Archive for Musicals.Net Musicals.Net |
| Moci |
If it was Aaron Lazar, then it could be the 'is it or isn't it?' closure of 'A Little Night Music' that's the problem. |
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| PureDiamondLight |
Will the final complete cast list be released before tickets go on sale on June 6th (I think that's the right date... yes?)? I would like to know who is playing Enjolras and Eponine (as I think everyone does, from what I've read!!) before I decide whether to go for the O2 arena concert or to go to the Queens again (which is a special treat for me  )
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| Eppie-Sue |
Personally, I'd like to see Aaron Lazar once, but not in a concert, more for the acting. I've heard him on, um, unofficial recordings and, uh well, I'd really like to see him act to get to understand the love. So I'm going to be awfully biased and say that if they get a recent performer for this, I simply want it to be David. For the ridiculous reason of him not getting the part for three years in a row and then being absolutely epic for two years and becoming quite legendary among fans and normal West End theatregoers, I believe. I know that doesn't count as justification, but I'd also just like to see ONE recent West End performer in there... as I've said before. Lazar would be the fourth one from a recent Broadway show (and the third from the revival) and ... it would just be nice to have a performer from the twenty-five year old original production that is still running in the principal cast. And it's not like he would be a disappointment. Does that make sense?
And I hate that they can't just manage to announce everyone before they put the tickets on sale. Ugh. |
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| The Very Angry Woman |
Agreed. I'm a little wary of the Americanization of a London celebration, myself... | ||||||
| Eponines_Hat |
Too cheesy - she's good as Rachel in Glee, but she just makes me cringe when she sings OMO. I don't think it suits her at all. |
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| The Very Angry Woman |
My problem with her when I saw her in the Hollywood Bowl concert wasn't that she was "cheesy," just that she was too pop and a weak actress. Though I've definitely seen worse Eponines in the professional productions, so my opinion on her Eponine isn't even really that strong in comparison. | ||||||
| mastachen |
I felt like Lea Michele, to her credit, had read the book before she performed the role, which reflected in her onstage acting choices. However, once OMO came, she turned it into the woe-is-me pop song that we're all afraid to see. But I figured it wasn't a big deal, because the production was still a concert. I did remember that her singing did blow me away. I generally feel nothing for Lea Michele or the characters that she plays, including Rachel Berry, because I really hate her, but her Eponine had impressed me. | ||||||
| jdeng |
Would it be more logical that the casting director and/or the CM himself are torn between two or more excellent candidates?
I.e., David T vs Aaron L ; Lea M vs Nancy S vs a few more others. Or, is it just an advert trick? Remember the impact of your upstairs tenant dropping one boot on the floor at midnight, and then silently put the other one down? |
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| Eppie-Sue |
I'm not sure. Would it be logical? They've known they'd do this concert for a long time. It's not like they weren't prepared to cast these roles. Maybe someone pulled out? It doesn't make SENSE. According to an insider on WOS, the parts aren't cast yet. Why release a press statement and put tickets on sale when you don't even have the principal cast figured out? How can you not be sure whom to cast? Is there literally no concept to this? I don't get it. I don't think, whoever ends up being cast, will be cast for talent or impact on the role, but just because Cammack felt like it. | ||||||
| The Very Angry Woman |
Good point. And if you watch the trailer, it's carefully segmented during the short bits with the cast, like you could've removed an Eponine or Enjolras (or anyone else, really) if you had to. I'm sure it would've been cost-prohibitive to get everyone together this early in the game, but editing someone(s) out by necessity probably wasn't too difficult, if that'd been the case. |
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| Lauraa |
Does anyone know who'll play the smaller roles like the foreman or Grantaire? Do you think that they'd just cast people from Queen's/the tour? | ||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
Yeah, it very much sounds like that's what they'll do, considering they're including the cast of the tour and of the original production. Will be strange to see all of them in the ensemble, and a bit sad in cases when they've done much more for Les Mis than half of the principals, really. And I suppose they won't have to "double" much, as in, Gavin won't be Bishop and Pimp in Look Down and Combeferre. Or Martin Neely won't be Inn Keeper and Pimp and Grantaire. I suppose... There are so many ensemble roles, though. | ||||||
| MSam |
Well, regardless of the cast, the concert will definitely sell out based purely on the name recognition. As you've pointed out, if someone has pulled out or they haven't cast them yet, they have a lot of time to fill the position. I know of productions by certain companies that have sold out before their name was even announced thanks to brand recognition. 
The mixture of the cast intrigues me, with the blend of new, celebrities, and those who've played parts before. I'm eagerly anticipating the announcement of Eponine and Enjolras. 
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| Eppie-Sue |
I watched the trailer for the concert again, bless. Is the DYHTPS David Burt? It is, isn't it? I'm ... not really familiar with the OLC, as embarrassing as it is. And then, of course David and Alistair's ODM and I'm getting all teary.
Anyway. Camilla Kerslake looks and sounds like Carli from The Inbetweeners. Is that her? ETA: Nope, that would be Emily Head. But I swear they're the same person. Or maybe I'm just confused. |
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| flying_pigs |
Anyone think they'll film and release this?
I'm still slightly upset that they've gone for "big names" rather than a strong, "dream" cast. But then I guess they already did that in 1995. |
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| The Very Angry Woman |
Who's to say this one won't be strong? |
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| flying_pigs |
Ok, strong was the wrong word. But I feel like a lot of other people, slightly upset that performers who have been in Les Mis (especially London) for a significant period of time, are being reduced to a chorus role to make way for celebrities. | ||||||
| flying_pigs |
From Lea Salonga's twitter:
MsLeaSalonga @IJennaUsh Thanks, Jenna! Am hoping Lea M. comes to play Eponine. Two Leas playing the two dead girls would be pretty damn funny. Assuming Eponine hasn't been cast then? |
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| Quique |
I find it amusing that so many people buy the "Dream Cast" label. Like it's some kind of official seal of quality. It's a marketing tool. | ||||||
| The Very Angry Woman |
Not necessarily, but you can very safely assume Lea Salonga knows the power of the internet and what (not) to say in public. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
If we can believe an insider on the WOS board who has been completely right so far, then yes, the roles have not been cast yet, and neither have the "students", which I find rather interesting... considering I thought they'd get the West End and the tour cast for the entire ensemble. | ||||||
| MmeJavert |
His website isn't usually that up to date. What you see on there right now has been there for weeks... months even. His website claimed he was still in Les Mis six months after he'd left. It's a pity, but I've had to use other avenues to find him in all his other stuff. For example, what you DON'T see on his website is that he's doing a one-off solo show on July 19th at Feinstein's in NYC. This is announced on Feinstein's website, but not on Aaron's. Sorry to drag things off topic, but yeah--Aaron's website is not where you want to go to find out the latest breaking news on his performances and such. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
... looks like I'm going to be seeing the 25th Anniversary Concert after all. At least that's what my receipt tells me. Whoops. | ||||||
| Eponines_Hat |
lol YKYOWLM...... |
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| Quique |
I'm torn.
I almost booked my trip to London last night for late August but then thought I should try to make it to the 25th Ann. Concert, considering it's only about a month later. Problem is, I've got school and work obligations during that time, and I don't think it's wise to assume everyone will be understanding of my taking a whole week off from both. I've done it before when I booked a trip to San Francisco and it ended up being more of a hassle than I thought. What to do, what to do... |
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| Eppie-Sue |
If it helps you in any way, Quique, there are literally no good affordable seats left from what I've heard. I was lucky enough to get one of the last 34 pound ones on the side of the stage. The prices are ridiculous. Obviously, I have no idea about your finances, but it would at least be 100 quid, and I don't even know how many of those tickets are still available... | ||||||
| Quique |
I searched for tix last night and got nosebleed, but figured it would be worth it to at least be there. Then again, I get terribly antsy when I'm not up close and downright depressed and testy if all I could see is specks for people. Yeah, probably not worth it.
I went through a similar dilemma when the hype about the tour's Barbican run came about, and I'm totally over it now. I'm only really going for the original production. I wouldn't even consider a trip over there had the show closed a long time ago. It's just that it would be nice to be at the biggest b-day party [for my daughter-dear] in town!  LOL.
Meh, but I'd probably just end up shredding my teeth from all the frustrated grinding, considering it appears to be a new tour/celeb celebration than anything, lol. And you're right, the ultra expensive seats are not within my means. So much for living like a miser, lol. |
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| PureDiamondLight |
Thanks Eppie-Sue, that helped me with my desicion too. I will resist this time and save the money to see the show at Queens I'll be relying on your review the day after, though 
Do you think they'll film the concert and release it as a DVD like they did at the 10th anniversary concert? that would be awesome
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| Eppie-Sue |
I'm sure they will, and I think it has even been announced on WOS at one point. Also, Cammack wouldn't let another chance to make even more money go by without taking advantage of it... |
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| PureDiamondLight |
How true. 
At least I'll be able to see the concert on DVD then!! Yay
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| Eppie-Sue |
Alright. Breathe, Eppie, breathe.
As for rumours/inside info, this is all we have got so far. And it was just posted on the WOS boards:
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| PureDiamondLight |
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGHHHH!!! Seriously? That's sooooo awesome And now I sound like an excited child... never mind. That is worth getting excited about. Hopefully it all works out!!!
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| LesMisForever |
Enrique...Are you REALLY coming this time to London? That would be sooo cool.
Personally, i am going to the Barbican as it is something different, and has JOJ. The O2 is just ridiculously over-priced considering the cast. The most i am willing to pay is �50 for history, and atmosphere, but i am not paying �100 for the cast on offer. Had they chosen the cast purely on merit, and included the heavyweights, i would be willing to pay even �200. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Yeah... Hopefully. I can see "Passion" being quite an issue, actually, which is a shame. They've got performances Friday evening, two on Saturday... everyone else is only concentrating on the concert, AFAIK there are no shows at the Barbican and at the Queen's on Friday, they're both doing morning and matinee shows on the Saturday, probably all to prepare and rehearse for the concert in the spare time. And from what I imagine, all the other principal performers won't be in a production that is running simultaneously, let alone be the lead and only a few weeks into the run. God I hope it's true and works out. He just... he truly deserves it. |
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| Quique |
Oh, hi! Long time no see. Welcome back! Yes! This time it's really happening. I'm deciding whether to go next month or August. August would mean I'll have more spending money and possibly better seats at the Queen's (seeing the show a minimum of 3 times) but mostly still looking at hotels. But, ya, Quique shall invade London...finally!
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| mastachen |
Enrique! I'm going in July! I'm going to see if I can catch teh tour in Bristol. I'd like to watch it in London too, but my mom isn't going to pay to watch the same show twice within a matter of days. 
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| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
Er. Looks like they're doing the concert twice now... | ||||||
| Quique |
Um, strange.
Suddenly takes away all desire to want to be at THE 25th ann. concert. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Yes, it does.
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| beyondthebarricade |
I heard that Sam Barks will be playing Eponine. | ||||||
| Eppie-Sue |
WHAT.
How on earth would that make sense? Admittedly, not that much of the casting makes sense (Camilla Kerslake, while most certainly a very nice girl, still makes me scratch my head), but how would Samantha Barks qualify to be cast now? She hasn't even played the part so far and she's not a big name... they might as well get Cassie Compton, at least she's played it for a year. ... if that means they'll get Eponine and Enjolras from the London and tour casts, that would, theoretically, mean Jon Robyns as Enjolras, which would just be ridiculous. And as much as I'd like to see Killian among all those principals... 
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| Roseinmisery |
I saw some clips of her as Sally Bowles. She's got the right kind of voice. I have to admit I was sort of hoping for Lea Michele, she's not exactly my favourite but, as Lea Salonga said "Two Leas playing the two dead girls would be pretty damn funny." |
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| MSam |
Two concerts to celebrate one event? Money ploy. 
I will be pretty disappointed if she performs as Eponine at the concert.  I'd love to have Sabrina Aloueche's voice representing the character, but Barks..? I'm sure her voice is fine, but this should be a performance with stand-outs or audience favourites (or celebrities, looking at the line up). It's looking like she is none of those - Nancy Sullivan or Rosalind James might as well sing.
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| BarkateerJenny |
can people just give her a chance?? i just wish people would give Sam a chance seeing as she hasnt even started yet. everyone had to start somewhere and work their way up to being a 'celebrity/audience favourite' etc. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Jesus Christ, this is now going on in three topics and I really shouldn't jump every time but what is so hard to get about this?! People ARE giving her a chance, no comment about her in any thread that relates to her playing Eponine on stage has been a criticism or negative in any way. People have only been apprehensive, partly because we've had a great Eponine the past two years which everyone got very used to, partly because everyone is apprehensive about performers who they've never seen before, and partly because they might have seen and heard her and don't immediately get "Eponine" vibes from her. That is all. The only negativity that there has been about Samantha Barks on this forum has been because you constantly post about her and solely about her and accuse everyone who doesn't go capslock over her being cast of being prejudiced. No one on these forums is actually bothered that she has been cast for the stage production. HOWEVER the question of her performing at the concert is a completely different matter. MSam was absolutely right in pointing out that it would be a disappointment to see her considering she hasn't been involved with Les Mis yet and isn't a big name in any way, not even on the level of Camilla Kerslake. That is what this thread is about. Besides, I agree, I don't think she'd be cast. That would be completely ridiculous. |
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| MSam |
Well, I'm pretty much echoing Eppie-Sue's words, but I am giving her a chance on stage. She has a pleasant voice, and I'm sure she'll get away with it. My reaction - a show that has had over 40,000 performances and seen by OVER 50 million people worldwide, is possibly featuring (in the grand scheme of things) a nobody who, at the time of the performances, will have been in the show for less than 4 months. Compared to dedicated, well established performers (like my favourite, Nancy) who featured for around 2 years in the show building their characters, or timeless figures such as Lea Salonga or Frances Ruffelle, and numerous others who the fans adore? She doesn't even come close. In this case, it's not just Barks...it's also Jonas and Boe (UM, HELLO. MICHAEL BALL IS *STILL* ALIVE). Take this from the perspective of a fan of Les Mis�rables, NOT Samantha Barks. I want to see a well known, established figure in the role, familiar with their part, and who possesses a strong and emotional voice with a good solid timbre. Barks might have a nice voice, and if she's been cast in the role I have no doubt she will rise to the occasion and fit the role. But it's unlikely she will fulfil all those things by the concert. If she's in it. So, come on. No one is complaining about Bark's calibre as a performer. Long time, dedicated fans just don't want to see a newbie on stage in place of their favourite or a good quality candidate. Oh, and FYI: 
From the Offical Website. |
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| Roseinmisery |
I agree. I'm sure they're all good performers (and Matt Lucas certainly does make me laugh although I'm not sure about his singing ability) but I'd totally prefer to have the original cast doing the concert. That, or have people who have already played the roles before e.g. Philip Quast, Lea Salonga etc. I hate the way it's become so commercialized, it completely takes away the soul and beauty of it for me. Oh, well... |
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| Eponines_Hat |
OK, So I am well slow off the mark on the this one... but wtf is with the random "stunt" casting for the concert? I kinda expected it to be more of a "Dream Cast" of previous performers (true, there is some of this) but ????
Does anyone else think it is kind of offensive to all the talented actors who have done a great job with these roles over the years? Surely there is enough talent on the W-end that they don't need to resort to pop-star/celeb casting!?! |
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| PureDiamondLight |
Tell me about it. I think we have decided that it's just CamMack's bid to make as much money from it as possible. Famous people in the concert means more seats - and ultimately, more CDs and DVDs of the concert - sold. The general public have SO little discernment!! lol
Btw, does anyone know if Enjolras has finally been cast yet? I guess the person most likely to know would be Eppie-Sue, but she seems to have disappeared from the forum these past few days
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| mm10 |
I am very dissapointed about a lot of the cast but I don't think it's all about making money at least I hope not - maybe I'm just being naive  I can see why he would want the like of Alfie Boe and Camilla Kerslake from a recording point of view but not sure about the rest just wish there were more actual Les Mis people in it.
Ramin Karimloo did tweet today about 2 other things happening and I wondered did he mean Enjolras?? |
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| The Very Angry Woman |
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| Javvyshomegirl73 |
*looks up at above post* 
------------- Anyway, Yeah, I would have really like to seen Philip Quast come back as Javert But I think it is cool Lea is going to be Fantine...I do have a hard time picturing her that way....*shrugs shoulders* Cest La Vie.
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| hazellwood |
Eh. That wouldn't be too bad. ..TVAW, I think I love you. |
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| Eponines_Hat |
@The Very Angry Woman = i rather like that picture. It might be true, but I just felt the need to have a bitch about dumb casting decisions. I did acknowledge being a bit slow to get angry on this one - if you recall!
Ramin as Enjolras? Eh. Could be worse - they could get Zac Efron (wouldn't be surprised given the other casting choices...) but isn't he a bit.. OLD? It really should be Thaxton that they approach - though I know it has been discussed that it might conflict with "Passion" |
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| Javvyshomegirl73 |
I laugh when I see the word "Bitch" I'm sorry...But I can just see Zac Efron as Marius...IDK the deal and all, but he was AMAZING IN 17 again..I AM NOT a Zac Efron fan. *pitchforks are flying at me* CRap.............. I NEED TO GO HIDE FROM THE ANRY WOMAN!!! |
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| Quique |
LOL, TVAW!!! XD | ||||||
| Javvyshomegirl73 |
Omigawd! NO!! Shhh don't call the Internet Therndieress!! |
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| PureDiamondLight |
I'm still praying for Thaxton as Enjolras. He deserves it sooo much.
And wouldn't it be fenomenal to have him on the concert dvd, instead of us all squinting at bootleg youtube videos to see him? lol I wish Passion would let him do it... it's only two days of rehearsals, for goodness sake!
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| Eppie-Sue |
Honestly, I wouldn't hold my breath. At all. And while I agree that he deserves something of that extent, I can't help but feel that the Les Mis that the concert represents is not exactly the Les Mis that he's part of or close to. | ||||||
| PureDiamondLight |
Yes, somehow that seems to make sense. Passion vs commercialism (and I'm not talking about the play, but the attitude). how was the last performance btw?
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| hazellwood |
I'm not gonna lie; I want Thaxton for this. But I don't want all this dumb commercialism and I don't want my favourite actors in a commercialized production. I agree with you, Eppie-Sue.
But the selfish part of me still wants him there, because he's so wonderful in the role and he deserves something like this. But I don't think the end result of 'this' -stunt casted roles, commercialism, people who haven't even been in the roles, etc- is what we want it to be. And as great it would be to have non-bootleg stuff with Thaxton... I'm not sure a performer of his caliber should be involved in something like this. Like Eppie-Sue said:
That said. I think Ramin would be alright. That's what he is to me: alright. I've only seen bootlegs, but he certainly isn't the ideal. As for the age question, I think he's 31- which, if I'm not mistaken, is only three years older than Thaxton. I don't think age matters as long as the performer is good. But isn't Love Never Dies moving to the Us around that time? I thought he was going over. |
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| lildvs1 |
Does anyone kindly have any information regarding Les MiserDoes anyone kindly have any information regarding Les Miserables auditions for any of the London productions? I see that it looks as if they have not yet named actors in 2 of the roles, including Eponine.I know this isn't the audition forum but I came across this page while doing a google search. Any information or help would be greatly appreciated. I just can't seem to find any information regarding Les Mis auditions anywhere on the net. I am actually based in Los Angeles but am interested in any audition information... especially London. THANK YOU! |
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| HannahM |
This from Samantha Barks' Twitter feed:
"Can now confirm that I will be playing Eponine at the 25th anniversary concert of Les Mis! I am beyond excited x" |
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| Eppie-Sue |
I don't care how good she is. That is ridiculous. | ||||||
| pastaeater |
Just read that on the WOS board. Sheeesh.
Wonder if Nancy was approached at all? The whole casting for this concert is just extraordinary. |
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| BarkateerJenny |
it is true!!! we can now announce that Sam has been chosen to play Eponine in the concert!!!!! yay!!!!!!!!! |
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| pastaeater |
*rolls eyes*
Has anyone heard anything else about Enjolras casting? I know the rumour about Ramin Karimloo has been going around for a while.... |
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| BarkateerJenny |
why is it 'ridiculous'? |
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| BarkateerJenny |
backstage video and Sam's reaction when Cameron told her she'd been chosen to play Eponine in the concert
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgh2qI7vQc0 |
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| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
It's generally considered good etiquette on forums not to double post unless necessary. Here it defintiely wasn't.
Try reading the rest of this thread - you might get some idea of why people think it is ridiculous. If you don't understand from that, I don't really see the point of explaining, tbh. |
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| BarkateerJenny |
its not ridiculous though, thats the whole point!! why should it be amazing for someone else to get the role but when Sam gets it its just ridiculous?? that's what i don't understand!! |
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| Eppie-Sue |
It's not about her as a person. It's about, yet again, casting people who haven't played the roles. She wasn't cast for playing the role, she was cast before this season. She's not a big name, she's not a renowned Les Mis performer, she hasn't done anything extraordinary with the part on her first night at all, as in, redefined the standards so everyone would name her among people like Philip Quast et al. To me, it's ridiculous. | ||||||
| BarkateerJenny |
ok ok, so she hasn't been in the role long....so what?!?! she's playing it now and doing such an amazing job i must say!! she has the character down to a T already and acts it perfectly!! and her voice is soooo incredible!!!
so....give her time and she will be!! just wait and see her in the concert (and the show if you are going to see her in it) and just watch!! she'll totally amaze you!! |
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| Eppie-Sue |
I don't care how good she is going to be. She has not been cast on how good she might be in some time, she has been cast without having performed the role for more than one night. Good Lord, I'm happy for her, I'm just saying that this casting has been absolutely ridiculous. I don't want to give her time to be a big name, I don't want her to be a big name to be cast for this at all, I'm just pointing out that the ones that had been cast so far were either Les Mis veterans or big names. And she is neither. Which indicates that, hey, suddenly they're fine with casting talented performers who won't draw in any kind of crowd. So why couldn't they do that for some other roles as well? And if they can do it, why do they go for someone who hasn't performed the role, instead of getting someone who truly would have deserved it and would have done just as good of a job with some bloody MERIT to back them up?
And surely you don't expect me to rely on your judgement when it comes to her performance as Eponine and whether she has the character "down to a T", considering you stated you're only in it for Samantha Barks in the first place with no background knowledge about Eponine, musical, book, anything. |
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| BarkateerJenny |
i don't think you realise how much of a fan base she has got! she will bring in the crowds!! anyway, ive realised now that you're not going to believe anything i say at all anyway. why don't you just say you're happy for her and then just wait and see.....instead of arguing with every point i make and trying to explain why its not good. |
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| MajorTordoArthur |
I just feel the need to say the following: You don't believe how ironic this is, coming from you. Especially considering the posts oyu made here so far. |
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| BarkateerJenny |
and what is that meant to mean??? |
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| MajorTordoArthur |
She could've said most of that to you as well. If oyu don't understand me or believe me, that's your problem. |
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| BarkateerJenny |
true i suppose but all im trying to do is stop people being soo judgemental and it goes back to the saying 'if you havent got anything nice to say, dont say anything at all' now i know everyone has their right to post their opinions and im not saying you dont at all. im just saying if its not constructive or helpful to the person you're talking about in any way then dont bother saying it is that sooo bad to just want that?? |
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| MajorTordoArthur |
You overestimate people. They will talk, even if they don't have anything nice to say. Always have done, always will do. But it's not about that here. When Eppie-Sue said that the casting was ridiculous, she was NOT criticizing Samantha. She was criticizing the casting directors, because by casting her they're doing the opposite of what they've been doing so far. Until now they're constantly casting either big Les Mis veterans or people who are BIG names. Much bigger than Samantha. I am willing to believe she has quite a fanbase, but I am certain it's not nearly as big as that of people like e.g. Nick Jonas or Lea Salonga. You, however, immediately felt she was attacking Samantha. I'm pretty sure that if they had cast Lucie Jones as Cosette for the concert, someone would have called it ridiculous too, due to the same reasons as why I think Eppie-Sue said that, but in that case you would most likely not have replied to it like that. I hope you can follow what I'm saying here. |
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| BarkateerJenny |
im sorry, now i understand. i did read it as she was critisising Sam for not being a big name and why has she been chosen over someone that's more well known i will just shut up about the whole thing now |
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| stelllar |
I remember being so excited when I first heard about the prospect of the 25th anniversary concert, and when tickets went on presale I was at my laptop bang on 9am to get a ticket (even though they are vastly overpriced IMO). However as time goes on, and the casting decisions get stranger, i'm getting much less enthusiastic about the whole thing. I think (perhaps naively) that I was expecting more of a 'dream cast', and so the current casting just isn't matching up.
I have nothing particularly against the individuals who have been cast (though I can't say that many of them would have been my first choice for the roles), but i'm struggling to work out the motive of the casting directors. Like MajorTordoArthur said, it's a strange mix of big names, veterans, and Les Mis newbies. There's just no cohesion that I can see. It's not quite a 'celebrity' concert, it's not a 'dream cast', it's just...nothingy. However I will try and be optimistic. Despite my current dissapointment I'm determined to enjoy it - even if it's only because I forked out �55 for the ticket! |
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| mm10 |
That explains where that press photo came from � I wondered what Cameron had said to Sam and Camilla to produce such a reaction
I�m afraid though I agree with everything everyone else has said � it doesn�t matter if she turns out to be the best Eponine there has ever been, this is a concert celebrating the last 25 years and she hasn�t been a part of that (and the same goes for the other 3)
I know what you mean � I always intended going to this but I have to be honest and say that if I hadn�t been away when tickets went on presale and had asked a friend to book for me I think I would�ve had second thoughts. I was very disappointed with the cast and I can�t help wondering why the delay in announcing Sam � did they offer it to other people first or did Cameron have the sense to wait until he had sold most of the tickets (and put on a second show  ) before announcing Sam as that may well have been the deciding factor for a lot of people as to whether they booked or not (and I want to stress that is no refection on Sam � only on her connection to the show).
Having said all of that I still think it is going to be a night to remember (hopefully not for all the wrong reasons!) |
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| Eponines_Hat |
wtf? I have lost all remaining respect for Cammack. Am rather glad that I didn't spend good money on a concert ticket. The whole thing sounds like it's going to be a big joke. I don't like Sam Barkes voice for Eponine - but I also struggle to understand casting someone who is a reality tv "star" (who usually have about 15 min of fame at best) over someone who has really stood out in this role. Sabrina Alouche? Cassandra Compton? Nancy Sullivan? Hell, I'd even take whats-her-face from Glee over this choice. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
... really!? I wouldn't. I'm almost glad it's someone like Samantha Barks who seems to appreciate it and who is, from what I hear, doing a rather good job as Eponine and, let's not forget this, who is, at least, committed to do a full year run in Les Mis. I still think it's ridiculous, though. The whole thing is. I don't even know who to expect as Enjolras anymore, all I know is that it certainly isn't David (whom I expect). |
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| The Very Angry Woman |
Easy: people who watch TV outnumber those who make an effort to go into the theatre. It's always been that way. Regardless of how the fans have felt about standouts in the past, their numbers aren't as great as those of a TV audience. And if a TV audience recognizes a name, they're more likely to go. (I still have little idea who Samantha Barks is, but that's not really relevant right now.) The more you can think in terms of numbers, the easier it is to accept this as the status quo, and the less butthurt you'll be. |
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| Moci |
The funny thing is that she's probably not all that famous. Admittedly, the reality TV show that she was on got about 5-6 million viewers each week (for anyone that isn't familiar with UK television ratings, that would be considered a hit, but not a huge one as it used to lose a sizable chunk of the viewers watching Doctor Who beforehand), but the contestants on that were all so anonymous (they each had a different coloured dress to identify them and their first name) and it was a couple of years ago now, so I bet that a lot of the people who watched it probably couldn't pick her out of a line up without explaining to them why they might know her. I'm not trying to do her down. I've not seen her in 'Les Mis' yet, so can't judge, but I seem to remember being quite impressed by her on TV. Yet this does seem like a bizarre choice. If it's fame that's needed, Eponine is probably the easiest role to stunt cast with someone more famous pop star who hasn't played the role before, regardless as to whether they should or not and out of people who have played the role, I'd bet that Lea 'Rachel from Glee' Michele or Cassie 'X-Factor' Compton are more famous. It just seems like an odd choice to me. |
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| MSam |
Yay! Random C-Grade celebrity to play a role that could've been easily fulfilled by one of several outstanding, longterm, or fan-favourite actresses!
Criticise all you want, I don't care about these concerts anymore.
Probably no one else (and I mean no one, since by moral rights she should be the last consideration) accepted the role. |
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| Quique |
While, ideally, the role should have gone to someone with a little more experience and history with the show, I've said it before that all I really care about when it comes to casts is that they do the work justice.
I don't know who this Barks is, nor have I ever heard her sing or seen her act and I probably wouldn't care anyhow even if I knew her as a major celebrity. From what I've heard from people who have seen her, she apparently has an impressive voice but I've seen people fall all over each other over belty Eponines before that I didn't care for. So I will be the judge of that. I didn't care for most of the actresses listed in previous posts. Sabrina and Cassie had great vocals but they failed to move me. Nancy was very good in her acting and I grew to adore her Eponine, despite still being a bit put off by the fluctuations between so-so and good in her vocal quality. She's really the only recent one I like. I've bashed the Broadway revival orchs many a time, but the casts and production itself were/was excellent for the most part. However, with the exception of Celia's OK Eponine, the rest I didn't care for. Hollywood Bowl: Lea Michelle was your typical pop Eponine. The best thing about her was the way she sang "pretending." Other than that, unmemorable. There have been many underwhelming Eponines during the last decade. The last London one that impressed me apart from Nancy is Jo Ampil. The 90's saw many great takes on the role. *nostalgic* I've been spoiled by Sutton Foster! But casts have never been the highlight of the show for me. I just hope this Barks does a bit more than just hit those notes. I'm optimistic. EDIT: Forgot to mention...I'll add Rosalind James (sp?) to list of recent Eponines I like. Chick has grown on me, although she still has a ways to go... |
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| Orestes Fasting |
At least they got someone from the current West End cast? This could be their token effort to recognize the production they claim to be celebrating.
And I can just anticipate that someone's going to say she doesn't count because she's only been there a couple weeks, and honestly, I'm saying in advance that you can stuff it. She'll be all settled in by the time of the concert, and it makes more sense for them to pick someone who's in the cast that will be current at that point. I know blah blah blah recognizing Nancy's contributions to the show, I know you all liked Nancy, I liked Nancy too, but as of June 19th she is one in a long line of past Eponines who were well-liked by the fans. There is nothing obliging them to take people from the 09/10 cast (which isn't even the 25th anniversary cast--the current cast is, like it or not) over other previous years, no matter how much you all liked the 09/10 cast. tl;dr Sam Barks is no less legitimate a choice than Nancy Sullivan would've been. The reason they're doing crazy casting for the concert might also be related to the fact that they were super-conservative for the 21st anniversary and chose to just do a radio broadcast of the 06/07 London cast. They probably don't want to be accused of being uncreative, repetitive, cheap, etc--all the criticisms that were levelled at the Broadway revival. At least, that's my pet theory for why they're getting a bit too creative with casting for this concert. |
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| Quique |
They're obviously taking advantage of the recent press the show has garnered with this casting, but seriously, what's wrong with that? The people they've cast have both some celebrity and experience working in live theatre. And even if they didn't, if they put their hearts into it, isn't that all that matters? Unlike other decisions they've made in recent years, I doubt this one will degrade the show.
Personally, I've been very pleased that the original London production has been getting a lot of press during this important milestone. I was very worried at one time that all the glory would go to the new tour but it seems they've gone out of their way to place both productions on equal levels and honor them both. It has even eased the hurt feelings I had felt and makes me look forward to the tour a lot more, despite still disagreeing with what they've done to some of the orchestration. I can't tell you how happy this has made me. |
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| l'ivrogne transfigur� |
To be honest, though, I don't particularly want to see Nancy there either. For a concert, I want to see a vocally strong Eponine, which she isn't. However, I think the problem with Samantha Barks is, as has been said before, partly in where she fits - neither big name nor Les Mis veteran - but also a lot of people perhaps want to see people who 'deserve' the roles more. Whether this is the right thing to expect or not is up to you of course, but in this instance someone like Nancy would fit the bill better. I'm not hugely worried about Sam Barks' performance - from what I've heard I'm sure she'll be fine, and yes, I'm pleased there'll be a proper West End person there, but ideally I would have liked to have seen some recognition go to 'one in a long line of past Eponines who were well-liked by the fans'. |
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| Eponines_Hat |
No, not really. In fact I'm pretty sure I commented previously on this thread that I find her too cheesy for the role. I was just highlighting how ridiculous the casting for the concert is IMO. Her acting might be good - I didnt comment on that - but as it's a concert, it's going to be pretty much just about her voice. And I personally don't like her voice for Eponine. Didn't mean to sound like a personal attack on her. It's great for her career and everything. I just have no interest in this concert at all now given the bizzare casting choices. |
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| Eppie-Sue |
Except that... That was not our point at all. The point was that they are, apparently, fine with casting more or less unknown West End performers. This is not about Nancy at all, she has just come up as one of the possible names in many posts. Casting someone who hasn't played the part at the time of casting and is no big name neither in pop culture nor in the West End, seems rather random and ridiculous, considering it's unknown what she has been cast on. This is not about the 09/10 cast, and it's not fair to say taht this is all we care about. Actually, I think saying "Oh you just didn't get the one you wanted so you're sulking, Samantha Barks is a totally legitimate choice and you're all too biased to see that" is very patronising. If they can cast people with no big name, then why haven't they done that in those cases where having someone from a previous cast that is very talented and has done a remarkable job would have made sense, instead of getting, say, Camilla Kerslake who hasn't been involved with Les Mis? Or someone other than Nick Jonas who is a sweet boy and is trying very hard but just isn't a strong singer at all? Or someone other than Alfie Boe? Or someone other than Matt Lucas? Or someone other than the usual suspects Lea Salonga or Jenny Galloway, as much as I like them? They could have asked Jackie Marks, but no. Suddenly, they're fine with casting people that are currently playing or have recently played the roles for some parts at the concert, but of all people, that is Samantha Barks, who hadn't even done that when she was cast. That is the whole problem. We can not "stuff it" and we're also not some silly kids who need to be told off every once in a while. |
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| MSam |
Yeah, that. 
As you pointed out, I'm obviously bias and pro-Nancy. I guess I'd just be echoing l'ivrogne transfigur�'s, and especially EppieSue, but that wasn't really what I was arguing. |
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| Orestes Fasting |
I am not telling you off like silly kids, I'm expressing my opinion, a right you seem to prize when people call you out on being nasty to other posters. It happens that by now my opinion includes a lot of exasperation about all the negativity surrounding the tour, the concert, the new cast, and basically anything that isn't the 09/10 cast. Before Sam Barks was cast it was "well why can't they at least get someone from the West End," and now that they've cast someone from the West End it's "well she's too new," and forgive me if I get the impression that all of this negativity--no matter how it's justified--stems from y'all trying to rationalize your butthurt that you got attached to a really good West End cast at the exact moment when Cameron Mackintosh, in his usual back-asswards fashion, decided he had bigger fish to fry than the London production. Forgive me if I get the impression that this is not about the London production as a whole, it's about the feelings provoked by the 09/10 cast, and that's why I referred to Nancy. Their thinking in casting Sam Barks is probably not that she's an unknown and that's okay, it's that she's the current West End Eponine, and as such including her is a symbolic gesture of having a representative of the London cast there. They have more incentive to take someone from the current cast--a symbolic gesture that has nothing to do with celebrity status--than to randomly pick a past Eponine. Which is why I think all this stuff about Sam Barks not deserving to be in the concert is bull. She's not just an unknown or a C-grade celebrity, at this point she's a 100% legit cast member, she was probably chosen for that more than anything else, and she'll have been doing eight shows a week for four months when the concert rolls around. I am not saying there are no better choices they could've made, or denying that the casting for this concert is cracked, but they seem to be trying to reach for every market imaginable in the casting and making bizarre choices for each one, and the fact that they picked an unknown from the current London cast doesn't mean they were open to the idea of picking mostly London unknowns or fan favorites. It means they tried to reach out to one more market, and had no idea the London fans were so overprotective that they'd bristle at getting stuck with the new Eponine instead of one of the former ones, or that you apparently think of Sam Barks not as a cast member but as some interloper from reality TV. |
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| BarkateerJenny |
thankyou!!! that is what i have been trying to say but it always comes across as im just biased towards Sam so know one seems to take me seriously on here!! Sam has the same right as anyone else to be cast in the concert and she totally deserves it!! She has worked soooo hard for the past few years!! Just because she was on a reality tv show which just helped to launch her career a couple of years earlier than she was expecting does not make her any less of a West End Star now than anyone else, past or present!! She is not just someone who just swaned into the public eye through a tv show and has now got a role in the West End!! This is what she has been working towards and training for for years!! If it hadn't have been for 'I'd Do Anything' she would still be at Arts Ed training just like everyone else that's in the West End does, and she would be getting roles probably just in the ensemble afterwards until someone spotted her. Her being on a reality tv show was just a way of her getting noticed, that's all. She's worked as hard as anyone else for this and completely deserves it all!! |
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| Eppie-Sue |
This is not about Samantha Barks. This is about the concept. I think it has been explain thoroughly. The same reaction would have happened if Killian had been cast as Enjolras, or Lucie Jones as Cosette. I'd be happy for them but I simply think there is an amount of randomness going on that could have been avoided very easily. And no. You are not expressing your opinion. You're telling everyone else to "stuff it". You're presenting your opinions as a fact, when most of them bear no relevance whatsoever to the points that have been made on the relevant topic and are just assuming that we all want to see 09/10 people in it which isn't even true. | ||||||
| BarkateerJenny |
All I'm saying is that Sam deserves it as much as anyone else and agree that it's well done of Cameron Mackintosh to have cast at least one person from the current London cast that is the 25th anniversary cast, therefore representing them. |
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| Orestes Fasting |
Er, no, that's not what you've been saying, and you've been nothing but biased towards Sam Barks. I agree that she had the same right to be cast as everyone else, but her hard work doesn't make her more particularly deserving than anyone else, it just means she's one of many legit possibilities for the concert. She was in the right place (the London LM cast) at the right time (the 25th anniversary year), that's all, and I hate to break this to you but she was probably the backup plan. I'm guessing the announcement took so long because they were trying for some major celebrity engagement that fell through. And the randomness and weirdness of the concert casting probably is an attempt to avoid repetition. They've done the dream cast, with outstanding talent and fan favorites from within the ranks of the show. They've done a straight-up broadcast of the West End cast. And now they're doing something different.
You wouldn't have given a flying toss about representing the London cast if it hadn't been Sam Barks who was picked.
You'd be the reigning expert on that, wouldn't you? Forgive me if I'm not 100% on target with whatever the current rationalizations are for why the new cast sucks, the tour sucks, the concert sucks, and the new cast apparently does not count as the West End cast. It all starts to blend together into a giant blur of knee-jerk negativity after a while. |