Just got back from the show, it was absolutely amazing!!!
Noticed a few changes in lyrics and orchestrations, nothing major. The whole show was so smooth, I couldn't believe this was just the first preview!!
My fav (and yes, I am biased) was Celia as Eponine, she just nailed it with the singing, the acting, you could see her heart breaking over Marius, just fantastic. Also really enjoyed Alexander Gemignani as Valjean, Norm Lewis as Javert, Gary Beach and Jenny Galloway were fabulous as the Thenardiers, Adam Jacobs as Marius may be my next Broadway crush, and Aaron Lazar as Enjolras really gave a great performance. Newcomer Ali Ewoldt as Cosette had a beautiful voice, loved listening to her. The ensemble in general was wonderful. Carly Rose Sonenclar, age 7, sang a great Castle on a Cloud, Tess Adams was young Eponine, and Brian D'Addario was Gavroche. Very impressive from the kids tonight!
i thought daphne was a great casting choice. different enough to be different, i still hear a certain tone of power in her voice. breathy, sure. raspy, why not. but something about it appeals to me. daphne is a strong actress and i think it shows. the audience reacted fine to her. i agree, the show went so smoothly i couldnt believe it.
The audience was very responsive overall, most people seemed familiar with the show. Lots of applauding, cheering for the big numbers, I think Celia may have been the only one to get a bit of entrance applause when she first came on...
I MUST see Celia in this role. I will do whatever it takes.
"This table, he is over one hundred years old. If I could, I would take an old gramophone needle and run it along the surface of the wood. To hear the music of the voices. All that was said." - Doug Wright, I Am My Own Wife
Could you describe what orchestrations were different? I know Dreamed a Dream was supposed to be a little different. What about Gavroche's new song when he is dying?
I Dreamed a Dream wasn't very different, but Daphne's voice made it sound very strange. Gav's new song was fine, but I was expecting Little People! I don't think I can pinpoint different orchestrations, because they are so minor!
I forgot to mention the sets- Big barricade, moving stage, looked awesome! My only "set" complaint was that I could see people moving scenery on and off the stage throughout the entire show.
I can't wait to see this show in January. I'm not surprised, though, that you could see people moving sets in the background. I've always noticed that with Les Mis. Thanks for the additional details though!
Yeah, they use the cast to try and block the audience from seeing crew setting up the set. But sometimes, such as the setting up of Empty Chairs, the crew is more visible. I don't mind. I kind of like to see how they do it.
So, I take it the changes to costumes and orchestrations etc are so minor that none of these elements will be eligible for Tony consideration - it sounds like this really is just a return engagement of what was on Broadway before - which is totally fine - but I wonder if it will even get a nom for best revival - it doesn't really sound like its even a revival - just a continuation...