Yes, two amazing shows yesterday.
Jonathan Williams is just amazing, he really is. He should be playing that role 8 times a week. His Bring Him Home is outstanding. I must admit, that song usually bores me a little, and I find it much more entertaining to watch all the ensemble sleeping/David fidgeting on the barricade instead. But I found myself actually paying attention to BHH yesterday. It annoys me that I've seen two brilliant Valjeans this week (Jonathan yesterday, Simon Shorten on Wednesday) and they're both only understudies. When we're stuck with such a weak principal Valjean. Jonathan needs promoting. And Simon (Shorten) needs to be bumped up to first cover. As soon as possible.
Anyway, mini rant over.
Natalie Day was the perfect Fantine. With every other Fantine I've seen over the last few years in London, there's always been something that wasn't quite right for me. Either I don't like their singing, or their acting...or I think they look too old, or just don't look like how I imagine the character to be...even if they're great. I guess Fantine was the first character I got into when I first discovered Les Mis, so I can be a bit fussy about how she is played/what she looks like. But I couldn't fault Natalie at all. I can't even add to what the others have said about her...she was just perfect.
I've loved Helen as Eponine since I saw her back in October. I also like Nancy of course, but Helen looks more like Eponine to me. Probably because I can't imagine a blonde Eponine? Helen's Eponine comes across as being so young and she really does look very sweet. I would agree with l'ivrogne transfigur�, that Helen's ALFOR wasn't as emotional as Nancy's...which could be good or bad, depending on how you feel...I've heard some people say they think Nancy's is a bit over the top, and too emotional, although personally, I think it's great. I feel like I should say whether I prefer Nancy or Helen at this point, but I can't. I like them both equally.
Yes, I agree with this too. I enjoyed her performance though. She was particularly great in the Finale. I'm guessing she hasn't been on many times at all yet, so will add her own things as she gets more stage time in the role. I think yesterday, especially the evening show, was the best performance I've ever seen David give. And that is saying something because he always gives 200%. 'Lamarque is dead' was worth the ticket price alone. Amazing. |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
ditto. It's a shame. I can't even say it often enough. I'm so glad I got to see Jonathan three times in a row in the last days (even if one time involved standing in the back of DC for three hours. Oh my back!), he brings the much needed warmth and humanity to the character. I can't even pick a favourite part, but what really touched me was how, in the Confrontation, right after the counterpart bit, before JVJ turns to Fantine, Jonathan looked at HPJ, then at the chair leg he was holding, and then lowered it with that kind of "What am I doing? I left that behind me!" expression... Oh oh! And! How his eyes never leave Cosette for a second during the Robbery! He's only looking at her and scared for her well-being. I love that so much, because, of course, that's what JVJ should be like! ... I just remembered... on Friday he said "Rest now." to Sophie!Fantine. Made me tear up a bit because ... Shannon. Right there.
Speaking of tearing up, at yesterday's matinee, I actually cried when Natalie!Fantine died... unexpectedly. But when she went "Take my child, I give her to your keeping", it just hit me.
... I'm not even going to say what a HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY you paid at the evening show xDDD *cough* but yes. I remember us looking at each other and going O.O ... Those were some extraordinarily epic performances in the last days. (but he missed his entrance at "Back at the barricades" when he climbs up the barricade from the other side in the evening. MarkH!Prouvaire was holding the flag, all ready for him... and ... there was no one to take it or tie it to the barricade for quite a while...) Bless him.
ETA: Oh and the orchestra screwed up royally at several bits! Really noticably, I thought... And I loved the audience. They CHEERED for Gavin!Bishop and all. |
||||||||||||
| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
His Final Battle was phenomenal yesterday! Definitely worth the trip down! And I love watching him in his ensemble roles as well - he just gives so much all the time. 
|
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
I've been thinking about this too. He's not very true to the brick in some places. I want Grantaire to be secretly paying attention to Enjolras the whole time, but at some points he just seems too disinterested in a "Oh, why am I even here?" kind of way when it should be evident (at least to those who've read the brick and who are paying attention) that he's there for Enjolras. Don't get me wrong, I adore Jeff, he's one of my favourites in the whole cast but I just wish he'd be more true to the brick in some places. |
||||||||||||
| belladonnadarling |
l'ivrogne transfigur� wrote:
Don't you think that was just an occasional mistake? These things can happen in a live show. l'ivrogne transfigur� wrote:
As Javert surely has no idea that Valjean would be at the barricades of course he would be moving a few muscles. l'ivrogne transfigur� wrote:
In a scene as delicate as that the blocking would have to stay the same. What could be the problem with that? |
||||||||||||
| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
Well, the words he forgot were different each time, so obviously it wasn't a repeated mistake or anything. I was just commenting that he did it twice in one day - it doesn't detract from what a fantastic Valjean he is though. Simon Bowman forgets/muddles his words sometimes too, as have many others - I don't mean for that comment to be insulting.
"[Javert] raised his eyes and recognised Jean Valjean. He did not even start, he haughtily dropped his eyelids, and merely said: 'It is very natural.' " - trans. Charles Wilbour or the less literal translation: "The shadow [Valjean] cast caused Javert to turn his head. He looked round and recognised Jean Valjean. He gave no sign of emotion. Coolly averting his gaze, he simply said, 'So here we are!' " - trans. Norman Denny
Oh no, I don't have a problem with the blocking being the same at all, that wasn't what I meant. I just meant that I might find it more irritating now than before because I have seen it lots of times. It was much more a comment about Lorraine's performance. |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
I have to agree with l'ivrogne transfigur� on all points. It was pretty obvious the comment about Jonathan's lines wasn't meant to be insulting, I think we are all aware that this can happen live on stage, it was just something that made us stop short, seeing as it happened twice on one day and normally never does. He is still bloody fantastic.
HPJ just doesn't have the coolness that defines Javert in the novel. I remember that one bit from the "The vulture becomes prey" chapter where Javert is handed to JVJ: [Wilbour translation, again]
That's what Javert is like. He doesn't show any fear, any emotion, on he outside he is cool and smug. He doesn't move "a few muscles" at either moment until JVJ lets him go. There Hugo points out:
l'ivrogne transfigur� is absolutely right to criticise this about HPJ's performance... No blocking ever needs to stay the same xD We haven't had the same "Red & Black" blocking in months!
|
||||||||||||
| Orestes Fasting |
Are we talking about the blocking for Mme Thenardier and Cosette's scene after Castle on a Cloud? Yes, it's an important and iconic scene, but I don't see how it's "delicate" enough that you can't tamper with it. Especially if, like Lorraine, you're trying to wring horrified laughter out of the audience--it's easier to stay funny if you keep it fresh. Jenny Galloway for example changed it up all the time.
There are places where the blocking shouldn't be tampered with (like the inn scene in the prologue: if someone's in the wrong place Valjean could end up getting punched in the face for real). This just isn't really one of them. There are also of course certain 'anchor' gestures in that scene that can't be changed, like the timing of when Mme T slams the bucket down. But in between those there's plenty of room to change it up. |
||||||||||||
| belladonnadarling |
blocking
When trying to be funny timing is very important. Should a blocking be changed because somebody has seen the show 'quite a few times' and might be getting bored with it? Changing the blocking all the time leeds to improvisation, which isn't always the best way to do things. Especially, I would think, if you're on stage working with a child. |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
It's not about us seeing it often, it's about her playing the scene the same every single time. It would be easier for HER to stay funny if she changed it up. We're not talking about huge blocking changes, this is about small bits. Delivering a line differently. Looking at the audience at a different moment. The scene has been done with different comedic timing and worked just as well or better.
And it's not just about the scene with Cosette, it's also about Beggars at the Feast. Her comedic timing could use some work there. besides... if you're comfortable with the character and the scene doesn't require any strict choreography to work, you can change the blocking (if and where you're standing, where you're looking, if you interact with others or not) every single time and it always works. |
||||||||||||
| belladonnadarling |
blocking
Interesting how you seem to know how it would be easier for HER. Are you a professional actress? |
||||||||||||
| Orestes Fasting |
Massive review of Friday night, aka Understudy Madness:
Everyone was completely on their toes. So much energy. Even the principals who are normally on the lackluster side were really really into it, and the result was an amazing show. Jonathan Williams as Valjean: OMG he was so sweet with Cosette. I almost wanted to cry. He was quite good but not standout through the first half of Act I, and then as soon as he met little Cosette it was magic. All through the Waltz of Treachery his expression was a mixture of "you have got to be kidding me," annoyed resignation, and just... utter sadness. There were moments when he wasn't even paying attention to the Thenardiers, just going "oh god this poor kid." In Look Down, when he and Cosette are going around giving alms, he pretends to pull a coin out of her ear! Incredibly adorable. In My Life was good, you could tell he was super-sweet with her normally but she had just poked the one subject that made him close off. And there were just so many little touches, like how after Every Day he spends a long moment gazing after Cosette to make sure she's gone before he starts Valjean's Confession. He's a great Valjean all-around but I just CANNOT GET OVER how awesome his interactions with Cosette were. (One other thing: he drops to his knees and prays by Fantine's bedside after she dies, looks up when Javert enters, and then GOES BACK TO PRAYING with renewed fervor. That is Valjean's badassery in a nutshell.) Hans Peter Janssens as Javert: Kind of wooden, looks distressingly like a fish, too much movement at some times and not enough at others. He does have a nice voice, and had plenty of energy during this performance (esp. during Stars), but I was not particularly impressed overall. Also why the eff does he keep his head so far back all through the scene where Valjean lets him go? That can't be comfortable! I don't understand why they cast him--not that he's bad, but bringing him back makes it look like they can't find anyone else, and HELLO JEFF NICHOLSON is right there under their noses. Sophie Josslyn as Fantine: So, so gorgeous. I had remarked on this back at the beginning of October, when I saw her as Factory Girl and thought she was far too lovely and had far too nice a voice and should really be playing Fantine instead. TRUFAX this girl needs to be principal right now. First of all she is beautiful in a very rounded, 19th century sort of way, almost exactly how I imagined Fantine in the book. Second of all she sounds like Ruthie Henshall. Not so much when her voice is soft and low, but when she gets to the stronger higher passages it has this shimmering quality that instantly made me think of Ruthie. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. And a good interp too, in an unobtrusive way--she is working with the score and the part, not trying to stand out of it. She kind of let IDAD speak for itself; very drunk and debased as a prostitute; and then she did not try to belt Come To Me, she actually sang it rather quietly and brought out the pathos instead of showing off her voice. Superb. Helen Owen as Eponine: First thing I noticed is that her Eponine is not a very nice person. She annoys the crap out of Marius in Look Down; I could easily picture her tormenting young Cosette. A few minutes in I got the image of the snotty girl who was popular in high school and is now bitter and working in McDonald's. That may be a bit of a stretch, but it was the best way I could find to explain her Eponine. As close to canon as it is, I'm not sure I liked it--she didn't strike me as sympathetic, and you're supposed to at least feel sorry for Eponine. Good ALFOR though, utterly delirious and desperate. Alistair Brammer as Marius: I am liking his interpretation more than last time, but he just doesn't pull it off and it's not really his fault. Kind of like Doug Kreeger as Marius (wonderful interp, didn't have the stage presence) or Drew Sarich as Javert (would've been great except he looked fifteen and was clearly a tenor). Alistair's Marius is super-dorky and adorable--straightening his clothes and wiping his palms on his trousers and generally being a nervous wreck in AHFOL, continuing to be a nervous wreck until about the moment where they do the Stupid Hand Thing and it finally sinks in that omg it's really happening she liiiiikes me. Unfortunately, he has a lightweight voice with rather sheep-y vibrato, adorable fluffy hair, and he's generally kind of a shadow of a character next to Thaxton's Enjolras. London needs either a new Enjolras (nevaaar!) or a new Marius who stands up better as a romantic lead. AJ Callaghan as Cosette: She was all right. Didn't do anything special in the role but wasn't bad either. Her middle register is slightly muddy, but gives way to lovely clear floating high notes. I feel like there isn't much to say because she gave a solid performance, but didn't stand out at all. Martin Ball and Lorraine Bruce as the Thenardiers: I think their Thenardiers strike the right note between "horrible" and "so horrible it's funny," which is where the humor should come from for those roles. Gross, brutish, exaggerated. Martin Ball actually has a powerful voice, which he lets loose in Dog Eats Dog; Lorraine Bruce doesn't sing very well, but she doesn't have to. David Thaxton as Enjolras: Last time I had suspension of disbelief problems and concluded that while I could, objectively, recognize that he gives a great performance, I personally couldn't get into it. I would like to formally retract this statement and replace it with YES DAVID THAXTON IS AWESOME. Must've seen him on an off day last time, and this time he'd just got back from vacation and it was crazy understudy night and he was on fiiiiire. Got to see some of the infamous disregard for standard blocking: for "it is time for us all to decide who we are," he sat on a chair the whole time and sang it really softly gazing off into the distance. And when Marius is going off on his "had you been there tonight..." rant, Thaxton just goes back to his table and plots with Combeferre and completely ignores Marius until one of the other boys tugs on his sleeve and points out Marius soliloquizing about the color of despair. Whereupon Thaxton goes "oh my god is he STILL TALKING? Marius, you're no longer a child..." And of course, since Jeff was on, epic snuggles in Drink With Me. I don't know if I can explain what made him so much better this time around. Last time I was watching David Thaxton act like Enjolras; this time I was watching David Thaxton as Enjolras. He was so much more intense and connected to the part this time, and I have no compunction whatsoever about listing him as my second-favorite Enjolras ever. (Aaron Lazar still gets top spot; he had a certain deathly calm and control and stillness that were totally yanked from the book, and Thaxton, bless his energetic soul, is too much of a hyperactive fanboy to pull that off when he has the option of being EPIC instead.) Jeff Nicholson as Grantaire: Utterly wasted in the role, in both senses of the word. He is an excellent Grantaire who totally needs to be playing Javert instead. After Don Juan he does the whole "oh come on, laugh, it's funny" thing and Thaxton just Looks fixedly at him. He wasn't quite as slashy as I'd been expecting; probably the best moment was Drink With Me, where he does not make the mistake of singing his verse to Enjolras, but Thaxton collars him anyway and gives him a talking-to and it ends with them hugging. Awwwww. He really stands out in the ensemble, both because he's tall and because he has this big booming "I am the Javert understudy plz make me principal NOW" voice. |
||||||||||||
| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
Please don't start getting nasty over this - it's just a difference of opinion. I agree that the blocking might benefit from small changes (it literally needs only to be a slightly different facial expression or way of delivering a line, nothing significant or noticeable unless you've seen it a lot), however my point was more that there is, in my opinion something not quite right about the blocking or Lorraine's performance because I find it irritating. If other people enjoy it - that's great, I'd just like to see another interpretation. On that note, I would love to see Rachel Bingham or Sophie Josslyn in the role. (I might point out that the blocking with understudies is always going to be a bit different, and the rest of the cast still cope and the scenes still work.) Orestes Fasting - love your review! You have such a good way of describing everything.
I loved both those bits - although I must admit on Saturday night he might have gone a little over the top checking Cosette was gone, but in the matinee it worked really well. And I loved how he went back to praying - having been so obviously concerned that Javert might come back at 'take my hand', it was great to see that now that she was dead, Fantine was so much more important to him.
She is beautiful isn't she? But I love her Factory Girl as well - I wouldn't want to lose that. But unfortunately it's pretty hard to play both Fantine and the Factory Girl at the same time...
I love this so much, you've put it so well! I love how he is such a fanboy. An epic DT is so much fun! |
||||||||||||
| Orestes Fasting |
Re: blocking
Are you done coming up with BS reasons to ridicule people for making the very short logical leap from "her performance seems kinda stale to me" to "maybe she should improvise a little"? And do you ever post except to make nasty comments about why other people aren't entitled to their opinions of the London cast? |
||||||||||||
| Shila |
Cast in SeptemberHi,On Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 a friend of mine and I were in the "Les Mis" performance in London. Unfortunately none wrote the complete cast of evening down. So, we've only got this for sure:
Javert - Earl Carpenter Valjean - Jonathan Williams Fantine - Natalie Day Cosette - Katie Hall Could anybody of you pleeeease help us with the rest? Thank you! Shila |
||||||||||||
| Orestes Fasting |
Well, if you look through the middle of the thread around that date, there's this:
So, presumably Valjean: Jonathan Williams Javert: Earl Carpenter Fantine: Natalie Day Eponine: Nancy Sullivan Marius: Antony Hansen Cosette: Katie Hall Enjolras: David Thaxton Thenardier: Martin Ball Mme Thenardier: Lorraine Bruce |
||||||||||||
| Shila |
I read this, but I wasn't sure, if this is the right cast.  Perfect! Thank you!
|
||||||||||||
| Lauraa |
That made me laugh so much XD
Though it's an extremely accurate description of him...
I agree! He's my favourite out of the ensemble. I really hope they make him principle Javert at the next cast change. And a few of the other people you mentioned in your post. I don't see why they hired certain cast members when they've had such great understudies there all this time... Ahh, if only I was in charge of casting
|
||||||||||||
| Orestes Fasting |
I am convinced, after all the stories I've heard of amazing in-house talent getting passed over in favor of really random people, that London LM casting does not work by the rules of Earth logic and never has. | ||||||||||||
| flying_pigs |
^I know! So weird!
I also have a feeling that HPJ will not leave at cast change but will stay another year. But, I hope I'm wrong and Jeff gets promoted! |
||||||||||||
| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
But he's been in the London production so long now - he must have had, what, 3 years as Valjean? And another 2 as Javert and now this year as well. Not to mention the Belgian productions he's been in. Surely he can't keep doing Les Mis forever?! | ||||||||||||
| Orestes Fasting |
I dunno, Ivan Rutherford's been playing Valjean off and on since, what, 1995? To say nothing of Michael McCarthy. |
||||||||||||
| MajorTordoArthur |
I really like HPJ's Javert...
But that's probably because he's the only one I've seen live... I met him once for an interview for school...he was really friendly. |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
I don't think anyone is saying that, I think what was said was people didn't like the blocking in the first place, and that it doesn't get any better with time. Anyway, don't really want to bring up this bitterness again
And I enjoyed your review Orestes Fasting, and I agree with you about Jeff. If only he were Javert full time. Oh, and Bowman's back on tonight. |
||||||||||||
| Lauraa |
Got BB tickets for the 12th
Antony will be on as Marius!! Can't wait! |
||||||||||||
| operafantomet |
But then you have people like John Owen Jones, who did Phantom for some time (over 1400 performances), and was requested by CamMack to do another role for a while to not burn out completely. At that point, he had gone as far as he could with the role, so I think it was a good decision. But I also think he will repeat it one day and add new things to it. Ironically, he's now done Valjean for some time, on both sides of the pond, and will repeat it in the International tour... Wonder if he and CamMack need another serious talk soon, he-he. But I don't think he is as exhausted by the Valjean role as he was with the Phantom role. |
||||||||||||
| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
I read somewhere that the reason he's playing Valjean on the tour is because he has been given a lot of freedom with the character, or something like that. Clearly the revamping means he's got room to develop the character in different ways. |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
I saw the show tonight.
Whoever does the understudy sheet needs to learn the names. It announced Natalie would be on as Fantine, when really, Sophie went on. Again! I hope Natalie is okay, she seemed absolutely fine on Saturday. Hm... It was a lovely performance, lots of light, a bit of shadow. Bowman. Oh dear God. Why oh why? His acting killed me. I tried to pretend he was being funny and doing a parody to make it less bad, but it didn't work. I don't even know where to start. Vocally, he was a lot better than I've heard him lately, but O.O he went for a very, very low "Ooooone" at the end of "Who Am I?". And I mean... two octaves lower. It was so strange! And it's not like they have a Valjean understudy who can fill out the role...
I don't understand how people can like his interaction with Cosette. When he goes "Hurry Cosette" he is angry and wrathful and I dunno. There is no gentleness to his Valjean. And oh, the arrogance. The smugness. I facepalmed. A lot. OH AND. Can he PLEASE button up his shirt after "Who Am I"? It doesn't make sense for JVJ to be running around with his brand open for everyone to see. BAH. HPJ. He was alright. I can't say anything new about him, and can just repeat that I miss all the low notes... it's not just "CHAAAIIIN", even worse is the "fallen from Gooood" in "Stars". And does he ever change anything about his performance? Hm. Sophie. I really like her Fantine. She's all young and hopeful and she wiped a tear off her cheeck while reading the letter form the Th�nardiers. I melted. I personally think her voice is a bit too "heavy" for Fantine, but I can't possibly criticise her, she's amazing, especially for being 2nd u/s.
Alistair. Ah, bless him. He seemed really loud today, until ODM... I don't know if he was just full of energy or if they turned his mic up a LOT... I know what to expect of him, and he does his job pretty well. He's very, very awkward and cute and aw, he makes you care for Marius. My memory fails on epic proportions, but I think I remember the entire Rue Plumet bit being really good today! Emily. Aww, yes, I like her, I think. She IS adorable in AHFOL, she's changed a few small bits about her acting, too, I think she's settling into the character quite well now. There are parts where I utterly love her voice, but at others I just go "meh" and block her out, I don't know why. Nancy. Bless her, I've missed her. Say what you want, she makes me actually care for Eponine and feel for her (not in the Eppie-bopper kind of way, blimey, no!) and she was all raw in "Attack on Rue Plumet" and everything. And aww, ALFOR. I love that she covers the wound with her coat, it's very "It's gone. If I pretend it's gone, it's gone." David. Oh, what the hell, I need synonyms for epic. He's outdoing himself. "Red and Black" was so strong (there was so much random blocking, I can't even remember half of it) and loud and oh my, "Lamarque is dead" and the flag and DYHTPS. Don't you just want to get up, jump on stage and die happily on the barricades? Oh and tonight was probably the longest "FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" I've heard in... ever? Can't really say anymore. Aw, and "One more day before the stoooooooorm!", I could see the people in the Stalls from where I was sitting and they went O.O ... Bless him. (He got ridiculously (and of course, well-deserved ) loud cheers at Curtain Call. And I mean LOUD. Saw the cast nudging each other and Joe Evans smirking.)
Martin Ball. I'm going to be very blunt and say that he saves "Waltz of Treachery" for me, because he's the only one who isn't constantly overacting like WOAH. He's wonderful. I swear he's getting creepier every time. Lorraine Bruce. Uh, I don't really know what to say. Today was one of the days where I just couldn't bear her Mme Th�nardier. So annoying. SO over the top. I'm sorry, I'm sure she's a lovely person and all, she did a nice speech for the "Theatre MAD (Make A Difference) World Aids Day" thing, but I can't warm to her acting choices. It was a pretty big cast, I think only Martin Neely and, well, Rebecca and Natalie were off, so we had Mark Hedges in Martin's track till Paris and then in Jeff's track, Brenda was covering Natalie's part and Katy Hanna Sophie's. Ensemble - Gavin!Bishop is still scary but the "GOOOOOOOOOOD" gets longer every time; Jeff is hilarious (but Jefftaire is still not going "Oh what fine marble" most of the time. ); David is a funny judge; Helen Owen is awesomely bitchy in ATEOTD; Antony does the noises for the two slaps in MotH; the Runaway Cart scene gets more and more hysterical with every time I'm going; I missed Joe Evans's "Bravo Monsieur" *clapclapclap* last week; Laura Medforth is also the Sobbing Woman in the beginning of ATEOTD; Markfeyrac gets more enthusiastic about shooting the bastard (and him finally being dead) over time; I fangirl George!Bamatabois... lots more but I can't remember right now.
|
||||||||||||
| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
Maybe it was to make it different to/more dramatic than the 'I'm Jean Valjean' otherwise they'd be identical notewise. I know, I'm clutching at straws here...
I am so jealous of everyone who's getting to see her at the moment. I can imagine her acting being really good
I saw someone wearing a t-shirt saying 'I can't hear you over the sound of how EPIC I am' - guess who I though of immediately?! Should totally buy him one!
I love how much he loves the curtain call. He's always the last to leave the stage, and he's always so ... happy and smiley and...!!
AND the sobbing woman after ALFOR. She spends the whole time on stage in unconvincing tears! |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
|
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
Just got back from the show tonight. A really really great one tonight. I wasn't going to go, but I popped in and looked at the understudy board at 7 and saw that Antony was on as Marius so quickly bought a ticket in the slips.
It was totally worth it. The Marius and Cosette scenes were just beautiful today, Emily and Antony work amazingly well together. It was just so natural! And I'm not usually a Thaxton fangirl but, GOSH he was amazing tonight! He did a proper STRIVE *thump table* and a "BLEED" and a "Jubilant SHOUT" (and I LOVE jubilant SHOUT) He was fantastic. He did the sitting down "It is time for us to decide who we are" thing, another thing which I like. HPJ... yeah, while I have warmed to him, and he has an incredibly strong projective voice... still the same as ever. Bowman was oddly on form tonight. He's brought down the "two four six oh oooooooonnnne" so he can actually sing it. While usually this would bother me to a ridiculous extent, it sounds FAR better and less embarrassing than his cringey falsetto. I am still not overly keen on his acting, but at this point it looks like I'm just going to have to live with it. His voice was a lot stronger tonight and he even got a round of applause at the end of Who am I? as opposed to a stunned silence. Also, Antony only had about one button done up on his shirt on the barricade and his whole chest was on show... how unlike him
ALFOR was rather nice tonight too, the look of shock on Nancy's face when Antony opened her coat and she realised quite how covered in blood she was really quite heartbreaking. A couple of bloopers. Bowman said "he gives no sign of repent*mutter* or repentance". Greg was Feuilly and when he came down the stairs at the beginning of ABC Cafe he sang "At rue de Bac they're tearing up the stones" instead of straining at the leash. And when Bowman fired the gun at the sky/Javert there was REALLY loud microphone interference that when one for about 10 seconds or so. A couple of people in the orchestra pit got the giggles. |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Oooh, the BLEEEEEED!! is coming back! He did that on Saturday evening, too! xD I'm oddly excited about this. And he is ridiculously epic lately, isn't he?! I mean, more than usual... Bliss. Pure bliss.
Antony!Marius! I hope he'll be on tomorrow, too, I feel like going again... and it's not just from reading this review But yes, the thing about his shirt... well, the other day, Nancy managed to rip it half open when she grabbed him and pulled him back to stay with her after "Oh God, it's everywhere!" ... and, well, it stayed that way throughout the barricade scenes...
Oh, they had microphone troubles during Waltz of Treachery on Tuesday. Very distracting, but probably not as much as during that poignant moment... Ah, was there a speech? |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
Aye, there was, same one as usual from Martin
I seem to have tickets for both Friday and Saturday, oops. (Jeffert though, yaaaaaay.) |
||||||||||||
| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
Sorry if I'm being stupid, but why was there a speech? | ||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
It's Theatre MAD (Make A Difference) week, it's part of the World Aids Day stuff that's going on, they're collecting money. I think there's a different principal doing a speech every night, on Tuesday it was Lorraine... I was just wondering, because I've never heard anyone other than Martin Ball and Simon Bowman (and, respectively, David Shannon on the 8th Oct) doing one. Sometimes they do quite nice ones
|
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
double posts ftw:
I saw the show tonight. I will never, ever sit in Upper Circle again, for several reasons, one being that it's f'ing cold, one that you're miles away from the stage and I thought it lost the entire atmosphere... and another one that because of that everyone seems to think it's okay to talk, sing along or unwrap sweets all the time. Yes. Sing along. More on that later. Simon Bowman makes me hate Valjean, which I never thought possible. I don't have the energy to rant again. It's just... ugh. And while on Tuesday, he seemed vocally strong, it was all back to his usual subpar performance today. Jeffert! Ah, how I like him! I've seen him so often now, and while I don't think he's the perfect Javert, I can't say anything bad. Why is he understudy again? ... He got applause for the Suicide, because it was amazing. And I love how he's so... calm and stern the entire time. Rebecca. Oh, I hadn't seen her in ages! She was good, I thought. She owns the "you let your foreman seeeeeend meeee awaaaay", she really does. Beautiful... But on the other hand, Sophie and especially Natalie convince me more in all the other bits... yeah. Alistair seemed okay, not as good as I've seen him a few times now, though. I didn't really notice him. Heh. Same with Martin Ball and Lorrane Bruce, I can't bring myself to pay attention to the Th�nardiers all that much. Emily. I dunno. She didn't leave much of an impression on me, being in the back of Upper Circle, but to be fair... almost no one did. What an awful place to see the show from. Nancy - I think she was really good, BUT I can't say because I was distracted by a guy two rows in front of me SINGING ALONG to "On my own" and "ALFOR". WTF? Everyone noticed. And he was not just mouthing/whispering the words, he was singing. Audibly. Loudly. It was the most inconsiderate thing I've ever witnessed in a theatre. People gave him the stinkeye, but he just continued until someone in the row in front of him turned around and told him to shut the f*** up. (save the best for last...) David. Oh, David. It almost doesn't matter if you're in BB or in the back of Upper Circle. He was loud and strong and amazing and, for me at least, he held the show together once we got to Paris. Maybe it was the distance, but the ensemble seemed a bit lacklustre today, as did some principals, just in general, so kudos to him. Especially the entrance to ODM. Oh my God. aquirkofmatter, who was in BB, and I fangirled it via text message in the interval. Epic. Utterly epic. You can't imagine it. Everyone sounded really quiet to me and then just ONE MORE DAY BEFORE THE STORM. It was stunning. As was the Final Battle (without BLEED! but, you know...) and Look Down and Red and Black (STRIVE!) and Lamarque is dead (but a jubilant SHOUT!) and DYHTPS and yes, there was flag-whipping till all the way into the wings. xD The male swings were covering like mad, Jonathan and Dylan were off, and with Martin on holiday and Jeffert, they had to cover four tracks. Killian was Factory Foreman, and he was, what else, amazing. Oh and yes, Georgetaire. I can't say much about him, I was just too far away. He doesn't have a very Grantaire-ish voice, but you know what, fangirls? There was a proper HUG!Hug in "Drink With Me". Exactly like in the 2008 video. Yes. I need to be closer on Saturday. somehow. Because it killed me softly. Oh, and Lorraine did the speech. Again. Do they always have the Th�nardiers doing speeches for charities now? Very dark humour. AAAH and xD sitting in the back in Upper Circle provides you with a view over the top of the barricade, which means you can see all the dead Amis stand up, untangle themselves and walk away. It's a good thing there is a very shiny vest, white shirt and dead Davidjolras in the spotlight which should distract most people. Oh, of course after he is shot you can also see him getting into position. And fixing his hair and later jumping down (THUD). And I could see Jeffert, Bowman!Valjean and Nancyponine arrive...
|
||||||||||||
| aquirkofmatter |
I've just got back to Portsmouth and am too tired to write out a full review but Jeff & DT made the ticket price and the pain today completely worth it Although I mostly agree with what Eppie-Sue said, I think!
ETA: So, last night.
Unfortunately, from BB, I felt the same I don't know why, but only about half of the cast seemed to give their all, and the others were a little lacklustre. It kind of dragged a little for parts of the first half
In contrast to Eppie-Sue, I actually really liked Bowman last night - for the first time. He seemed a bit less crazy, and the change at the end of Who Am I? sounds much better. The only thing that really bugs me the most is the crazy whisper he does just before ODM. (Well, that and the white splint-y thing he has taped to his little finger - but that can't be helped. I think that's the bitter part of me not getting to see an understudy though.) Jeff! I never noticed when I saw him in August, but Jeffert seems to be a liiiittle bit smug. It works for him, though. Stars was amazing, absolutely brilliant - my friend leant over and said "I think I'm in love." And yes, Suicide applause - Jeff's twitter "So. Just killed myself. It was nice the people watching me do it, applauded! So guess it was a good death. Thanks guys!!" It's always awkward applauding a death, but it was deserved! DT. As Eppie-Sue said, we fangirled him via text in the interval. I have never heard him sing ODM that powerfully. In fact, I've never heard anyone sing anything that powerfully - I jumped back in my seat. That man is unbelievable, he continually raises the bar and clears it effortlessly. There was a longer-than-normal "ARIIIIIIIISE!" too
I really enjoyed Rebecca's performance last night! Normally I'm completely indifferent to Fantine, but last night she was really good
Alistair was more sheep-y than he was the last time I went, but at the same time I really enjoyed his Empty Chairs, which was less sheepy than the rest of the show. Emily was a bit unnoticeable today, nothing standout and some of the notes were a bit off. Martin did the most sinister Dog Eat Dog I can remember seeing; and was fantastic during the Wedding/Beggars because Alistair and Lorraine were both a bit... meh. Lorraine must be killing her voice, doing her rasping thing 8 shows a week - you can kind of tell, a little. It's her choice though, obviously. Nancy's OMO was strong, but the Attack wasn't as good - ALFOR very nearly made me cry, too - nearly. Killian!Foreman was great, and didn't let a sliiiight line muddle up faze him. George!Grantaire was great, (complete with drawn-on stubble!) if a little odd to watch; it was just weird to see! Particularly as his cheeks seemed a bit too pink, as if the Bamatabois pink hadn't quite come off properly. He nearly knocked out AJ Callahan, I think it was, when the batttle started; and there was The Hug... [special mention to Joe Evans; he only mildly applauded Grantaire's "I am agog...!", so after Marius' part in R&B he got his "Bravo!" in then. Completely inappropriate, but hilarious] and Lorraine's speech made me cry (and donate, so it served its purpose).
There were quite a few techie problems too, notably with the microphones - Sophie's wasn't on for the start of her part of ATEOTD for example and some of the other mics were still up when they should've gone down in the ensemble-y bits. Nothing too out of character, but it was very odd (although we did notice an 'Alright babe?' from SwingMark, except I think that was from proximity and not microphone volume.) |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
I did not see the show tonight xD but I was in the general area (Tottenham Court Road) around 10pm, so being the good fellow Mizzie that I am, I remembered that Elbow was seeing the show and decided to be kind and selfless enough to join her at the stage door.
It was great stagedooring, and I'm mentioning it for three very special reasons. Everyone was very nice (Mark, Simon and Killian and Martin Ball said hello, bless them), I finally got to tell Sophie that I loved her Fantine, and we properly talked to Jeff, Nancy and David. With Jeff, we kind of mentioned the ITV thing to him... and didn't really learn anything new xD as far as I remember. But we're all very excited that billions and billions of people will see him as Javert because he's awesome.
Nancy was adorable. Two things - one, her puppy is the cutest thing the world has ever seen (I'm going by a photo here xD) and she loves him very much, and two - she will do the speech tomorrow night and already is a nervous wreck because of it because "I've never done a speech in public! I can't be all posh!" xD. So, yeah. That was basically it. With David, it was quite special... ;D because we did a kind of Mizzie Q&A session. Which was amazing and random and fun. For some odd reason that I can only explain with me downing a glass of champagne beforehand (yes, that will do that to me), after the usual How Are You niceties, I blurted out "Why is there a sobbing woman in the Final Battle after Gavroche's Death?" ... yes, I know. Maybe it was a bit blunt. He seemed quite clueless (xD nothing new there) and then offered feeble attempts to defend that, blaming the new director who didn't want to have them sitting there like this staring into space. Bah. I think I remember all of us agreeing that it takes away something from the moment and that we probably shouldn't like it.
And then xD Elbow, awesomely, went for it and asked about the symbols on Gavin's and his stockings in the Wedding and ... I actually don't remember his answer. I don't think there was one, although he talked for a fairly long amount of time. I remember bits about it "surely being historically accurate" (yeah because everything else in Les Mis is ) and ... at some point he mimicked drawing something?! I�m absolutely sure there was something else, but I can�t recall it for the life of me. Elbow will have to fill you in. I think we've got those two issues covered now. But that was all very lovely indeed.
and then we stood on the corner to Wardour Street and fangirled for two hours straight. I'm surprised I can still move my fingers, I was freezing. But fangirling will keep you all warm and safe and happy. : ) So, yeah. This is just a stagedooring review. But I'm sure the show was good
|
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
A very good show tonight. Jeff as Javert was AMAZING tonight. really really good. Alistair's acting tonight was good, especially in Look Down and The Robbery. I still love Emily. Jonathan Williams was the foreman. George as Grantaire was odd. I liked it though, I'm just not used to it.
Gavin did the charity speech at the end this time. I must say he is very nicely spoken and eloquent. He seems lovely. Finally asked Thaxton about the symbols on his tights, and guess what? He doesn't know. He said the symbols used to be embroidered on, but now they're drawn on. He said there is probably some old reason as to why... but he doesn't know. So yes, great show today and fun stagedooring too! Bring on tomorrow
It's funny, I can't remember exactly what he said either... I think he was just chattering on about the same thing over and over again I'm glad I finally asked though, it's been bugging me for about a year.
|
||||||||||||
| Quique |
Ahh. Just now caught up with this thread.
I hope Thaxton is still there by the time I get to London. But I've gotta start saving nooooww!!! lol. I will DEFINITELY be booking a flight there if I get the extra hours I just applied for at work. *Sings* I hope I get iiiiit!! I guess the DVD of Thaxton's performance I saw was an off day too, no? But now I'm afraid that with all the hype, I'm going to go in expecting too much and thus, be underwhelmed. All the talk is making me want to sample him myself! (K, that sounded dirty) *Crosses fingers and prays he gets job promotion that will pay double current salary* 
|
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Well, first off, if we're talking about "off days", then we're still saying "He was brilliant" ... and also, most performances simply don't translate to the screen... I'm completely underwhelmed by what little I saw of Lazar in a video, and people are telling me the same there.
Generally about the DVD... so much has changed since then. Really. I still love his performance on there, simply because it's completely mental at times, but he's different now. I can't explain it. And it really is the limitation of the screen and the camera not capturing everything ... and I suppose he might have had a bit of an "off day" (for his standards) ... for example, there is not the usual B flat IS FREE in the Final Battle and all that. I can't really comment on the "expecting too much" bit, because I, for one thing, had no idea whatsoever what to expect when I went to see the show back in June, so I was just completely blown away. Orestes Fasting, of course, has had both the "Okay, he is kinda amazing..." and then, a month later the "OMG THAXTON." moment, but I don't think she was disappointed back in October so I don't actually think that will happen. Of course you've got to remember that he's still human, so I can't promise you anything, but I can say that over the past months, his performance has been the most reliable in quality. Even on his "off days" he's amazing. And looking back on the material I've got from one year ago in general, I think he's even grown a lot as a performer. And he is Enjolras.
Good luck on the job promotion! : ) |
||||||||||||
| Orestes Fasting |
Yep. It's aaaall about the stage presence, which didn't come through on video for either Thaxton or Lazar. The first time I could look back and say "Okay, he was a very good Enjolras" without really feeling it, the second time I was totally sucked into his performance.
And yeah, I was a little disappointed the first time, but not because he wasn't good--he was. More because I felt like his reputation was exaggerated. Second time around I could see where that reputation comes from. (Speaking of things that sound dirty... I just realized that if you take away the first sentence, this entire post reads like a giant setup for a "that's what she said" joke. *facepalm*) |
||||||||||||
| Quique |
Oh, I'm not making a final judgement based on a video. Just saying what was my impression of the video. I know I make it sound as if the video is as good as seeing him live but I can't help going to the only source I have available to me at this moment. Maybe I should not expect anything and just wait till I see him, eh?
I can definitely recognize his talent and I like what I've seen/heard enough to know there's no way I'll be terribly disappointed. Well, unless he really isn't himself and for whatever reason gives a crap performance but that wouldn't really be his fault. When I asked if the video performance was an off-night, I really meant to ask "why didn't he blow me away" rather than saying he wasn't any good. Bah. I should make myself clear next time, lol. Anyway, I still think he sounds too much like Mike Maguire. 
|
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Oooh, today was lovely. So lovely that I can only be bothered to type up the really, really fantastic bits, so there will be no ranting about Bowman today. BAAAAH.
Okay, so. Remember when I said I would never, ever sit in Upper Circle again? Yeah. That's so two days ago. I got an U/C ticket for the matinee, seeing as they didn't have any other left, for the evening show I was next to Madeleine in the Dress Circle Slips, which was awesome.
Um okay. I can't remember many details. Highlights: David. Oh my God. I don't even know. He blows me away. I'm so very, very grateful to be able to see him this often, simply because ... he is Enjolras. And his voice. "Lamarque is dead" in the matinee was just... "AWAAAAAAIIIIIIIT". And what is UP with his ODM entrance, it's getting better and better, and he did something differently with the "DAY" in "ONE MORE DAY BEFORE THE STORM" tonight which made me go O.O but it was awesome. Don't ask me to explain. Oh, and the Final Battle was basically... IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE... and it didn't end and I just about died. And The Jump was positively insane. And DYHTPS made me tear up tonight, which has never happened before. Also, can someone please tell him that no, it's not a good idea to go out in nothing but skinny jeans and a f'ing JERSEY after a matinee in the rain at the end of November? Saw him jogging back to the theatre before the evening show, completely drenched. Hope he's learned his lesson. Alistair. Yes. I've had enough of the "he sounds like a sheep" reviews xD he was amazing today and he has improved so much. I loved (and I mean genuinely, objectively loved) ECAET. It was heartbreaking and there was no odd note in there at all. And I think he and Emily are kind of settling in together. He is adorable, yes, and I honestly think a bit more confidence on stage wouldn't hurt him. Also: Jeff, whom I for some reason liked even more than on Thursday. Well deserved applause for the Suicide (yes, I think you can applaud there if it's amazing.) in the evening. Which was not at all started by us. *cough*. Nancy. Nancy was so strong, especially in the evening show. I actually enjoyed OMO a lot, and I'm always a bit partial when it comes to that song. And how fierce was the Attack on Rue Plumet in the matinee? I believe Simon shoved her away and she fell down quite violently and ... so much power. Loved her. I also thought the ensemble was a LOT stronger than on Thursday, I dunno why. Special mention to... Gavin, who is just awesome, Mark, who went "SHOOT THE BASTARD! BUT ENJOLRAS! COME ON!" in the evening which had us in giggles, Killian, just because he's on stage and bloody brilliant, Jonathan for being the funniest Factory Foreman I've ever seen in the evening, Katy Hanna, because she's got a lovely, lovely voice and is a very quiet Sobbing Woman, Joe, who screamed "FREEEEEDOOOOOM!" after Antony's lines in DYHTPS, ... and I'm sure there was more, but this is the stuff I remember. Oh and xD we got speeches, of course. David did the one for the matinee and as you already know, Nancy did the evening one. She was all nervous about that yesterday, bless her, with no reason at all. She actually said "God, this is nervewracking" at the beginning of her speech, but she was absolutely lovely. They both basically said the same, but I remember his quite well and it was just... so David. And the audience loved it. Him. Whatever.
"For those of you who have just woken up... the stage turned round a lot and everbody died", which had everybody cracking up... and then there was a bit about explaining what "Theatre MAD" is, and something about a list he had "upstairs with all these statistics which I wanted to read out to scare you and bully you into donating money." And then both he and Nancy mentioned the one fact that in the three hours that Les Mis lasts, 720 people have died of Aids and that ... a lot (I can't remember the numbers, really) of them are children. And then he said "the person that gives the most money this evening WINS MARTIN BALL!" ... and that was it
|
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
Les Mis was good again today. Apart from the bit where I didn't want to queue for the toilets in the interval so sneaked into the rather seedy looking gay pub round the back and used their toilets instead, only to come out and for Mark and Antony to be outside. Mark looked confused and asked what on earth I was doing in there. I told him and he looked a bit worried for my sanity. | ||||||||||||
| lovesinging |
If any audio springs up for this..ever..please keep me posted
|
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Tonight, every time someone died, the audience applauded.
No, I'm not kidding, the only exception would be Fantine. Because... There was applause after the Final Battle. Utterly, utterly wrong, but I obviously loved it! And I swear to God, I didn't start it. Elbow is my witness! Because we were in BB together, which, being a "spur of the moment" decision, was bloody brilliant. I've missed being so close. Stupid Upper Circle. The show was a bit crazy, I've found myself facepalming and violently digging my nails into my palm to make myself stop snigger over OTT!Valjean. Which is just bad. But hahaha Final Battle applause. I'm still not over this. Pretty much made the show for me. Also, ALFOR got applause which is ... just no. And there was Javert's Suicide applause. And we also got applause for DWM, YAY! (although nobody died!) All in all, there were highs and lows... I thought David was f'ing amazing in the caf� scene (go figure), we got "but a jubilant SHOUT" (which Elbow fangirls like woah, even though she'd never admit it ) and random blocking changes, flag-whipping in the wings, etc.; a crazy JUMP in the Final Battle and whatnot. Sadly, no "BLEEEED!" again. Will mention it to him.
Alistair was adorable and I'm going to be honest, I don't hear that much vibrato in ECAET anymore! : ) Helen was good, I liked her a lot more than ... ten days (?) ago, actually! I thought Emily was wonderful tonight, I get used to HPJ (but not to "and he gave me back... MY LIFE!!!!!"), Lorraine was meh, Martin Ball was great, and I thought Rebecca was really strong and convincing. I won't even comment on Bowman anymore, but I'll just say that I was constantly torn between cringing and cracking up. And crying over what he does to the character.
Loved the ensemble. Oh God, I'm tired. I'm sure Elbow will write a bit more. Um, Antony was off, sadly. Greg was in his track, and Brenda covered Helen's track. |
||||||||||||
| Elbow |
It's funny, because I go through periods where I think I am getting used to Bowman and then I suddenly just realise he'll never really be Valjean in my head. Like tonight. Not that there was anything awfully wrong with his performance (well, nothing that hasn't been mentioned before, I mean) It's just, generally I don't find Valjean the most sympathetic character as it is and I am not a huge Valjean fan oddly, since he's meant to be the protagonist. And I think this is why I liked Shannon and like Jonathan Williams so much, because when they play Valjean I really do like Valjean but Bowman's Valjean is just... not right. It's just as if he's like "Hello, I am here now and I shall be your hero for this story, WATCH ME GO" I dislike the way he says "Offered me my... FREEDOM" as it makes me snortgiggle. I also hate the sarcastic way that he says "like I should" in the bishop scene. Anyway, enough ranting.
I really love how much Alistair has improved. I know I sometimes am mean about him but I love his acting in Look Down/The Robbery and his singing has got way better recently too. I like him, he makes a good Marius. Joe Evans' bravos were hilarious today. I laughed too much. I love Simon Shorten as Babet. Yes, I know he's been playing Babet for a year and a half now but he's just hilarious I love how he bullies Brujon a bit
Helen as Eponine was great. I enjoyed her On My Own a lot and there's just something really nice about her, but at the same time she manages to stay irritating with Marius. I also think it's great how you can hear Jeff above everyone else in ensemble scenes. Today I heard "RIDICULOUS!" in The Runaway Cart, a "HEY!" as the end of Master Of The House and... there was one other one... I've forgotten. Oh and one more thing - Thomas Camilleri. At first after John Jo left I wasn't so sure about him because John Jo was such an awesome Montparnasse but I have to say he is really great. I love how long he is in the shadows in AHFOL and how he leaps down. He's another one who has really grown into his part. He has a nice voice too. Not really much of a review, more a collection of passing thoughts that spilled out of my head most of which consisted of "I like him" "he's really great" but it will have to do because I want to watch QI and that wonderful David Attenborough wildlife programme now... what's it called? Ah yes, Life. That one. |
||||||||||||
| Quique |
Such a pity about Bowman. I always imagined he'd kick ass as Valjean!
Sounds like the London cast is really on fire lately. I've really liked what I've read in this thread. And I'm with you on sitting far away. I've had people flame me like crazy over on other theatre sites when I've mentioned that I believe one hasn't really "seen" a show until they sit up close. I've sat in the mezzanine once in my life (student rush tix for original production of Ragtime) and while the view wasn't horrible, it was NOTHING like when I saw the show 6th row, orchestra. And then I saw Les Mis once from the 22nd row, orchestra (tix I won in a TV drawing) and I don't have a single memory of that performance because all I could see was a tiny stage lit really dimly with ants running amuck. I've only seen the show 26 times (not including concert at the Bowl) but I'm grateful 25 of those times I sat no farther than the 7th row, orchestra. That's the only way to see this show!
How do you get row BB? That's front row, right? Do they hold a ticket rush for that row at every performance, or what? Pretty awesome that one can decide to see the show last minute and get front row. Sorry bout the rant, btw. There I go again, lol. |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Quick response, as I really am tired and should go to bed... You can only get BB at the box office (but wayyy in advance, too, I mean, I've got mine for cast change in June...), you can't book them online. They are literally RIGHT in front of the stage, with only a distance of maybe 40cm of safety net over the orchestra pit between you and stage... and the stage level is on the level of your eyes. It's awesome, I love them very much. although I wouldn't recommend seeing the show for the first time from there to anyone ... Of course, getting two tickets there an hour before the show requires a lot of luck! I think you can forget about that on Fridays and Saturdays, but it's more likely on normal weekdays.
Oh, and BB = six seats (� �20). It's all really not that much. And not that much legroom either. But some nice views! |
||||||||||||
| lovesinging |
Someone fly me over, quick! Even I can afford that right now!!!
|
||||||||||||
| Barricada |
So, I also saw the show last night, and I agree with some of the stuff Eppie-Sue and Elbow have said, though not all.
First, yeah, the clapping at the end of the Final Battle was kind of weird, although the feeling I got was that it was less of a "yay! everyone is dead now!" and more of a "wow, amazing cast, they just gave their all in those barricade scenes, let's show some appreciation!" As for the cast: 1. I understand why you're not nuts about Bowman, but actually, there are a few things about his performance that I really like. I don't always go for his singing, but there are many moments where he puts in more acting than I've scene with other Valjeans, and I think it adds to it. For example, in the Inn scene with the Thenardiers, he says "thank you both.... for Cosette" in a way that actually makes that sentence make sense, like "you know, remember Cosette, the girl you were raising until a minute ago?" And I do actually like the sarcastic "like I should" with the Bishop. 2. HPJ was actually very good last night. I've seen him before and thought he sang well but had no feeling, but last night I really enjoyed his performance. The fight scene after Fantine's death was possibly the best I'd ever seen it. 3. Helen was very good as Eponine. I like Nancy a lot, so I won't say better or worse, but definitely very good. 4. I'm sorry, Alistair Brammer was very sheep-like in his singing. I actually enjoyed his acting, his interactions with Cosette and in a way I even like the dynamic between Marius and Enjolras in the sort of the "You're like my annoying kid brother, and I love you anyway" vein - but the sheep-ness in the singing was a little distracting. 5. David Thaxton was incredible as always. I know some of you will kill me for saying this, but I actually like the black vest in the cafe scenes. It gives him a sense of gravitas that the previous vest lacked. I also LOVED the understated blocking during red/black last night - he was just sitting there, behind his table, surveying his disciples, and it looked beautifully detached and Enjolraic as he sang "it is time for us all to decide who we are....". And during "Bring him home", at one point he shifted his position on the barricade and had his hands near his mouth, and it looked like an "oh, God, I've actually led these men to almost certain death, the weight of the world is now on my shoulders" - and he just held that position for the rest of the song. It almost looked like he was praying. And there were the various interactions, the Jump etc. etc. which I can't even go into. Also, big man hug with Grantaire which was nice. 6. I think I may have, by pure chance, seen Neely's understudy every other time I've seen this cast. I assume it WAS Neely himself last night. I didn't care for him nearly as much as for the understudy, but he was still good (and I loved the Spanish "don juan"). 7. The kids - Gavroche was great! One of the best I've seen! Most of them are so heavy on the accent that you can't actually understand a word they're saying. He absolutely did not fall under that category. And he also had a lot of acting in his singing, which was awesome. Little Cosette, however, I felt kind of sorry for. She messed up a line in Castle on a Cloud and was overall not great. She did look very much like a starving waif, but perhaps a little too much. I'm not criticizing too much, because, well, she's just a kid and it's not that crucial a role... but I felt it because the last Cosette I saw actually sang perfectly (and was a spitting image of the show's icon, to boot). All in all, it was a great night! The energy up in the dress circle was really good, too. It was fun! |
||||||||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Aww, I know. That's why we joined in, too, but seeing as Jeff has joked a few times about the applause he got after the Suicide when he was on as Javert ("I guess people like seeing me dead."), obviously that connection isn't that far off. I was half-kidding - as much as it deserves an applause, it's a bit difficult, of course, and I thought it destroyed the moment a bit, because you go: "Oh, right, it's just theatre" as soon as you applaud ... but I'm always happy for all the love the students get, and there was quite a bit last night, what with the cheers after Red & Black, and both DWM and Final Battle applause, so that's nice. (In hindsight, I wish I would have gone for the Lamarque is dead applause, but you never know what the audience is like. And applauding alone at that point is really sad. I've tried.)
Hmhmm. See, I don't really think of Valjean as a particularly funny or confident guy. And yet he goes for that, and I think Elbow described it very well as "Hello, I am here now and I shall be your hero for this story, WATCH ME GO" - he doesn't seem nice at all... or insecure, guilt-ridden... He's so smug.
And why does he have a giant scarf with him when he comes to get Cosette?! It's not like he expects her to be dressed in drags. (Jonathan and Simon don't carry it with them, btw!) ... and why can't he button up his shirt after "Who Am I?", wouldn't it be odd for the mayor to run around with a brand on his chest for everyone to see?
I've come to love the black vest, especially in "Look Down"! I only miss the previous one because it was special - and I know it's a silly reason.
It is a beautiful scene, I agree, it's one of the "less is more" moments. I wish there were a lot more actors who just settled for that and worked through their voice.
Is that what you get from it? Because if there is one thing I never get from his performance, thankfully, it's taking the blame for how things turned out. He doesn't do it in the "Drink With Me" scene when Neely!Grantaire gets all accusing with the hat either. I always saw the scene as a more of waiting for the people to come and join them, just like he had said, and then no-one's coming, thus leading to the "Dawn of Anguish" with the heartbreakingly sad smile. But there is no blame there. Speaking of hugs - I've got to say this. There was a hug between Markfeyrac and Davidjolras at the beginning of DWM, after a small argument about why Courfeyrac of all people has to keep the watch. Frenchboys.
Martin Neely has really grown on me as Grantaire, and except for the nonsense that is the blocking with Eponine's hat in DWM (that, thankfully, has now been reduced to Grantaire being stupid and Enjolras not even responding to the feeble accusation), I do like how he acts, especially in the barricade scene. I love Jeff a lot, but as others have pointed out, he's a bit... random. And with Martin, you've got a Grantaire who is just fixed on Enjolras the entire time, who stands up when he stands up, who chases after him immediately as he starts waving the flag, etc. I really like that. Always glad to hear it's not just the MdN Les Mis regulars who enjoy the show!
|