Les Miserables in Utah — Page 5

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#101

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 4/30/07 at 9:38pm

yeah I noticed that too. hmm

The morning star always gets wonderful bright the minute before it has to go --doesn't it?

#102

Not really that surprising that Mme T or Cosette weren't mentioned in that review. I always thought Cosette was a pretty bland, thankless role and Mme T has, like, two seconds to shine. Anyone who doesn't have a power ballad in Les Miz is likely to get lost in the shuffle.

My friend in the show says both actresses are fantastic. Too bad they weren't mentioned.

#103

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/1/07 at 3:45am

Another review:
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660216440,00.html

#104

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/3/07 at 5:07pm

After finally getting tickets for June 25, thanks to our wonderful neighbors, my husband and I were given two tickets for last night's performance of Les Miz!

Let me start by saying that I've seen this show once on Broadway way back when and every time it has come through Salt Lake City. Pioneer Theater's production was every bit as thrilling.

William Solo was the perfect Valjean. He seemed a little tired vocally but his performance completely captivated us. He sounds and looks very much like Colm Wilkenson. He was a very bitter convict in the first part of the show.
Merwin Forde had a more operatic voice than I am used to hearing for Javert. It took awhile to adjust but that's just a matter of personal taste. His "Stars" was breathtaking and I almost thought the audience was going to give him a standing ovation!
Kelly McCormick made a wonderful Fantine- beautiful, vunerable and vocally flawless. I liked that she didn't shout in her death scene but just died peacefully.
Kristen Wyatt was an adorable Eponine. She looks like she's 4'10" but what a voice! She didn't wear the traditional trenchcoat in "On My Own", just boy clothes.
I loved how Cosette looked exactly like her mother except a little taller! Fantine and Cosette shared a lovely moment during the finale. Trista Moldovan was gorgeous, a very operatic voice.
I think Micheal Haling is my new favorite Enjolras. During the begger scene he was very sweet to all the poor and was extremely passionate during the barricade scenes.
Greg Goodbrod had excellent chemistry with both of his ladies and did a fantastic "Empty Chairs."
I thought Max Robinson and Adina Alexander were perfectly paired up as the Thenadiers. One of my favorite scenes is when they come into the wedding in there ridiculous costumes. Neither actors overdid the comedy which I found refreshing.

Sorry for the long review! I had to write everything down while it was fresh! The only critism I have is that it was difficult to hear over the orchestra at times and that I spotted a few members of the ensemble who weren't the best actors in the world.
I'm excited to see it again in June!
~Sandra and Mark

#105

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/5/07 at 1:04am

I saw the opening night performance from the balcony. The show was impressive overall EXCEPT the actors playing ValJean and Enjolras. Whatever acting they were doing did not read in the balcony, and their voices were crap-ola. If those two weak links had been better, the show would have been outstanding. I also thought some of the sounds coming from the chorus were a little like the West Valley 8th ward choir, a little too heavy, rich, and vibrato laden.
Max Robinson as Thenardier was incredible. For not being considered a singer, he made those NYC actors look like high school glee club. Every note was on pitch, every word was clear and understandable, and he acted the **** out of it. Thank God for Max! Adinah Alexander was fabulous as his partner in devience.
I loved the leading ladies. Kelly McCormick as Fantine far surpassed the retarded performance given by Daphne Rubin-Vega in the Broadway show. Rubin-Vega is a freakish, drugged out Fantine, McCormick is classy and creates sympathy for the character. Kirsten Wyatt was a fireball as Eponine.
Gregg Goodbrod ia a handsome Marius, with a voice that could melt the coldest heart. He has a fabulous big voice. Mearle Marsh's musical direction definately did the score justice. The set was awesome thanks to George Maxwell. All in all a pretty great show. I wish broadway Bob would have been here to play ValJean. He is missed. Great job to the cast.

#106

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/5/07 at 1:08am

I think Micheal Haling is my new favorite Enjolras. During the begger scene he was very sweet to all the poor and was extremely passionate during the barricade scenes.

I remember him doing that a lot on tour. He's one of my favorites. Especially the day he ad-libbed "Liberte! Egalite! Fraternite!" :)

"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt

#107

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/5/07 at 1:21am

Most redundant thread title ever.

Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

#108

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/5/07 at 3:01am

I think Micheal Haling is my new favorite Enjolras. During the begger scene he was very sweet to all the poor and was extremely passionate during the barricade scenes.

I remember him doing that a lot on tour. He's one of my favorites. Especially the day he ad-libbed "Liberte! Egalite! Fraternite!" :)

Michael does the same ad-lib in this production as well. = )

#109

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/5/07 at 6:29pm

Namo, you made my day. Hilarious.

#110

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/6/07 at 2:22pm

"A rep from Tara Rubin Casting is being flown out to see this production for upcoming replacements in the B'way company.
A few people are leaving the B'way ensemble- both Mme Thenardiare covers for sure."

If that is true I wouldn't be suprised one bit if Adinah Alexander went into the New York company as a cover.

Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.

#111

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/9/07 at 5:51pm

http://www.slweekly.com/editorial/2007/ae_3_2007-05-10.cfm

"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt

#112

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/12/07 at 12:43pm

It's being extended again... into the first week of July and quite possibly going into the second week of July. That is just insane. But congrats to the cast and crew. Salt Lake must love them some Les Mis!!

#113

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/12/07 at 2:22pm

Utah loves the show...but the Theatre for the first time ever has gone into other states with advertising. I know that they have reported that Idaho has been a big buyer. So I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people are coming in from out of state.

I have gone to other shows and know that there is a college in Wyoming that brings certain students down for the shows.

I go by the theatre 2 times a day and every weekday that a matinee is held there are school buses parked outside of the theatre.

I can't wait as I will be going again on the 19th.

#114

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/17/07 at 1:48am

I have always been a fan of the show, but had never actually seen it on stage. I saw it a few weeks ago at Pioneer Theater and was taken aback. What a wonderful musical score. If you knew me, you'd know it takes a lot to make me cry, and by the end of this production I cried.

I wish I would have posted a review after I saw it the first time. However, I am going again next weekend. It was hell to get tickets. In order to go with my friend, one of us has to sit in the last row of the orchestra while the other is 5th row in the loge. Ah the things we do for the theater.

"Champagne makes me drowsy!"

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

As we stumble along on life's funny journey. As we stumble along into the blue. We look here and we look there, seeking answers anywhere. Never sure of where to turn or what to do.

Still we bumble our way through life's crazy labyrinth. Barely knowing left from right nor right from wrong. And the best that we can do is hope a blue bird, will sing his song as we stumble along.

#115

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/19/07 at 9:31pm

Saw the show today. Sat 3rd row loge. It was interesting seeing the show from up there. Never been that far up before. It was fun as I saw some things I had not seen before.

Nothing much new. The show is as wonderful as ever.

#116

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/19/07 at 10:01pm

"Fantine and Cosette shared a lovely moment during the finale."

What was this moment? Are they having Fantine become a visible ghost to the other characters?

#117

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/20/07 at 2:18am

I loved what they did. It was neat. She had done a similar thing the other times I saw it.

the thing that I thought was fun was Grantaire did a different dance this time while he was teasing Marius.

#118

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/20/07 at 11:37am

To answer theminutepasts's question. Yes, at the end of the show there is a moment where Fantine and ValJean come back as visible ghosts to look at the grown Cosette and Marius. It tugs at the heartstrings. I didn't notice it the first time I saw the production, but the second time, I noticed it. It took me by surprize because my heart kind of jumped into my throat for a sceond.
It is a moment of great direction in a show that didn't capitalize on some of the stirring possibilities. The death of Gavrosh for instance, is not very effective in this production. In other productions I've seen, He drops like a sandbag when he is shot. The brutality of it was shocking. In this production, he is already seated when he is shot, and he just closes his eyes. It is out of custom for this director, Charles Morey, who usually adds every ounce of blood and gore he can get away with, to any production that might accomodate it.
The current Broadway show is a little more biting with the brutality of the war scene in general. This production has scaled it back to the PG-13 version in that respect. I think in part due to the direction, in part to the acting, and in part to the sound. It lacks a little in intensity.
For people who have already seen the Salt Lake production of "Les Miserables", and would like to see it again with some different cast members, try getting tickets for the first week of July. It's always interesting to see the same show again with some fresh faces. Sometimes new blood brings new spirit and perspective to the show. There will be several new cast members in July.

#119

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/21/07 at 12:49am

Fantine crosses to Cosette after Valjean dies and the ensemble sings "Do You Hear the People Sing?". Cosette reads the letter Valjean left and Fantine watches and touches her face. Eponine has a similar moment with Marius at the same time.
I've never seen that done in any production and thought it was quite touching.

I spoke to one of the ushers before the show and it is now running until July 7th now with yet another extention in the works.

#120

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/21/07 at 1:08pm

ah yes, SandraP2 is right. It is Fantine and Eponine at the end. It's been a while since I saw it. It's a cool moment in the show. It is extended until July 7th. Get your tickets now if you want good seats, they sell out like hotcakes.

#121

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/24/07 at 4:35pm

I FINALLY saw the show on the 19th but haven't had the time until now to write a review. The show as a whole was fantastic. Some of the individual performances, however, were somewhat lacking. I’ll review the characters rather than the scenes:

Jean ValJean (William Solo) - I didn’t really like his voice to begin with – his vibrato was odd - but he completely redeemed himself with “Bring Him Home.” Somehow the quietness required for this song toned down his vibrato and you could’ve heard a pin drop in the theatre when he sang this. He got a huge applause at the end but I’m interested to hear who will be taking his place in July.

Fantine (Kelly McCormick) – I had never seen a brunette Fantine before so it kind of threw me off. It was even a little hard for me to concentrate on her because of it. Her voice was fine, if not a little harsh. She didn’t really seem to have good chemistry with anyone until the final scene when ValJean dies. In her death scene, she dies with a silly grin on her face which was quite comical. Several people around me snickered.

Cosette (Trista Moldovan) – Her voice was good but she had an odd way of singing in a halting, affected manner. I suppose she was doing it to add her own style and rhythm to the songs but it was a little unsettling to listen to because it seemed as if she was forgetting the word at the end of the phrase and then remembering it at the last minute! That’s the only way I can think to describe it.

Marius (Gregg Goodbrod) – He was incredible!! It’s worth a trip to Utah just to hear him and Eponine sing “Little Fall of Rain.” It was perfect. What a voice he has! He stole every scene he was in with his voice and charm. (Reminds me of a certain British singer I know...) The only thing I didn’t like was when he sang, “Red and Black” which is one of my fave songs from the show. He really hammed up his part, “(Red...) I see my soul on fire. (Black...) My soul if she’s not there.” I’d never seen it sung any other way than very serious and sincere and really didn’t like how he sung/played it in such an over-dramatic, comical way. Weird. Has anyone else seen it played this way?

Eponine (Kirsten Wyatt) - Fantastic! I really liked her voice. It was interesting that she sang “On My Own” while sitting on the stage rather than standing but I liked it. We were on the 6th row, which is a little close for this theater with its high stage, but it made this song more personal. Again, the duet “Little Fall of Rain” was just amazing. Her death scene was brilliantly acted.

Javert (Merwin Foard) – He was fine. I liked his voice but nothing too remarkable about him.

The Thenadiers (Max Robinson, Adinah Alexander) - They were great and stopped the show several times. Very fun to watch.

The orchestra was fabulous as were the ensemble and sets which added a lot to the show. A great production overall!

#122

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/24/07 at 5:39pm

"It was interesting that she sang “On My Own” while sitting on the stage rather than standing but I liked it."

In a recent non-replica Norwegian production (Trondheim 2006), half of the song was performed sitting down. (You can see a clip on that not-to-be mentioned Y site.) I loved that staging.

#123

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/25/07 at 2:36pm

Thanks, I'll have to look for that.

#124

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 5/25/07 at 8:50pm

I saw Les Mis at the Pioneer Theater last Thursday the 17th. I have seen it 3 times before. Once on Braodway and twice on tour in various cities.
I was very impressed with the production and a few of the actors.

Michael Halling was excellent as Enjolras. He commanded the stage wonderfully.
Kelly McCormmick as Fontine was also very impressive.

But what most impressed me was the Understudy that went on for Javert - Josh Davis.
There is no way anyone would have known he was the understudy. This guy had one of the biggest (but controlled) voices I have ever heard. And on top of that his acting was wonderful - he was evil and menacing and I loved ever moment that he was on stage.
Hope to see good things for him in the future.
All in all a good time at the theater

#125

Les Miserables in Utah

Posted: 6/27/07 at 5:38pm

I saw the show for the 5th time on June 23rd and have to save I was very surprised.

Apparently there was a cast change.

James Judy is now Javert...and sad to say...I was not impressed. He was too comical for the role. I didn't care for his voice and sadly...people around me actually laughed at the death scene.

The new Fantine, Autumn Hurlbert was wonderful. I loved her voice.

And Kelly McCormmick was PHENOMENAL!!!! Her performance for this show was unbelieveable. She really put her heart and soul into it. Everyone was crying and she a big applause after I dreamed a dream.

They said that the show was sold out for the rest of the run. I am hoping to go with my rush pass 1 or 2 more times. For sure the last show (I was at opening night).

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