And the new Jean Valjean is going to be...- Page 2

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 5/15/06 at 4:08pm

I've never seen any cast member of Les Miz attempt a french accent...

[theatretenor]

Posted: 5/15/06 at 4:09pm

I really don't think Alexander will have the voice for Valjean, but we'll see I guess.

[Marguerite Chauvelin]

Posted: 5/15/06 at 4:10pm

Colm Wilkinson sounded rather French, at least in comparison with his Che.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 5/15/06 at 4:11pm

Alexander would be very fitting as Valjean, but how will he sound with a French accent?

That's not a factor.

Posted: 5/15/06 at 4:19pm

Every Les Mis and Phantom (which I only mention because it also takes place in France) audition notice I've ever seen boldly states "No accents". I'm personally a fan of "if its based on a period European novel, use a non-discript British accent".

In regards to the age - I believe Robert Evan was the youngest Valjean to date, and played it in his mid-twenties.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 5/15/06 at 4:21pm

In regards to the age - I believe Robert Evan was the youngest Valjean to date, and played it in his mid-twenties.

I think John Owen-Jones was still younger than Evan, though.

[ThereIs1Director]

Posted: 5/15/06 at 4:24pm

Colm Wilkinson sounded rather French, at least in comparison with his Che.

Colm Wilkinson is Irish, and thats the accent he has...far from French. In Evita, when he was Che, he was just a young kid. Voices develop.

As far as Alexander G....I woudn't count on that too much. Cameron MacIntosh is smarter than that.

I would think your going to see Marquee Value name, at least for a while.

[sybil7]

Posted: 5/15/06 at 6:58pm

my opinion of the Valjean casting??? one word: STINKS

[mrkringas]

Posted: 5/15/06 at 7:10pm

Colm sounds french? HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA

Colm sounds like Colm! Its his own distinctive vocal manerisms that I am my friends love cause its so OTT. In his concerts, his cds and performances. Still we do love him! But its not a french accent. Fair enough if thats what you hear though. I loathe the use of accents in musical theatre where the characters are not supposed to be native english speakers. It just goes horrible wrong so often and detachs us from the text. I mean in Nine if it was realistic all the characters would speak Italian. So why bother with those horrible (and yes I know they had an expensive dialect coach no doubt) accents?

Did Chess a few months ago and there was not a single Russian accent in sight. With names like Anatoly and Molokov its kinda obvious they aint American

Anyway back to this casting. I think he must have done a wonderful audition. I was taken by his performance in Sweeney. Easily the most radical. Assassins left me a bit underwhelmed but nice to see them going against type with this casting. Les Mis needs new blood sometimes. This could be it..lets wait and hear after the first preview. He has the top range for it..just that I have not heard his belt up there in both shows I have seen. Its not been called for. If he can place for Bflats in Sweeney as efortlessly as he does it would not shock me to hear that he has the technique to belt the same note.

I really hope they cast some hot blooded young thing though as Enjolras. Stephen Pasquale? Back in London we are getting Jon Lee (S Club) as Marius again. As much as I like him it meant they cast a pretty boy Enjolras the last time grrrr!

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 5/15/06 at 7:49pm

JESUS people...don't criticize his performance until you've seen it. If he does end up being bad, then fine--write negative comments until your fingers are sore. But give the guy a chance. Besides, it's not like they just hired some nobody. He's played principal roles in three Broadway shows (Assassins, Sweeney Todd, and as a temporary replacement in Avenue Q).