Les Miserables 08/08 Review — Page 2

I've never seen an Eponine sit down during OMO. I wish she would, it'd make a change from the dreadful blocking of her just standing there without moving the entire song. That was my big complaint about Celia's Eponine: she had this wonderful interpretation built up, and then in her big number I got nothing from her. She just stood there and sang, as does Megan.

Megan has a lovely voice but I think they should have found another replacement for Mandy Bruno. Megan is just so sweet and inoffensive as Eponine, which really isn't what the role's about--I liked her as an occasional treat when she was understudy, but I'm not comfortable with her being principal.

If Rob Hunt is anything like he was on tour, he's too maniacal and one-note. Not as likely to fly off the handle as Drew Sarich's Javert, but still, somebody give him a chill pill. Great voice, and from what I've heard he's kind of love-him-or-hate-him as Javert. So maybe you'll love him.

I feel really bad seeing Max get slammed, because he's not a bad Enjolras, even if he's not one of the best. It's just that taking a swing at his performance feels an awful lot like kicking a really cute puppy, which isn't a feeling you should get from an Enjolras. I'd love to see him as Marius.

Lea's overrated. (There, I said it.) She's really good, but I've never cried or had a religious experience while watching her as some other people appear to have done.

Thanks for sharing.

Lea Salonga is the jewel of the company. Her Fantine was probably the best I've seen to date. Her acting, simple yet stood out among the cast. She has definitely matured artistically. It was more evident when she took center stage in “I Dreamed a Dream.” The song was sung with such ease, endearing emotions and perfect pitch. Lea’s approach to this song was younger, less grittier, and with a blithe touch to John Caird’s direction. The song's chorus was delivered with such passion and sadness instead of the angry cry as typically rendered by other actors. Her dire expression was innocent’s love lost. On the scene of her character's demise, her plea to Valjean was done so well. It was quite emotional and her acting was realistic. It seemed like the audience was also miffed with pain, and there was dead silence at the end as if one was awaiting for the gush of emotions. I wish the composers inserted a pause at this moment to give the audience a chance to applaud. What a performance! Lea has captured the martyr Fantine down to her last breath.

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Updated On: 8/10/07 at 09:07 PM