LaCageFans: LES MISERABLES Review

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 11/5/06 at 9:04pm

LES MISERABLES Review

https://nycriticscorner.broadwayworld.com/lesmiserables.htm

Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg's adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel "Les Miserables" blasts back onto the Broadway stage with an already built in fan base after only closing its original 6,680 run a mere three years ago. The justification for the musical's return is questionable as an artistic achievement. Can this revival repeat the highs of the grandiose spectacle that the masterful original gave Broadway audiences?

"Les Miserables" has a mosaic of characters - police, prostitutes and hardheaded students - woven onto an automatically dramatic backdrop of tragic revolution in France where there is glory in death for a cause.

Its real star, apart from a world-class performance by Norm Lewis as Javert, is the pounding, slippery, exquisite score. Herbert Kretzmer and Claude-Michel Schonberg's score is just as heavy as the production itself, with its heavy operatic influence filled with vocal crescendos. The plain chord structures layered with tons of intricate melodies carry the palatable lyrics, especially as performed by most of the amazing talent in this revival.

Although almost every number is as strong as any musicals finale, the passion - death, romance or obsession - often provides touching moments such as Norm Lewis' policeman Javert's search of the dead and Alexander Gemignani's Valjean as he envelopes "Bring Him Home" into a stunning awe inspiring moment. The swinging rowdiness of Master of the House is always a welcome variance from the enthralling haughtiness of the show's insistent purpose, especially when performed by the shows outstanding supporting superstar Gary Beach as Thénardier.

The only misstep of this production is the casting of Daphne Rubin-Vega as Fantine. Her "I Dreamed a Dream" is more like a nightmare. Making acting choices that are completely bizarre and not melding with her other actors onstage, she truly is an awkward presence from start to finish. Luckily Fantine's finish is closer to the beginning of the show, but her reappearance for the finale ruins the spectacular ending with her very presence. Why Cameron Mackintosh has not replaced Rubin-Vega with an actress suited to tackle this role is a mystery.

Luckily though, the wielding backbone of the evening survives thanks in large part to designer John Napier's revolving stage that goes hand in hand with David Hersey's lighting. And John Caird and Trevor Nunn's direction of this enormous undertaking crackling over decades and cities is impeccable, with the exception of Rubin-Vega's pointless Fantine; but with all the time they have had to make all of their productions sparkle, why oh why do they let Rubin-Vega nearly destroy an otherwise height hitting event?. Nonetheless, "Les Miserables" is an overwhelming and exhilarating experience that remains one of the great grand daddies of musical theatre.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 11/5/06 at 9:11pm

Bring back Patti LuPone!

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 11/5/06 at 9:12pm

what did you think of Celia?

[p.s.]

Posted: 11/5/06 at 9:41pm

Now I'm singing a different tune.

I was at Preview #1 (10/24) and at Sat night 10/28 performance.
I've wondered why, with all the negative discussion about the "Fantine problem", the "creatives" couldn't or wouldn't replace Daphne Rubin-Vega.
I asked, "Do they hear the people sing?".

Now, however, I am singing a different tune.
At today's performance (Sunday 11/5 3:00 p.m.), Daphne was not just all right; she was terrific.
There was no cringing or moaning in the audience.
The comments were like: She's different than the old or original Fantines, but they lowered the key or something and she sounds great.
I'm not especially musical, but my own feeling is that whereas in the earlier previews Daphne couldn't reach a note -- today her voice was strong, she didn't swallow or miss a single syllable, and she was confident in her performance. She hit everything right on, and deserved the final curtain ovation.
I don't know who contributed to this miracle; probably some of you can explain how this came about.
As a layman, I suspect it's a combination of private coaching, reworking of the orchestration, and her own professionalism and talent.
I'll be back Wednesday night, as well as Thursday.
I hope the professional reviewers don't base their reviews on the early previews; they must watch the show again.

p.s. Regarding Celia: "Hail Celia!"

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 11/5/06 at 9:47pm

Pro-critics review performances about 3 days before opening night.

[deardarling]

Posted: 11/5/06 at 9:58pm

I asked, "Do they hear the people sing?".

Loved that.

[HumATune]

Posted: 11/5/06 at 10:04pm

but they lowered the key or something

Are you serious? I hate when they do crap like that. Find someone who can sing the songs as written.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 11/5/06 at 10:17pm

I too saw the 3rd preview and this Sunday afternoon, which was a press performance and while I think she was better than she was earlier, she is still completely miscast. Her entire take on the character is soooo bizzare, she just doesnt work with the rest of the cast and its ashame. Her singing is such a unique experience within itself, it just has me wondering why she was cast.

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 11/5/06 at 10:29pm

I, for one, LOVED Daphne in the role. She makes the part not about the singing, and it becomes a part about anguish and frustration of purpose. It also enables the lyrics to mean something. I think Daphne is doing superior acting work to everyone else on stage (who are shockingly and unbelievably derivative with every intention and beat).

[NJRae]

Posted: 11/6/06 at 7:53am

When do the official reviews come out? I know opening night is the 9th . . . do reviews come out the next day?

[mijofly19]

Posted: 11/6/06 at 8:11am

Reviews come out on Opening Night.

[ken8631]

Posted: 11/6/06 at 8:16am

I still can't believe daphne is still in the role. They are changing the key for her? Come on already.....

The crtics will tear this apart, it's a shame, since it's my fav musical of all time....

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 11/6/06 at 9:04am

One of the best reviews I have ever read. Thank you for sharing I agree with everything you said.

Updated On: 11/6/06 at 09:04 AM

[Joelbeans]

Posted: 11/6/06 at 10:15am

Lowered the key to Fantine's song? My god...I know Daphne is a low alto, but if you lower I dreamed a dream it already goes down to a G below middle C if I remember the score right. How far did they lower it?

[p.s.]

Posted: 11/6/06 at 10:54am

I don't even know if they actually "lowered the key". That may be the wrong term.
I said: They lowered the key or something ... and she sounds great.
Maybe others who were there Sunday afternoon can explain.

p.s. The fact is that yesterday's performance was nothing like those of the first week of previews. Anybody out there who actually attended? Do you agree? Perhaps you can explain it better than I did.
[ I don't know the difference between a G and a Middle C. All I remember from school is that a C minus is much much better than an F. ]