Les Mis at the Papermill aka - the new tour

[boredroom]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 12:18pm

Does anyone have a review of this new production? Has anyone gone? I looked at the other link and no one really did a review of it. I would be very interested to hear what people think. Thanks

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 12:26pm

There are a few fan reviews on their facebook fan page.
http://www.facebook.com/lesmisontour

[PlayhouseBeauty]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 12:29pm

I haven't personally gone yet but here is an article about the musical from The Star-Ledger



Les Mis Start-Ledger Review

[p.s.]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 4:07pm

Nothing changes. Nothing ever will.

NOT.

It begins, as never before (except in movies), with a guy imprisoned with other convicts on a galley ship.

Actually, the new staging and scenery (the reimagining that began with the September 2008 Wolftrap and Theatre of the Stars production and evolved into the 25th Anniversary England/Europe tour) works very well. It's not at all annoying and doesn't interfere with the story. (In contrast to the Signature Theatre's production with chairs hanging from the ceiling and Javert shooting himself in the head.)

The Hugo paintings projected on a cyclorama at the back of the stage add background to many scenes, and especially makes visual sense of the unusual marching seen in the rehearsal videos.

Also different, but not at all bad (as examples): Javert carries a small length of chain in place of a baton; Fantine's death bed is to the left, not the right (I know that's not the first time); we don't actually "see" Gavroche's death; there are entrances and exits on the wrong side of the stage; and of course, no turntable. The changes or re-imaginings don't hurt the production. They just make it different from what we are used to seeing.

There were occasional problems with lighting and sound. I know it's just the first week of a six week run, but as the tour moves from city to city will every venue need some adjustment period?

Lawrence Clayton is not among my favorite Valjeans. I think he is better suited to concert style singing. I didn't mind that he spoke some parts that we are accustomed to hearing sung (we sadly have been getting used to that!); but he didn't both sing and act together with enough emotion. [My not actual prediction -- but I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't last through the entire tour. On the other hand, I could see him very possibly improving through this initial run.] Very much better is Andrew Varela as a perfectly acceptable, enjoyable Javert.

Betsy Morgan (Fantine) had a weak voice. (Maybe I'm spoiled by Lea Salonga in the so recent Concert). Cosette (Jenny Latimer), eh! Marius (Justin Scott Brown) ok!

The Thenardiers were suitably funny and entertaining, although Michael Kostroff seemed to lose interest towards the end (it was a long day - evening performance after a matinee); Shawna M. Hamic was quite good, although rather young looking for a Madame T.

I saw Lewis Grosso as an adorable, very busy Gavroche, and Anastasia Korbal was pitch-perfect as Little Cosette.

Even better than Andrew Varela was Chasten Harmon, who played a traditional Eponine with a strong, full beautiful voice.

The best, in my opinion, was Jeremy Hays as Enjolras. I vaguely remember him as a late bit part replacement in the Broadway revival. But now he is the best Enjolras I can recall. I'd like to hear what others think, after they've seen him in this production. As of now, I nominate Jeremy Hays for the part of Enjolras in the new movie.

The ensemble is very strong in all respects -- singing, acting, dancing or marching. The Company, together, had a wonderful, robust sound.

I will be back again - sometime next week.


p.s. I gotta mention Joe Tokarz, not especially notable as Brujon -- but as the uncredited hailer from the other side of the barricade. It's been a long time since someone's hailing reminded me of Nehal.

[aasjb4ever]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 4:30pm

Thanks for the review! I got my tickets the other night for the Philadelphia stop, anyone have any recommendations for a les mis virgin?

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 5:05pm

Can someone tell me what the Grantaire is like? Adam Linstead who played the role in the UK outshone most of the rest of the cast in terms of acting. One of the first Granaire's I have seen where the actor has clearly approached the role properly and portrayed it acurately.

[tourboi]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 5:24pm

Thanks for the review!

But of course they won't need that much time for sound tweaking in every city. Essentially they are building the show from scratch, so one should expect technical kinks. It's their first city and they're probably still setting the sound design.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 5:37pm

But the show has just come off from a European tour!

[DeNada]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 5:40pm

No it's not.

The UK touring production is in Madrid with a whole new Spanish technical team working on it. The US production is a new set build so it's entirely fresh.

I'm sure there are people from the UK working on both to get them up and running (not least the directors and other main creative staff), but it's essentially a new run at it in the States.

[broadwayman]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 7:03pm

I have to disagree with you about Betsy Morgan! I thought she was one of the best on that stage! In my opinion, her voice is stunning and quite the opposite of weak. Chasten Harmon did kick MAJOR butt, thought she was awesome! I was really impressed with everyone actually!

And I really enjoyed this staging of it, I enjoyed the addition of the projections and everything.

I would definitely recommend seeing this production!

[p.s.]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 7:31pm

Joseph Spieldenner was very good. He looked more like a sturdy Drew Sarich or Michael Minarik type of Grantaire, rather than a punky, just plain always drunk and wasted type. He handled his bottle with a firm, not limp, grip. What do you mean that Adam Linstead "approached the role properly and portrayed it accurately?"

Oh, we didn't see Grantaire die either. We knew it was happening, but couldn't see either Enjolras or Grantaire. There was too much smoke blocking that whole climactic barricade scene.

That reminded me of the smells. Several instances, at least three different kinds of smell. I could only guess -- smoke machine oil? paraffin? gunpowder? friction of machinery moving backstage?


p.s. Another problem was noises. A few times banging and clanking from the left wing; also from behind the door which was onstage right side. Most annoying was during Eponine's On My Own when it was extremely noisy at the back of the stage, behind the curtain. (Chasten Harmon was great, but I'm dying to hear her someday without the distraction.) Then the curtain opened to reveal the huge barricade ready to be rolled forward.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 7:48pm

Seeing this on December 5. I'm quite excited. Since watching the concert last week, I've been back on a bit of a Les Miz kick.

[p.s.]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 7:49pm

about Betsy Morgan

You know, I concede that it may have been somewhat of a microphone or sound problem. I know that people in other parts of the audience noted different instances from what I recalled. I will pay particular attention next time, hoping for, even expecting, much better.


p.s. Please don't get me wrong.

I, too, really enjoyed this staging of it, I enjoyed the addition of the projections and everything.

And, I would definitely recommend seeing this production!

[hubee]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 9:30pm

Haven't seen this yet but I really want to BECAUSE of Betsy Morgan cause last time I saw her, she blew me away with her voice. Maybe it was an off day?

[p.s.]

Posted: 11/29/10 at 11:14am

Does anyone have a review of this new production? Has anyone gone?

It's been a full week since the last comment. There were six or seven performances over Thanksgiving weekend. Does anyone have a review of this new production? Has anyone gone?


p.s. I do understand that Les Miserables (except perhaps in translation) is not the topic of the day.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 11/29/10 at 12:36pm

http://talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/d.php?id=1923711

[WIZdeOZ]

Posted: 11/29/10 at 9:44pm

I attended the Saturday 11/27 evening performance and was "blown away"
The sets were outstanding, as far as I am concerned you can retire the turntable to the Les Miserables museum permanently...The use of video background sets, lighting and color frame the les miserables cast as never before. The ensemble and individual performances were incredible.

JEAN VALJEAN: Mr. Clayton brings a grittiness to the role with a rich beautiful voice. I have always felt that what Colm Wilkinson was the best I have ever seen, he is Jean Valjean to me. I believe that what made him special was not
the power of his voice but his incredible attachment to the music combined
his skill as an actor. I believe that Lawrence Clayton's strength is his
ability to communicate Valjean's strong character and commitment to Fantine
and Cosette. His Performance of BHH is spellbinding!!!

JAVERT: Andrew Verela is blessed with a Strong powerful voice and portrays
the character as a compelling ominous presence!!! His performance is up there
with the best Javerts of all time. With the help of the new staging he makes one
of the most spectacular bridge jumps of all time! I do however feel that the up
tempo of the production limits Varela's ability to extend his notes in Stars and reduces the impact of this powerful music and compromises Verela's ability to
communicate Javerts inner conflict and pain.

FANTINE: Betsy Morgan...Based on prior blog reviews I have read I believe that
she must have been Under the weather in her earlier preview performances.
I thought her performance was spot on and I greatly enjoyed her voice and
stage presence.

MARIUS: Justin Scott Brown... I was entranced by JSB's performance of Empty
Chairs. The new staging with Marius walking (limping) on stage and turning
around to acknowledge the ghost of his friends is incredible. Justin Scott
Brown's delivery was emotional and pure....it was the high point of the evening
for me. Overall his acting and stage presence made me a fan.....his work
took on greater significance for me when I found out that he was sick and was
not able to perform at the official opening the next day..

ENJOLRAS: Jeremy Hays... Jeremy has a powerful voice and and sells the role
of the rebel leader as well as anyone...I love the role and he more than fits the bill!

EPONINE: Chasten Harmon....previous reviews have indicated that she was
over singing. If she has in the past she did not on Saturday. Her performance was suttle yet her voice was powerful. She did belt OMO but she did not
scream and her rendition was the show stoper it is supposed to be.

COSETTE: Jenny Latimer... She is a good actress and demonstrated chemistry
with Marius and Valjean. I enjoyed her performance although the impact of the
new staging has had limited impact on the character. I have always thought that
cosette deserves a bigger song...

THENARDIERS: Michael Kostroff & Shawna Hamic...great performances and acting MK was appropriately sinister and funny...not way over the top which I
prefer. SH was great and had great comic timing.

The ensemble was outstanding and the sound derived from their collective voices and the smaller but technically enhanced orchestra was beautiful. Great
production and a MUST SEE by all!!!! I believe it is the best musical you can
see today.....of course I am a fan...I have never been to a Les Mis performance
I didn't like..although this may be the best!
WDZ

[adamgreer]

Posted: 12/1/10 at 10:07pm

Peter Filichia from the Star Ledger has written a flat out rave for the production. Nice, but the review sounds like something a 3rd grader would write. I never realized what a poor writer he was. I mean, wow, this is amateurish.

Still really excited to see it Sunday.
Peter Filichia on Les Misrables Updated On: 12/1/10 at 10:07 PM

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 12/1/10 at 10:15pm

Blah blah understudy list blah blah?

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 12/1/10 at 11:52pm

I don't think there's a list posted online (yet).

I did find this, though: http://doyouhearthepeopleswing.posterous.com

[adamgreer]

Posted: 12/2/10 at 12:02am

Per another article, Ron Sharpe is the understudy for Jean Valjean and goes on once a week.

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 12/2/10 at 12:04am

Could someone remind me of their Student Rush policy? My sister's coming into town next weekend and we'd love to take the trip on Sunday out there. Or are there any discounts floating about? I'm not exactly on Papermill's distribution lists for those kinds of things.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 12/2/10 at 12:05am

The blah blah blah thing was funnier when Wonder Waiter did it.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 12/2/10 at 12:16am

The review on ATC is more mixed, but this part concerns me:

On the other end of theatre songs being distorted from their original meaning, we have songs sung like jazzy pop power ballads (i.e., "On My Own"). This style not only fails the story telling and character presentation, but it is jarring and musically unsettling.

Bring Him Home is most certainly not a "jazzy pop power ballad." Is that how Clayton is singing it?
ATC review

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 12/2/10 at 12:43am

Ron Sharpe is the ALTERNATE.