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Post by isabel on Sept 14, 2019 16:11:26 GMT
Listening to them perform at Hyde Park now. Not impressed with the arrangements Neither was I . Very underwhelming. Didn’t sound good |
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Post by richey on Sept 14, 2019 16:13:20 GMT
Did Michael Ball just say Jon Robyns is taking over JVJ when it opens at Sondheim?!
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Post by alece10 on Sept 14, 2019 16:14:28 GMT
Did Michael Ball just say Jon Robyns is taking over JVJ when it opens at Geilgud?! He did indeed. That's an extra visit for this year then. |
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Post by isabel on Sept 14, 2019 16:16:12 GMT
Did Michael Ball just say Jon Robyns is taking over JVJ when it opens at Geilgud?! Yep !! |
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Post by shady23 on Sept 14, 2019 19:16:41 GMT
Who is Michael's understudy, given he is at Hyde Park tonight.
I expect there were riots at the theatre from people who did not read the small print.
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Post by LaLuPone on Sept 14, 2019 19:21:21 GMT
Who is Michael's understudy, given he is at Hyde Park tonight. I expect there were riots at the theatre from people who did not read the small print. Earl Carpenter I think. |
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Post by miz on Sept 14, 2019 20:02:59 GMT
Again. Very lucky people. I hope they realized they saw a Javert who is up there with the likes of Philip Quast and, .. well, Philip Quast. Wish I was there.
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Post by carmella1 on Sept 14, 2019 21:02:21 GMT
Jon has been in LM hasn't he? Enjorlas?
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Post by justfran on Sept 14, 2019 21:35:33 GMT
Jon has been in LM hasn't he? Enjorlas? Yes, he was Enjorlas on the last tour and previously Marius in London I believe. |
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Post by kimbahorel on Sept 14, 2019 22:14:16 GMT
Wow the first and only time I probably going to see Earl Carpenter as Javert. I booked ages ago when I knew that Ball was off and wow do I feel honoured to see him as Javert. Not to be a b*tch who can sing and perform the part. If only he was nextvyo JOJ. But I paid my price for wanting to see a cover.
This should be in the bad behaviour thread but sod it. I had to put up with two people on the right of me talking one bloke who was actually loudly talking (back row of Grand if anyone was in and wants to vent). Then is partner who insisted on whisperig ALL THE WORDS TO THE SONGS. And two people on the left who chatted. Even though the quiet moments. Want away to ruin it. Cheers.
Anyway also the last time I see my fave swing in action covering a track. Very sad.
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Post by Dr Tom on Sept 17, 2019 8:36:26 GMT
Second visit last night, with John Owen-Jones in the lead role. Excellent! One thing I really appreciated is that he harmonised with Michael Ball much better than Alfie Boe. An excellent voice anyway.
Everyone was on fine form last night.
I was in one of the very cheap Royal Circle Slips (the one furthest from the stage). Cheaper than the standing tickets. Not comfortable, but more comfortable. A closer view too, but you couldn't see the whole stage, maybe two thirds of it, and bits of a little more between bars.
This seat has the best angle, but it is the only one with double height safety rails in front of you. You also can't really stretch your legs, as there's a step to one side and you're crammed in with incredibly tight legroom. The seat at the other end would be better for stretching and your legs would also be pointing in the right direction.
Another downside, you see every phone lighting up in both levels below. One woman just couldn't stay off her phone. You could also see quite a few empty seats, which was surprising, but I didn't attempt to move.
I misjudged the group of young ladies occupying the seats next to me, assuming they were typical Carrie Hope Fletcher fans. As the evening went on, I realised they were actually Bradley Jaden fans, made even more obvious when they were the only people in the audience who refused to applaud for Michael Ball.
Still a great production.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2019 10:14:05 GMT
Ahhh Dr Tom I was also there last night, shame, could have said Hi! So yes finally saw this. Cam Mac rarely disappoints and unsurprisingly this was of the highest quality, whole thing worked very well and I really enjoyed it. I was Stalls N aisle and from where I was audience was well behaved. There were a few mid show attention seekers, I mean, standing ovators, but wasn't too excessive. Don't normally detail the cast as is the overall impression of a musical that is the most important to me but since this is an "all star" event, here goes: JOJ - think everything's been said. Having seen the 25th tour 10-15 times was great to see him again. Michael Ball - pleasantly surprised. Do find he can be a caricature of himself these days so was nice to see him do some actual acting. SO much better than the Chess mess. CHF - was fantastic. Assume her fan army aren't gaining access owing to lack of day seats so no hysteria when she was on, and you could really appreciate what a great MT talent she is without being distracted for once. Such a shame the flying cupcakes spoil things the rest of the time.... Lucas and Secombe - well, it's not as written (i.e. sinister) and was 100% panto but they (more or less) pull it off and was going with it by the end of the night. Needless to say the home counties crowd adored it. His Beggars At The Feast wig reminded me of Bubbles DeVere. Rob Houchen - will never be a butch Marius but has such a beautiful voice. I hope he gets the gig when it re-opens at the Queen's, one of my fave Marius' of all time. Ako and Kerhoas - had never heard of either but both excellent. And finally Bradley Jaden - loved his Javert but his Enjolras was another level. The surprise of the evening. His voice is so powerful and sensational. And freed of the make up and wigs it really came across (plus he's gorgeous!) Set, lighting and staging was the best I have ever seen for a "concert" and way better than any of the "semi-staged" offerings at The Coliseum. And finally the music; and surprised nobody has commented on this. The speed police will be delighted to know that it was been slowed down, quite considerably. Such that, although there have been quite a few cuts, it still finished at the usual time of just after 22:20. I think people who have been desperate for this will be happy. For me, I am SO used to hearing it at the 25th new orchestrations speed, it took me a while to get used to. Don't get me wrong, it sounded gorgeous, but for me was a little too slow at times. The large orchestra was again lovely, although once more I am used to the heavily synthesised sound mixed in with orchestra so did also miss that at times. Do we think there will be a DVD or CD? It is worth preserving. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2019 10:18:08 GMT
Oh and one quick question for the Les Mis nuts/geeks
Why is the Pimp from Lovely Ladies never listed in the programme? He has his own lines ("give me the dirt, who's that bit over there") so should surely be listed?
Am I right in saying it is usually the same actor as Montparnasse?
Though I think yesterday was Oliver Jackson who plays Claquesous??
Be delighted if someone could enlighted me?!
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Post by PhantomNcl on Sept 17, 2019 11:48:05 GMT
Oh and one quick question for the Les Mis nuts/geeks Why is the Pimp from Lovely Ladies never listed in the programme? He has his own lines ("give me the dirt, who's that bit over there") so should surely be listed? Am I right in saying it is usually the same actor as Montparnasse? Though I think yesterday was Oliver Jackson who plays Claquesous?? Be delighted if someone could enlighted me?! No idea why he's not listed, but yes, certainly in the current tour version it's the same actor who plays Montparnasse. Another quick question too that came up when looking at the cast board at the weekend, but nobody knew the answer to: Why are the kids called Little Eponine and Young Cosette? Why not Young Eponine and Young Cosette? |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2019 12:02:42 GMT
Oh and one quick question for the Les Mis nuts/geeks Why is the Pimp from Lovely Ladies never listed in the programme? He has his own lines ("give me the dirt, who's that bit over there") so should surely be listed? Am I right in saying it is usually the same actor as Montparnasse? Though I think yesterday was Oliver Jackson who plays Claquesous?? Be delighted if someone could enlighted me?! No idea why he's not listed, but yes, certainly in the current tour version it's the same actor who plays Montparnasse. Another quick question too that came up when looking at the cast board at the weekend, but nobody knew the answer to: Why are the kids called Little Eponine and Young Cosette? Why not Young Eponine and Young Cosette? Gosh - no idea re Little and Young, how odd! Can't think of a reason. The work experience boy doing the cast board just made a mistake??! So no Little Eponine in the concert. That reminded me though, just before the start of Look Down in the concert, adult Cosette appears in same dress as little Cosette, young and old briefly look at each other (almost a Follies moment) and JVJ let's go of young's hand and takes adult. It was a brilliant moment. Yeah strange re Pimp. From the 25th onwards has not been listed in tour or London programme. 25th tour and CD was deffo Luke Kempner who played Montparnasse. Ditto current tour. Not sure if was listed in London before. The OLC it is the same guy who plays Claquesous! (Just looked at CD) (Apologies everyone - I appreciate this is a level of irrelevant geekery I'd probs take the p*** about on the Wicked thread or similar!) |
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Post by PhantomNcl on Sept 17, 2019 14:07:07 GMT
That reminded me though, just before the start of Look Down in the concert, adult Cosette appears in same dress as little Cosette, young and old briefly look at each other (almost a Follies moment) and JVJ let's go of young's hand and takes adult. It was a brilliant moment. Oh, now that's clever! I seem to remember there was a moment in the 25th Anniversary concert where Fantine walked offstage just as young Cosette comes on, and had a brief moment where she turned to look at her. While I love the UK tour (and work at its current venue, so enjoying seeing it multiple times a week), I do miss the projection as Valjean vanishes into the Paris crowds that says 'Paris - 9 years later'. I've heard several audience members saying they were a bit baffled as to who the older Cosette was, and why the Thenardiers are there instead of back at the inn in Montfermeil. |
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Post by kimbahorel on Sept 17, 2019 15:19:23 GMT
Oh and one quick question for the Les Mis nuts/geeks Why is the Pimp from Lovely Ladies never listed in the programme? He has his own lines ("give me the dirt, who's that bit over there") so should surely be listed? Am I right in saying it is usually the same actor as Montparnasse? Though I think yesterday was Oliver Jackson who plays Claquesous?? Be delighted if someone could enlighted me?! I don't know the tour but at Queens at least since I started watching it 2015 the LL pimp was on the Prouvaire track and doesn't play a gang member. Unless a swing is on and on a split track. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2019 15:39:49 GMT
Is Bamatabois ('here's something new, think i'll give it a try...') in this or has he been cut?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2019 16:04:56 GMT
Is Bamatabois ('here's something new, think i'll give it a try...') in this or has he been cut? Still there. Though, incorrectly IMHO, is played for comedy more than the sinister feel it should have. Again though they know the audience - they lapped it up. That said, 10 seconds later when everyone realises what a b****** he is it all felt somewhat awkward. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2019 16:09:20 GMT
Oh and one quick question for the Les Mis nuts/geeks Why is the Pimp from Lovely Ladies never listed in the programme? He has his own lines ("give me the dirt, who's that bit over there") so should surely be listed? Am I right in saying it is usually the same actor as Montparnasse? Though I think yesterday was Oliver Jackson who plays Claquesous?? Be delighted if someone could enlighted me?! I don't know the tour but at Queens at least since I started watching it 2015 the LL pimp was on the Prouvaire track and doesn't play a gang member. Unless a swing is on and on a split track. Ahhh cool, thank you, yes that rings a bell actually. Deffo not Prouvaire in concert through, as I'd recognise James Nicholson! |
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Post by xanady on Sept 17, 2019 16:14:57 GMT
^Geekery irrelevant?...thought it was a prerequisite?
Glad there were no flying cupcakes in the concert...what a relief😁
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2019 16:40:12 GMT
^Geekery irrelevant?...thought it was a prerequisite? Glad there were no flying cupcakes in the concert...what a relief😁 Hahaha, yeah true! Though I’d hate to stray into 3rd cover midwife territory... Yes I was able to fully relax and take my flying cake protecting headgear off after I Dreamed A Dream had passed without incident. |
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Post by xanady on Sept 17, 2019 16:43:02 GMT
Btw...Love it when posters like Dom,Dr Tom,jgblunners,ceebee,Steve and many,many others go into detail when reviewing on the board...sincerely,when posters go the ‘extra mile’ when reviewing in-depth,it is one of the very best things about the forum.
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Post by kimbahorel on Sept 17, 2019 18:05:34 GMT
I don't know the tour but at Queens at least since I started watching it 2015 the LL pimp was on the Prouvaire track and doesn't play a gang member. Unless a swing is on and on a split track. Ahhh cool, thank you, yes that rings a bell actually. Deffo not Prouvaire in concert through, as I'd recognise James Nicholson! The tracks for the concert are really spead out there are 17 guys fitting into 11 tracts traditionally at the Queens version. I will say though I think outside of named parts some cast might have got to pick parts and I say this because when I spoke to Oli Brenin about waving the flag (that was also on the Prouv track) he said he wanted to do it. A couple of casts ago Adam Bayjou told us that he wanted the convict line "When I get free you wont see me hear for dust" line but it stayed on its previous year track and he was the 2nd convict. But of course for the concert he gets to do it. |
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Post by 49thand8th on Sept 17, 2019 18:08:20 GMT
Just to add (for fun?): The Lovely Ladies pimp used to be listed in the Broadway and US tour playbills, at least prior to the restaging. It was always the guy who played Claquesous.
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