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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 26, 2024 21:36:38 GMT
I'm glad to find I'm not the only person to have found Peter Lockyer an unmemorable Valjean. I know I saw him because I keep a list but I have no recollection of what his performance was like. Peter Joback on the other hand I do remember seeing as the Phantom, but I don't remember being that impressed by his performance.
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Post by toomasj on Jan 27, 2024 12:40:38 GMT
Jöback was very worrying when he performed in the three/four Phantoms “Music of the Night” medley at the end of the anniversary concert, flambuoyant mannerisms to say the least… He’d just been announced as the new Phantom at this point. He was pitchy, nasal and the least likely Phantom imaginable and fans were expecting a car crash when he went into the show.
After a lot of work in rehearsals, I saw him a few weeks into his run, and he was absolutely fine. Not great, not terrible - just a completely by the numbers performance. He had perfected his “Phantom voice”, which sounded very affected and false but was passable as another generic Phantom. The broad gestures and, frankly, very camp mannerisms had been rehearsed out of him and he gave a very controlled, modest and stoic performance. It felt rigid, walk here butchly to this mark, sing this note deeply for the exact number of beats as written, do this specific gesture on his beat etc.
Many were expecting a car crash due to his obvious miscasting, but he was so well drilled he hid his weaknesses and ended up just another mediocre Phantom.
As a pure tenor, his voice is much better to Valjean, I think he’ll be fine.
But again, I have to ask - what about poor Chris Jacobsen? Did he run over Cameron’s dog or something?!
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Post by A.Ham on Jan 27, 2024 12:49:03 GMT
Perhaps, and given the rave reviews and amount of time he’s worked in this show, it might be a possible reason - Chris doesn’t want the lead?
Maybe he’s happier stepping in now and again rather than having the pressure/commitment of being the lead night after night?
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98 posts
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Post by elfman1 on Jan 27, 2024 13:28:52 GMT
Jöback was very worrying when he performed in the three/four Phantoms “Music of the Night” medley at the end of the anniversary concert, flambuoyant mannerisms to say the least… He’d just been announced as the new Phantom at this point. He was pitchy, nasal and the least likely Phantom imaginable and fans were expecting a car crash when he went into the show. After a lot of work in rehearsals, I saw him a few weeks into his run, and he was absolutely fine. Not great, not terrible - just a completely by the numbers performance. He had perfected his “Phantom voice”, which sounded very affected and false but was passable as another generic Phantom. The broad gestures and, frankly, very camp mannerisms had been rehearsed out of him and he gave a very controlled, modest and stoic performance. It felt rigid, walk here butchly to this mark, sing this note deeply for the exact number of beats as written, do this specific gesture on his beat etc. Many were expecting a car crash due to his obvious miscasting, but he was so well drilled he hid his weaknesses and ended up just another mediocre Phantom. As a pure tenor, his voice is much better to Valjean, I think he’ll be fine. But again, I have to ask - what about poor Chris Jacobsen? Did he run over Cameron’s dog or something?! I think if it’s as has been mentioned earlier in this thread that Peter might be Valjean in the Nordic stops for the arena tour. It is less of a case of someone taking over to cover the gap and more to give him experience in the role before he leads the big arena production |
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Post by hannechalk on Jan 30, 2024 21:14:48 GMT
From 11 March 2024 29-year old Dutch theatre star Milan van Waardenburg will be playing Jean Vajean for six months.
He has played the role 215 times in the touring production through the Netherlands and Flanders recently.
Apparently he was invited by Mackintosh.
Personally I've never heard of him, but I don't keep up to date with Dutch showbizz.
Just happened to come across this story.
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Post by Sven on Jan 31, 2024 9:53:52 GMT
I saw him twice in that tour. Despite his young age, he really "ages" beautifully in the role and near the end is very convincing as an old man. Beautiful voice, great actor. You're in for a treat! You can see his solo Bring Him Home on Youtube |
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Post by hannechalk on Jan 31, 2024 14:50:08 GMT
I saw him twice in that tour. Despite his young age, he really "ages" beautifully in the role and near the end is very convincing as an old man. Beautiful voice, great actor. You're in for a treat! You can see his solo Bring Him Home on Youtube Wow, that is beautiful! Still find it weird to hear Les Mis in Dutch, or Blood Brothers. 😂 |
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1,995 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Jan 31, 2024 15:25:02 GMT
Jöback was very worrying when he performed in the three/four Phantoms “Music of the Night” medley at the end of the anniversary concert, flambuoyant mannerisms to say the least… He’d just been announced as the new Phantom at this point. He was pitchy, nasal and the least likely Phantom imaginable and fans were expecting a car crash when he went into the show. After a lot of work in rehearsals, I saw him a few weeks into his run, and he was absolutely fine. Not great, not terrible - just a completely by the numbers performance. He had perfected his “Phantom voice”, which sounded very affected and false but was passable as another generic Phantom. The broad gestures and, frankly, very camp mannerisms had been rehearsed out of him and he gave a very controlled, modest and stoic performance. It felt rigid, walk here butchly to this mark, sing this note deeply for the exact number of beats as written, do this specific gesture on his beat etc. Many were expecting a car crash due to his obvious miscasting, but he was so well drilled he hid his weaknesses and ended up just another mediocre Phantom. As a pure tenor, his voice is much better to Valjean, I think he’ll be fine. But again, I have to ask - what about poor Chris Jacobsen? Did he run over Cameron’s dog or something?! I love that you've brought this up! Not just me that noticed this in Mr Joback!! |
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Post by benj on Jan 31, 2024 20:35:42 GMT
I saw him twice in that tour. Despite his young age, he really "ages" beautifully in the role and near the end is very convincing as an old man. Beautiful voice, great actor. You're in for a treat! You can see his solo Bring Him Home on Youtube Beautifully sung! I work around the corner from the theatre so I might have to pay the show another visit when he takes on the role! Haven’t seen Les Mis for about 8 years, so perhaps time for a revisit. |
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Post by katherinelesmis on Jan 31, 2024 21:48:50 GMT
Jöback was very worrying when he performed in the three/four Phantoms “Music of the Night” medley at the end of the anniversary concert, flambuoyant mannerisms to say the least… He’d just been announced as the new Phantom at this point. He was pitchy, nasal and the least likely Phantom imaginable and fans were expecting a car crash when he went into the show. After a lot of work in rehearsals, I saw him a few weeks into his run, and he was absolutely fine. Not great, not terrible - just a completely by the numbers performance. He had perfected his “Phantom voice”, which sounded very affected and false but was passable as another generic Phantom. The broad gestures and, frankly, very camp mannerisms had been rehearsed out of him and he gave a very controlled, modest and stoic performance. It felt rigid, walk here butchly to this mark, sing this note deeply for the exact number of beats as written, do this specific gesture on his beat etc. Many were expecting a car crash due to his obvious miscasting, but he was so well drilled he hid his weaknesses and ended up just another mediocre Phantom. As a pure tenor, his voice is much better to Valjean, I think he’ll be fine. But again, I have to ask - what about poor Chris Jacobsen? Did he run over Cameron’s dog or something?! About Chris, and this is just a theory, maybe he doesn't want to play Valjean full-time, as that would mean that he eventually has to leave the role because leads rarely stay for over two whole contracts. Whereas if he keeps being the alternate, he can possibly remain longer, as we've seen in the past with people like Adam Bayjou. |
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Post by katherinelesmis on Feb 14, 2024 8:03:18 GMT
Did anyone see Peter Jöback last night? Do we have any reviews?
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Post by nash16 on Feb 14, 2024 8:07:13 GMT
Did anyone see Peter Jöback last night? Do we have any reviews? All That Dazzles gave him 5 stars. |
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Post by stagedreamer23 on Feb 18, 2024 11:08:41 GMT
There was a performance of One Day More that Peter Lockyer did at West End Live some years ago (I think in 2016) that was absolutely amazing. The way he sung ONE DAY MOOOOOOREEEE! was probably the best I'd ever seen of any Val Jean. He looked good too. I wish I'd been able to see him, Eva Noblezada and Rachelle Ann Go. I can only imagine how good it must have been.
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Post by katherinelesmis on Mar 3, 2024 9:28:44 GMT
A while ago someone said there was a rumour that Luke would be leaving in March (He has a show in April, but I expect he could conceivably take time off for that). Does anyone know if that rumour is indeed true and if yes, who might be replacing him?
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141 posts
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Post by Alejo on Mar 3, 2024 17:29:52 GMT
A while ago someone said there was a rumour that Luke would be leaving in March (He has a show in April, but I expect he could conceivably take time off for that). Does anyone know if that rumour is indeed true and if yes, who might be replacing him? I think someone said his contract was, at that point, until March. But he’s quite active on Instagram and hasn’t said anything to suggest he’s leaving soon, so I’d assume he’s in the show for the year. |
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Post by katherinelesmis on Mar 3, 2024 18:25:45 GMT
A while ago someone said there was a rumour that Luke would be leaving in March (He has a show in April, but I expect he could conceivably take time off for that). Does anyone know if that rumour is indeed true and if yes, who might be replacing him? I think someone said his contract was, at that point, until March. But he’s quite active on Instagram and hasn’t said anything to suggest he’s leaving soon, so I’d assume he’s in the show for the year. Yes, I've been keeping my eye out. So I expect he'll just take time off in April at this point, unless he announces his final date this week or something. |
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Post by ilovewemusicals on Mar 3, 2024 19:48:05 GMT
Looks like he’s extended. On X (Twitter) tonight (3 mins ago) someone asked him “Will you be back in Edinburgh this August? Your show last year was brilliant!”
And he replied “No I will still be in Les Mis!!! But I am doing that show from Edinburgh at Soho theatre April 23-27”
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Post by gcbf on Mar 4, 2024 23:20:09 GMT
Saw this tonight. Peter Jöback was very good as Valjean, and Amena El-Kindy was a powerhouse Eponine. The real standout was Stewart Clarke as Javert - just incredible.
I was surprised at the poor conduct tonight from the audience - maybe the worst I've ever seen. Crinkling galore, people digging through their bags, talking, etc. The final four bars of I Dreamed A Dream were interrupted by someone unwrapping a candy almost comically loudly. Very startling.
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5,795 posts
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Post by mrbarnaby on Mar 4, 2024 23:33:59 GMT
Did anyone see Peter Jöback last night? Do we have any reviews? All That Dazzles gave him 5 stars. What a shocker! 🤣 |
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Post by 141920grm on Mar 5, 2024 10:09:47 GMT
Saw this tonight. Peter Jöback was very good as Valjean, and Amena El-Kindy was a powerhouse Eponine. The real standout was Stewart Clarke as Javert - just incredible. I was surprised at the poor conduct tonight from the audience - maybe the worst I've ever seen. Crinkling galore, people digging through their bags, talking, etc. The final four bars of I Dreamed A Dream were interrupted by someone unwrapping a candy almost comically loudly. Very startling. If this was last night (Monday) that would've been Chris Jacobsen you saw |
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Post by gcbf on Mar 5, 2024 15:34:54 GMT
Saw this tonight. Peter Jöback was very good as Valjean, and Amena El-Kindy was a powerhouse Eponine. The real standout was Stewart Clarke as Javert - just incredible. I was surprised at the poor conduct tonight from the audience - maybe the worst I've ever seen. Crinkling galore, people digging through their bags, talking, etc. The final four bars of I Dreamed A Dream were interrupted by someone unwrapping a candy almost comically loudly. Very startling. If this was last night (Monday) that would've been Chris Jacobsen you saw You're kidding! I didn't see any signs. Well in that case he was very good as Valjean  |
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Mar 5, 2024 15:40:36 GMT
They don't put any understudy signs up at the Sondheim. Only way to know is to check the digital cast board near the merch stand in stalls. But Chris does every Monday in general (Except for the upcoming one where Milan will be making his West End debut!) |
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Post by toomasj on Mar 5, 2024 16:10:14 GMT
If this was last night (Monday) that would've been Chris Jacobsen you saw You're kidding! I didn't see any signs. Well in that case he was very good as Valjean Chris is hugely popular here and considered by many (myself included) to have been one of the best Valjean’s… well, ever. You were lucky to see him. He’s quite superb. |
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Post by toomasj on Mar 5, 2024 16:12:58 GMT
They don't put any understudy signs up at the Sondheim. Only way to know is to check the digital cast board near the merch stand in stalls. But Chris does every Monday in general (Except for the upcoming one where Milan will be making his West End debut!) They also keep a small stack of printed paper slips on the ledge in front of the box office - but you have to queue up at the box office to get one! Before a show this queue usually goes out of the door as it’s so cramped in there - it’s hard enough to get to see the electronic board with so many people about and the security guy giving you weird looks! But maybe that’s just me! |
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Post by 141920grm on Mar 5, 2024 16:18:10 GMT
They also keep a small stack of printed paper slips on the ledge in front of the box office Didn't know that! Just for covers or even one for Chris every Monday? |
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