#1
Posted: 6/21/06 at 7:15pm
I saw the June 21, 2006 evening performance of Les Miserables. It was also opening night of the tour here in Dallas. All I can say is that this show truly is incredible. I went in not expecting much, even though many of my theatre friends had told me how amazing this show was. I came out of the theatre as a brand new Les Mis fan. This cast truly is wonderful and give the performances of their lifetime.
Randal Keith (Jean Valjean) grabs you and takes you on an incredible journey through Valjean's life. From his first words to his last, you are not only intrigued by Mr. Keith's INCREDIBLE voice, but also his heart-wrenching acting skills. Your hearts breaks time and time again for Valjean, and you're rooting for him the whole way through. His 'Bring Him Home' leaves you speechless, as was quite apparent in the Music Hall last night. The audience erupted into a good whole minute applause, complete with cheering and screaming. I can not say enough good things about Keith. Robert Hunt (Javert) does an impeccable job in this production, making you hate him all the way through up until his climax. The death needs work, however. It just does not work for this production. In fact, when he fell, I even heard a few embarassed chuckles around me. Call me crazy, but I don't think that's the reaction they're going for. This, however, was only one of two problems I had with this production. The other problem was Leslie Henstock (Cosette). I just did not enjoy her performance at all. Granted she had some nice moments, but overall, I did not feel for the way she was playing the character. Her voice is also a weakening factor. Her lower register is fine, but when she tries to hit the higher notes, it's quite a struggle for her. And it's a struggle not won. It's the TOTAL opposite, however, for Melissa Lyons (Eponine). She has the voice of an angel and her 'On My Own' alone is worth the $90. Just like with Valjean, you're heart was constantly pouring out for her as she struggled with her emotions for Marius. There aren't enough good things to say about Ms. Lyons. Daniel Bogart (Marius) has a wonderful voice perfectly suited for Marius (and he's not bad to look at either!). Jennifer Butt and Norman Large, who play Thenardier and Madame Thenarider, respectively, make you giggle and smile throughout all of their scenes.
However, the person you leave the theatre remembering is Ms. Joan Almedilla (Fantine). Although not on stage for a whole lot of the show, you can not help but to remember how incredibly perfect her performance was. She WAS Fantine, if that makes sense. She takes you out of this theatre you're sitting in, and makes you believe you are truly witnessing a poor woman's falling and demise. She's perfect.
The touring company is in wonderful condition. It's a show not to be missed. If it's coming to your city, buy you're tickets now! You'll have a great time.
Hope you guys enjoyed my review! Take care!
--Brandon
Randal Keith (Jean Valjean) grabs you and takes you on an incredible journey through Valjean's life. From his first words to his last, you are not only intrigued by Mr. Keith's INCREDIBLE voice, but also his heart-wrenching acting skills. Your hearts breaks time and time again for Valjean, and you're rooting for him the whole way through. His 'Bring Him Home' leaves you speechless, as was quite apparent in the Music Hall last night. The audience erupted into a good whole minute applause, complete with cheering and screaming. I can not say enough good things about Keith. Robert Hunt (Javert) does an impeccable job in this production, making you hate him all the way through up until his climax. The death needs work, however. It just does not work for this production. In fact, when he fell, I even heard a few embarassed chuckles around me. Call me crazy, but I don't think that's the reaction they're going for. This, however, was only one of two problems I had with this production. The other problem was Leslie Henstock (Cosette). I just did not enjoy her performance at all. Granted she had some nice moments, but overall, I did not feel for the way she was playing the character. Her voice is also a weakening factor. Her lower register is fine, but when she tries to hit the higher notes, it's quite a struggle for her. And it's a struggle not won. It's the TOTAL opposite, however, for Melissa Lyons (Eponine). She has the voice of an angel and her 'On My Own' alone is worth the $90. Just like with Valjean, you're heart was constantly pouring out for her as she struggled with her emotions for Marius. There aren't enough good things to say about Ms. Lyons. Daniel Bogart (Marius) has a wonderful voice perfectly suited for Marius (and he's not bad to look at either!). Jennifer Butt and Norman Large, who play Thenardier and Madame Thenarider, respectively, make you giggle and smile throughout all of their scenes.
However, the person you leave the theatre remembering is Ms. Joan Almedilla (Fantine). Although not on stage for a whole lot of the show, you can not help but to remember how incredibly perfect her performance was. She WAS Fantine, if that makes sense. She takes you out of this theatre you're sitting in, and makes you believe you are truly witnessing a poor woman's falling and demise. She's perfect.
The touring company is in wonderful condition. It's a show not to be missed. If it's coming to your city, buy you're tickets now! You'll have a great time.
Hope you guys enjoyed my review! Take care!
--Brandon
Updated On: 6/22/06 at 07:15 PM
Looking forward to your review. LES MIZ is my all-time favorite show.
