Les Miserables- first preview review

Just got back from the show, it was absolutely amazing!!!

Noticed a few changes in lyrics and orchestrations, nothing major. The whole show was so smooth, I couldn't believe this was just the first preview!!

My fav (and yes, I am biased) was Celia as Eponine, she just nailed it with the singing, the acting, you could see her heart breaking over Marius, just fantastic. Also really enjoyed Alexander Gemignani as Valjean, Norm Lewis as Javert, Gary Beach and Jenny Galloway were fabulous as the Thenardiers, Adam Jacobs as Marius may be my next Broadway crush, and Aaron Lazar as Enjolras really gave a great performance. Newcomer Ali Ewoldt as Cosette had a beautiful voice, loved listening to her. The ensemble in general was wonderful. Carly Rose Sonenclar, age 7, sang a great Castle on a Cloud, Tess Adams was young Eponine, and Brian D'Addario was Gavroche. Very impressive from the kids tonight!

Looking forward to many more returns!

Updated On: 10/25/06 at 11:21 PM

Also want to comment that the longest applause in the show went to Alex's Bring Him Home, just beautiful, he pulled it off and it was amazing.

Immediate standing ovation at the end.

Daphne? Do I care to ask?

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I agree: What about Daphne?

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The show sounds amazing. I can't wait to see it.

How was Doug Kreeger?

i thought daphne was a great casting choice. different enough to be different, i still hear a certain tone of power in her voice. breathy, sure. raspy, why not. but something about it appeals to me. daphne is a strong actress and i think it shows. the audience reacted fine to her. i agree, the show went so smoothly i couldnt believe it.

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The audience was very responsive overall, most people seemed familiar with the show. Lots of applauding, cheering for the big numbers, I think Celia may have been the only one to get a bit of entrance applause when she first came on...

I MUST see Celia in this role. I will do whatever it takes.

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How did Celia Bolger get entrance applause? Isn't she in the ensemble as all previous Eponine's have been - in "Lovely Ladies," etc?

What song do they use for Gavroche's death? (Assuming it's used in some other parts of the song as well)

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I'm fairly sure that the cast has always been (in the original & tours) visable upstage while setting up scenes before they revolve.

Yeah, they use the cast to try and block the audience from seeing crew setting up the set. But sometimes, such as the setting up of Empty Chairs, the crew is more visible. I don't mind. I kind of like to see how they do it.

They have a new song for Gav?! They took out Little People?!

Updated On: 10/25/06 at 12:02 AM