Les Mis Revival = YUCK!

Was not happy!

I've seen this show over 60 times. I was so excited about the revival. I now find myself wishing it never returned.

The bad:

The orchestrations - Just awful. Sounds like there are 5 instruments in the pit.

Celia - was never a fan and I hated her here. Sure she has a lovely voice but I hate eponines who are "lovely". She plays the role the same way everyone else after Ruffelle played her. Nobody can top Frances in this role.

Adam Jacobs - Annoyed me the whole time.

The good:

Gemignani - He has always been amazing so there was no surprise here. I actually liked his Valjean a lot. Too bad his supporting cast was nowhere near as good.

Daphne - She was AWESOME!! Fantastic actress!! I always thought Daphne would make a better Eponine (in her day) and I was nervous for her Fantine but she was a delight. Her "Dreamed a Dream" was so raw and heartbreaking.

Lazaar - AMAZING!! My favorite since Maguire.

Too tired to write anymore. I will not be seeing it again until they hire some more musicians and get rid of 90% of the cast.

You didn't like Gary Beach?

No.

While I wasn't able to see Alex in the role, I have to disagree with you about Daphne's performance. I was simply not a fan. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed Celia, Adam, Gary, Jenny, and Norm.

How did you feel about Norm's Javert?

ETA: Dis in disagree. Woops.

Updated On: 11/12/06 at 04:42 PM

Interesting about Celia...I thought one of the best things about her portrayal of Eponine was that she DIDN'T make her just lovely, she seemed a lot more like the half-crazed Marius stalker that Victor Hugo gave us rather than the pretty waif like many actresses have played her. Most of the complaints I've heard have been that she isn't "sweet" enough, which seems like the opposite of what you're saying.
I agree with you about Daphne though, she is fantastic.

Throughly enjoyed it except for DRV

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Thanks for the report, Ciaron. I have been curious to hear about the new orchestrations.

" I will not be seeing it again until they hire some more musicians and get rid of 90% of the cast."

The only way Cameron will hire more musicians will be if the show relocates to a theater that has a higher orchestra minimum.

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I hate Les Mis but I liked the new cast...hmmm Daphne was umm different i kept wanting to see Patti Lupone belt out I dremed a dream,but she was not there Daphne was not bad different... just different... love her acting!

After hearing an awful rendition of "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" over the summer at some theatre I was on my knees thanking God for adam. I thought he was cute.

Yes. Lazar was amazing. Swoon.

I thought Cosette was a bit weak. But she, like adam, was cute.

And I agree that daphne is a great actress, and I can definately see where people get impressed with her fantine...but... to me Fantine is weak. She's just a weak person and Daphne is too tough for me to be happy with the performance.

I actually agree with Celia though. I mean, I just didn't think much of her. I didn't like her at all in Spelling Bee, and her "On My Own" just wasn't enough for me. But she really does have a lovely voice.

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I'm glad to see that Aaron Lazar is getting so many good reviews I loved him in Light in the Piazza. Hopfully I will be able to see the show soon.

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Jean Valjean, no evildoer,
Stole some bread 'cause he was poor.
A detective chased him through a sewer.
The end.

Updated On: 11/12/06 at 07:45 PM

daphne was really good

Thanks for the review. My mom and I were planning to see this for her birthday, but it never worked out. We both love the show and it's too bad the revival isn't as good as it could be.

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This is true. But a lot of people have been saying it's less than par. However, it is live theatre and some nights, as I know, are your off nights. Or off weeks, as it may be.

We would go, but we have no money. Well, we went to see "George M. Cohan Tonight!" instead because it's in Worcester and the tickets were 35 a piece.

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