It's literally got everything: David Thaxton Fangirling

Eppie-Sue · It's literally got everything: David Thaxton Fangirling

Okay, guys, we really, really needed this thread, seeing as we were basically spamming every single thread on the Les Mis board. Mr. Green

)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPc4UkEuT-4

Audio

Look Down:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cqeai4NoCs

Red and Black:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cubb2HTLVUw

One Day More:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v86w_SZ0F0c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFDSIFxKokw

marlalp

I have a question, what is 'The Jump' that people keep referring to?

Eppie-Sue

Oh and I shall be glad to enlighten you (I'm in an extremely good mood today).

See, during the Final Battle Marius manages to injure himself and falls to the ground writhing in pain. And Enjolras sees that. Now, David Thaxton glances down at dying!Marius (he's basically at the top of the barricade there) and then just jumps down onto the stage. You know, he could climb. But he doesn't. He goes "Oh. He's dying.JUMP!" And if you're in the front seats of the Stalls it's really awesome and scary because DUDE IT'S HIGH.
And he does that really weirdly fantastic thing where he... moves his leg mid-air. He basically "pedals". This makes it sound a lot funnier than it is.
xD

Madeleine

Orestes Fasting

"I'll shoot him right between the bloody eyes!"

Oh, Thaxton.

Eppie-Sue

HOOOOLD YOURRRRSELVES IN RRREEAADINESSS!
Mr. Green

Yes.

well, come to think of it, we basically fangirl everything. I must mention the "Will you take your place with MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" now, too, because he outsings the ensemble there (and that's how it should be done).

but DT!Courfeyrac must have been absolutely epic from what I've heard. Then again, I wouldn't have been able to suffer through Bailey!Enjolras (more commonly known as Ewwwwjolras), my Enjolrasheart would have died. I mean, he looked at DT!Courfeyrac for support during the Final Battle. wtf.

ETA: haha, yes. "I'LL SHOOT HIM! I'LL SHOOT HIM RIGHT BETWEEN HIS BLOODY EYES!" ("I don't care! I'll do it ANYWAY!") ... oh man. (sorry, I had to quote it again. xD)

marlalp

Eppie-Sue

lovesinging

Orestes Fasting

Oh man, I absolutely cannot wait to see Thaxton. Laughing

We should've had a thread like this back when Aaron Lazar was Enjolras, there was certainly enough fangirling fodder what with the amazingness that was his performance and various stage-door anecdotes. Some of which I've been forbidden to post on the internet. (And if you think Thaxton's legs are fine, you should've seen Aaron. He had this habit of bending over the table in ABC Caf� to lecture Marius...)

Madeleine

I adore the interaction between DT and Mark Dugdale's Courfeyrac (am I allowed a little Dugdale fangirling in this thread since it is related to DT too? Wink

)
I love his 'COURFEYRAC...you take the watch', followed by The Stare, and a slightly hurt look from Dugdale. Laughing

Dugdale's Courfeyrac is very strong and could easily overpower another Enjolras, Simon Bailey for example, but DT manages to control even him. Mr. Green

Eppie-Sue

lovesinging

I love you. I'll watch them in a bit Very Happy

Thanks!

Madeleine

Nice work Eppie-Sue! Applause

MlleTholomy�s

lovesinging · Re: It's literally got everything: David Thaxton Fangirling

So I've watched some of them, thanks. The Hug is completely amazing!!!

Question--what is the Fight?

MlleTholomy�s

The Fight: an utterly epic battle between Jon Robyns and David Thaxton, when Marius was like "See, Enjolras. I'll go out into the streets, and collect bullets. I may not survive, so always know: I loved you." And Thaxton responded : "Aha, yeah right. You couldn't fight your way out a paper bag, Marius, let alone a whole legion of troopers. No."

lovesinging

Love it.

Eppie-Sue

And this is how The Fight went down, really. It was utterly fantastic, although at one point we all feared for Jon's well-being.

The "Drink with me video"... much love for The Hair, in general. Mr. Green

Then...
around 1:29: note the very small hissy fit after R keeps him from going to Marius. I love it. xD "And now I shall destroy something." (and LOL at Feuilly's reaction on the barricade: "ohmigod we're being attacked!")

(am I the only one who loves pissed off!Grantaire at 2:49? haha)

3:11: the HOOOLD YOURSELVES IN RRREADINESS! we were talking about. Wink

and The Hug. ... *dies*

KatyRoseLand

I just have to mention the greatness that is:

"Until the earth IIIISSS FREEEEEEEEEE!" with rockstarness.

And his old shiny vest.

Madeleine

Eppie-Sue

The "Hold yourselves in readiness!" is unusally great on the video, I can't think of any recording where it's similar, normally he actually does a really loud "The enemy may be regrouping!" because the students are protesting when Valjean gets to decide over Javert's fate. Aaaah, I love it when singers can be loud without yelling Very Happy

...
But another line which I really love is: "For your presence of mind, for the deed you have done, I will thank you Monsieur when our battle is won!" the meldoy is great...

I'm still laughing over the hissy fit and pissed off!Grantaire. xD

eponine5

I love his "Until The EArth"
And then there's the whole 'is free' thing which is too difficult to capture in the written word, although I'm sure Eppie-Sue could manage.

He was an amazing Bamatabois too.

Eppie-Sue

Haha, I won't attempt to capture the epicness that is THE Final Battle in words. It's just... ah. Although I still prefer the "RISE" over the "IS FREE", although that's probably blashpemy. Then again... live, especially, "IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE...!" >>>>> the universe.

Oh and let me just say that I can't wait for the new brochure, they should have one pretty soon. hopefully with a "Red & Black" photo, I would squee so much. (Although, of course, without The Vest That Is Not Yet The Vest Of Doom. why did they change that? Sad

)

flying_pigs

Ahhhhhh Thaxton Very Happy

I think I started fan-girling him back in 2005, because he is that awesome!

And yep, Final Battle, BEST THING EVER!

lovesinging

tashmercer

Eppie-Sue

well, I for one think he'd made a great Javert one day. With any luck he won't ever get bored of the show. And, at least for a few years, not get bored on Enjolras (ha, how could you. <= Enjolras fangirl speaking).

Here is the Theatre 24/7 clip about the show's 23rd anniversary by the way Smile

(just find it on the right side).
The clips are, of course, not from the recent London production... but aww, they're all gushing about Les Mis. Nancy starts the real "Oh my, I can't find words" fangirling Wink

and basically says the same as DT, who comes directly after her, although she says it in a more collected, calm way Mr. Green

. It's towards the end, in the last fifth.

And I second the "My favourite is his 'Lamarque is dead'".

High-baritonne

I don't understand why you all are so crazy about Thaxton. He is talented, I saw him in London this winter, but I've seen better actors in the role. I agree that he is good, and one of the better who have played the part, but he isn't the best.

Eppie-Sue

May I ask which others you have seen? : )

Hm, it's not solely about talent. It's about the fact that he gets the character and gives it all every performance. I can't actually describe it that well, it's just that you can tell he's read the book, that he fits the part pretty well (yes, we're talking looks here. It's not about superficiality, simply that if we can get a tall, rather good-looking and light-haired Enjolras that makes me very happy Mr. Green

)... His voice is great (which Bailey's was not) and fits the part (which Escoffery's did not) - he's doing the character justice, he can be loud without shouting and he can be commanding without raising his voice. Plus, he elevates the material he is given, which many (and many West End) Enjolrati did not bother about.

and, primarily, it's about The Legs during The Jump. Laughing

MlleTholomy�s

The main thing I like about him is his interactions with the other Amis.

High-baritonne

I've seen Sigurd Sele, which was better than him, both acting and singing vise. I also saw another Enjolras in 2005 I believe, and he was the best Enjolras I've seen so far. I've also seen people play way worse than Thaxton, and I do think he is very good, but not the best.

Eppie-Sue

Can't really judge Sigurd Sele, but just objectively from the one Norwegian ODM video on YouTube I'm not impressed, sorry. But again, no real opinion because he could have had a bad day.
2005 could have been Oliver Thornton or Shaun Escoffery, so, honestly, that rather sounds like fail to me... I suppose (hope) you got to see Jonathan Williams as u/s Enjolras for Thornton...!? I heard he was pretty good. (or Mr. Green

you got to see Thaxton as Escoffery's u/s in 2005 Wink

... just kidding, you'd have noticed).

High-baritonne

The video wasn't Sigurd on his best, when he is in his ace it's much better than the video, also his ODM performance was the worst of the numbers.

Moci

Eppie-Sue

oops. sorry. You're right of course, when I had a look at the castlists on londonlesmis.co.uk I somehow skipped over Karimloo. Embarassed

Quique

Eppie-Sue

Quique

Haven't heard/seen much of Thaxton until now...he sounds a lot like Michael Maguire. I like him so far.

And boy, does the London production not skimp on the theatrical smoke, eh? I like it. Gives the show a really gritty feel.

Eppie-Sue

The smoke = win. in "At the end of the day", too. I fangirl the smoke.

And as for DT, well, there are lots of clips linked here to get a better impression. And while I'll admit that his voice colour is slightly similar to Maguire's, it's really not a connection I'd make. I like Maguire, but ...
DT!Enjolras >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> MM!Enjolras. Mr. Green

(yeah I know. personal taste. but I shall fangirl on here anyway, seeing as it's the thread for it...)

and yes, I'm just trying to get others hooked. *evil cackle*

I'm kidding. I'm kidding, y'all.

lovesinging

tashmercer

I agree with Eppie-Sue (again!)

I think the thing that makes DT so amazing is the complexity which he brings to the character of Enjolras. The Brick is such an amazing, deep book which highlights the complexities of human nature and is often deliberately ambiguous about which characters are �good� and �bad�. It seems like DT tries to bring some of this to his performance.

DT�s Enjolras is a charismatic, strong leader, but also seems troubled and vulnerable at some points. It would be easy to make the character really one-dimensional and totally forgettable. Thaxton�s Enjolras has such great stage presence; you can see why the boys pretty much do whatever he says!

I love the way DT plays the First Battle. For just a moment he seems almost a bit lost/ overwhelmed now that the revolution is happening. (I haven't explained that very well! I don't mean in an "oh damn, I didn't really think this revolution thing through" kind of way....) It just makes it seem a bit more realistic or something.

I guess some people may not like his interpretation, but you have to admit his voice is freakin amazing. Didn�t he win like a ton of awards? I remember seeing something in the program�.

Eppie-Sue

xD as much as I'd love to go and be all "Yes he won everything there is", it's really only Young Welsh Musical Theatre Singer of the Year at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and um, he was runner up in the Kathleen Ferrier Singers' Bursary.
there, I copied that from the program.

He should get the award for Most Epic Epicness of Epicness or something, though.

I love the different layers, too, especially because while yes, there is some vulnerability there, it does not affect the stength of his character. And I really like that. First and foremost, Enjolras is strong and noble and charismatic and proud, and he never loses that. But he allows the character to breathe and actually be alive rather than making him static and one-dimensional, which is what I prefer to any other characterisation I've seen.
And, yeah, definitely not "oh damn, I didn't really think this revolution thing through" at all. I'll try to explain the impression you get ... he is in control at any point. Someone has pointed out somewhere that it's easy to lose focus around the point Javert appears on the barricade, because things seem to be going wrong. And it must really seem that way with a weak Enjolras:
- Their informant? A spy.
- A girl that had nothing to do with the revolt gets shot.
- A sniper attacks.
- The people don't join the students on the barricade.
- They run out of bullets.
- A little boy gets shot.
- They all die.

... seriously? It does appear as if the whole revolution is made of fail.

Now, with DT as Enjolras (with others too, I'm sure, but this is about him now), things are never out of control, not at one point. I mean, all that stuff still happens, but there always seems to be a centre and a direction, there is no chaos whatsoever.
During the entire of the segment of the last scenes of the barricade he literally goes "He felt that, since such men were to die, their death ought to be a masterpiece" [The Vulture Becomes Prey].
And with the Final Battle, it's basically the same. Gavroche gets shot the "da-da-damm" musical plays as the barricade turns, they all look rather upset. And then the signal sounds and nobody is afraid. And he... I can't quite describe it. He's not hectic, he's just focused and calm and strong. It's really that "their death ought to be a masterpiece" moment, mixed with a bit of the "Orestes Fasting and Pylades Drunk" chapter: "The menacing majesty of Enjolras disarmed and motionless, appeared to oppress this tumult...". Then, when Marius gets shot and he kneels down beside him, there is something so... fatalistic about his approach. Once again, the short moment with R (forehead touching ftw) and then he just leaves. He's not even rushing the moment, there's so much... dignity there. It does capture the spirit of the rest of the sentence from "Orestes Fasting..." which I quoted above: "...and this young man, haughty, bloody, and charming, who alone had not a wound, who was as indifferent as an invulnerable being, seemed, by the authority of his tranquil glance, to constrain this sinister rabble to kill him respectfully." substitute "tranquil glance" with "tranquil demeanor" and you've got it.

tashmercer

that is *exactly* what I was trying to say!
thanks!

as for the awards.... shame it was only two! maybe we need to invent an epic-ness award. hmmm....

Think

flying_pigs

Anyone know any of DT's holiday dates?

Madeleine

KatyRoseLand

flying_pigs

Thanks

I really enjoyed Mark's performance in January but I just really want to see DT again!

Eppie-Sue

Madeleine

Eppie-Sue

Aw, Madeleine, I really don't want to rain on your parade, but seeing as 31st October are Earl Carpenter's and David Shannon's last shows, I don't think DT will take his holiday then of all dates. (or on 8th October. ANNIVERSARY Very Happy

)
sorry for the "I was disappointed to get Mark" everywhere, but it's... it's really weird. He's better than most previous Enjolrati, I suppose (which, come to think of it, is not that hard. Wink

but you know what I mean), but this is DT we're talking about.

Madeleine

flying_pigs

Is any going to the anniversary show?
I'm very tempted to come down from uni for it!

Orestes Fasting

flying_pigs

KatyRoseLand

Eppie-Sue

I'm definitely going to see matinee and/or evening performance on 8th October. Can we make this a Mizzie date?! We should book the BB seats for us and be generally awesome.

Orestes Fasting

KatyRoseLand

Isn't 8th October a Thursday?

We should definitely all book BB. I bet they're sold already though Sad

Eppie-Sue

ooh. it is. FAIL on my part.

they can't be. Surprised

I'm sure they're not. Please! PLEASEEE

Madeleine

If they are sold out you could always try to get the dress circle slips. They're about �30 (�32?), have a great view and are still very close.

I really wish I could make the 8th, but uni term doesn't start until the 5th so I have idea what will be happening and abandoning my new course and flat mates to go off to London when I need to be bonding with them doesn't seem like the best idea to me. Wink

Eppie-Sue

Ahem. So, the Final Battle from the same show the other videos were from is now on YouTube, and finally you can all see The Jump That You Can't See because the camera goes WTF. Oh, and you can complain about the lack of THE Final Battle. And fangirl the forehead touching. And enjoy The Aftermath...

aaand The Finale. I love this v. much, mainly because awww. SHIIINY. and the hugs. and a bit more E!/R for all of you - because they totally semi-hug even though everyone else is all serious again.

ETA:
Mr. Green

Dawn of Anguish/Second Attack/Gavroche's Death. Which totally includes The Fight (starts at 1:10), and now you can all see, what we're talking about. Thanks to those who are uploading the 2008 recording on YT.

Madeleine

It is great to see all those on Youtube. Smile

I'm loving the Final Battle one in particular, complete with forehead touching and dead!Enjolras close up.

Anyway, I fangirl DT in the Wedding scene, with his glasses (that always make him look like Combeferre in my eyes), the snooty looks he gives the Thenardiers and the way him and Gavin James dance off stage at the end of the scene. Mr. Green

Eppie-Sue

Madeleine

Eppie-Sue

aquirkofmatter

There's a lot of love for his lovely legs but very little mention of those amazing arms of his Very Happy

Eppie-Sue

aquirkofmatter

Madeleine

aquirkofmatter

tashmercer

Eppie-Sue

aquirkofmatter

KatyRoseLand

Eppie-Sue

aquirkofmatter

Eppie-Sue

I hope you've all found the Isle of Wight audio of "Red & Black/DYHTPS" which was kindly recorded by aquirkofmatter! THANK YOU. it's pretty epic (and the quality is so good, making this probably my favourite recording of those two songs. besides... DT pwns.) and oh man, I wish I could have been there.

lovesinging

Ahhh I've missed so much while at camp!!!
*runs to videos*

tashmercer

I fangirl DT's new "lean and smoulder" approach. I fangirl this in ATEOTD in particular. I dont know how he managed to steal THAT scene, but he did

cheeky beggar
Wink

pastaeater

So happy to come across others who appreciate the fantastic voice (and everything else!) of DT. I can't get up to London very often so any updates at all on: his performances with the new cast; hair; arms; legs; socks; and anything else you can think of would be most welcome.
Thank you!

Eponines_Hat

Hi everyone!

This is the forum I have been looking for my whole life

Very Happy

I've been fangirling DT since I saw him last year. He is so talented! Its great to see some other people agree!

In addition to fangirling his fantastic voice and THE BEST ENJOLRAS EVER! I also fangirl his glasgow coma score stuff. Love it!

While I am gushing, I also fangirl the bus with DT on the side which I saw at Oxford Circus today! Gave me a little smile while being shoved about by a million shoppers

Eppie-Sue

What now, they have an actual Les Mis bus? I mean, I know the ones with the Cosette logo posters at the front but one with... a real promo-pic on the side? omg. Which scene?! (I'm childishly excited here.)
and, um... xD welcome to the madness.

flying_pigs

Yes! The Les Mis bus!
It's a scene from DYHTPS, the one from the brochure!
Makes me very happy when I see it!

And in other news, I'm back at Les Mis tomorrow

Eppie-Sue

DYHTPS? There is a DYHTPS pic? I... I don't think there is, is there? Or are we talking about the new brochure? Or is it one of those ODM pics? The overly dramatic one where they all look like zombies? Or the slow mo-pic?
(questionmark overkill? Why, yes.)

And ooh, have fun tomorrow! : ) Show and stagedooring and all.

Eponines_Hat

Oh! Is it DYHTPS? Silly me thought it was the slow-mo bit from ODM
Embarassed

but yeah, its this one....

http://www.citylife.co.uk/img/16545/32321_les_miserables.jpg

I'd love to hear a review if you are off to see the show tomorrow. I hear Helen Owen is on as Eponine which will be interesting (and sad. i love Nancy)

Has anyone else heard DT's Glasgow Coma Score stuff? It really is great. Would love to see them live but I don't think they play much.

Thanks for the welcome. It's gonna be great. Love those socks, btw

Very Happy

How much I have to catch up on.......

Eppie-Sue

ooooooooh, it's the shiny one. Mr. Green

I was hoping it'd be that (or the YAY BARRICADE! one. ah well)... I will marry that bus. Yes, I'm that desperate.
(and it is from ODM. He's wearing The Vest... )

And, um, yeah. How could you not know about The Band Wink

... but as for playing live - I think playing live is a bit difficult if the lead singer is on stage Mon-Sat. And, come to think of it, the others probably have their own lives as well.

Eponines_Hat

how rude! they should play just because I want them to

Mr. Green

at least my marrying that bus you dont have to deal with the dumb Susan Boyle references on the other posters.

Rolling Eyes

aquirkofmatter

I saw that bus in Kingston yesterday and started squeaking in the street! And I went tonight and did some gushing at the man himself at the stage door <3 Damn, he's lovely!! Very Happy

He was standing next to David Shannon talking and I was like a puddle of goo on the floor next to them - pretty, pretty Davids.

He had some friends there, too and was talking to them about going to the pub, but I thought going there as well might be borderline stalking...

edited to add: obviously not the very same bus, but a bus with that picture on - there's clearly not just one driving around the london area all day long...

MlleTholomy�s

Eponines_Hat

KatyRoseLand

I mentioned to DT that I liked Glasgow Coma Score once and he said "Really? I can't believe you've heard of us! That's made my day!" and he said that it's difficult for them to play gigs together because they all live far apart and obviously he can only do Sundays. But he said "If we ever pull our thumbs out of various orifices hopefully we'll have a gig one day". DIRECT QUOTE.

Those Susan Boyle reference buses and underground posters make me cross every time I see them. They make it sound like a completely different musical from what it is.

Vanessa20

What do the Susan Boyle posters say?

KatyRoseLand

Eppie-Sue

and the sad thing is... IDAD is clearly not the highlight of the show. Hm.

How come I never saw one of the YAY!slow-mo-busses (you'd think "slow mo" would be the utmost wrong description for a bus^^) in two weeks of going round London by bus?! will make sure to take actual pics of the shiny when I see one once I've moved there.

@aquirkofmatter:

Eponines_Hat

flying_pigs

aquirkofmatter

flying_pigs

I love that bus, always gets me very excited!
We should tell DT that you know you've made it in the big time when your face is on a bus!

Eppie-Sue

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It's literally got everything: David Thaxton Fangirling

Re: It's literally got everything: David Thaxton Fangirling