Pittsburgh CLO Les Miserables

[NYTheatre01]

Posted: 7/16/09 at 1:18pm

Has anyone seen Pittsburgh CLO's performance of Les Miserables? I hear it's getting great reviews: Here's one of them.
"
"Les Miz" is a test of endurance, for both the audience during that two-hour first act and the principals who must carry it. The weight fell squarely on the strong, able shoulders of Fred Inkley, a Broadway veteran as Jean Valjean, who made his Pittsburgh CLO debut Tuesday night with the commanding presence and vocal range that the role demands. We suffer with him as he agonizes and ages before our eyes. He was matched toe-to-toe by Robert Cuccioli's relentless, unyielding Javert.

The young principals among the cast made strong impressions, particularly selfless Eponine, who was embodied by Ashley Spencer, a finalist in the TV competition "Grease: You're the One That I Want," and Kevin Earley as the student leader Enjolras. Matthew Scott (Marius) and Kate Loprest (Cosette) had the right amount of earnest longing as the young lovers who may get a chance at tomorrow.

The CLO production that runs through July 19 at the Benedum Center includes a beefed-up orchestra of 23 musicians. But this show was all about the performances and the voices -- on display to the point of straining or shouting at points. There were a couple of other minor opening-night glitches, with a momentary dead mic or a spotlight that didn't immediately hit its mark. The lighting was mostly on target, though, creating the illusions of space and atmosphere, as in the scene where Valjean rescues Marius and carries him through the sewers under Paris. The big, familiar ballads -- Fantine's "I Dreamed a Dream," Eponine's "On My Own" -- were performed with the curtains drawn behind the spotlighted singers.

Tim Hartman, as the devious, devilish Thernadier, got to be "Master of the House" in his bawdy tavern, and there were those brave boys at the barricade, with that big, bright red flag to wave. But this was a rather intimate revolution, with the appropriately gloomy sets fading into the dark. The CLO focus was squarely on the Herbert Kretzmer/Claude-Michel Schonberg score and the work of some formidable performers."


Sharon Eberson can be reached at [e-mail] or 412-263-1960.
First published on July 9, 2009 at 12:00 am


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09190/982660-325.stm#ixzz0LRcFv3TF
etting great reviews.

[NYTheatre01]

Posted: 7/16/09 at 1:22pm

Here'sCLO's Les Miserables: Pittsburgh's Summer Musical Must- See!8 July, 2009 0 comments theatre
How was the opening night performance of Pittsburgh CLO's Les MIserables last night? Let's just say that the numbers "24601" have been playing over and over again in my head since I woke up this morning.



Based on Victor Hugo's novel, the passionate and dramatic Les Miserables shines in Director Barry Ivan's capable hands. Although the beginning has a few kinks (Fred Inkley's portrayal of Jean Valjean as a recently-paroled prisoner is too animalistic for my taste), the cast and crew gives the audience the emotional catharsis many have come to expect from 'Les Mis.'



Barry Ivan leaves no room for confusion about any part of the show, from when and where scenes take place, to the main characters' innermost feelings and thoughts. The most passionate and emotional songs are portrayed in a simplistic manner, via main characters downstage center. A black curtain pulled behind them provides a blank canvas, free of scenery and set, where individual characters like Fantine can tell of her broken dreams, or Javert can proclaim his everlasting pursuit and determination to uphold justice in "The Stars." Characters Marius (Matthew Scott), Eponine (Ashley Spencer) and Valjean are also included in this technique, which creates a feeling of intimacy between the characters and audience, and allows us to become emotionally involved in the performance.



Although some songs fail to inspire ("I Dreamed a Dream," "In My Life"), most songs positively shine. Ashley Spencer commands the audience's full attention with her on-point sulky but strong portrayal of Eponine. Spencer's enviable voice delivers each note flawlessly (especially in "On my Own"), while adding a few melodic surprises along the way. Robert Cuccioli's pointed and deliberate portrayal of Javert is unyielding to perfection, and Kevin Early simply beams (not to mention upstages at times) as the leader of the students' revolt in the supporting role, Enjolras.



The Les Miserables cast strength is best shown in powerful ensemble numbers, "Do You Hear the People Sing," "At the End of the Day," and "One Day More." Filled with touching scenes like "Fantine's Death," and "Bring Him Home," as well as colorful personalities like the Thenardiers (Tim Hartman and Sally Wilfert) and Gavroche (Joseph Serafini), CLO's Les Miserables is, by far, THE musical to see in Pittsburgh
another one:

[philly03]

Posted: 7/16/09 at 3:01pm

It seems like .. every REGIONAL production of Les Miserables has been getting great reviews since hte B'way revival / engagement closed; and they all have some amazing talent.

Last year in Philly we had our production at the Walnut: Hugh Panaro and Paul Schoeffler (SOMEHOW he is in Rock of Ages!?) as Valjean and Javert, with Christina DeCicco (now in Marvelous Wonderette's) as Eponine. Great cast .. except the Fantine, unfortunately. "Although some songs fail to inspire ("I Dreamed a Dream,")" - this just reminds of me of how it was last year too - It's SO hard to NOT do a great rendition of this song, it's incredible so many people aren't liking the Regional Fantines. Perhaps because they were (unfortunately rightfully so) outshined by Tony Nominees/winners on Broadway? Hmmm.

Cuccioli's a GREAT Javert btw. I'm sure Kevin Earley is great too..!

[The Pud]

Posted: 7/16/09 at 3:56pm

I saw the show last Sunday and I must say, it was AMAZING!!!!
Fred Inkley was fabulous. He is almost in every scene, how does he do it, so demanding and Robert Cuccioli as Javert was great too. After all, the show is about Jean Valjean and Javert. These two actors have impressive resumes, both veterans of Les Mis, Broadway and touring company.
As were most of the company having worked in Les Miserables somewhere along the line, reprising roles or taking on something new. Jacquelyn Piro Donovan (Fantine), originated Cosette on BW. Only four new actors to Les Mis, Matthew Scott (Marius), Joseph Serafini (Gavroche)he is only 11, Kate Loprest (Cosette), and Ashley Spencer as (Eponine). OMG Spencer was stunning as Eponine and her rendition of "On My Own" was fantastic. I can't say enough about how wonderful her voice is, it was by far my favorite solo of the night. If you have a chance, see it before it is gone, Sunday at 3:00PM, last performance. See for yourself what a top notch production this is, definately Broadway worthy. Hats off to the PCLO.

[philly03]

Posted: 7/16/09 at 4:24pm

" Jacquelyn Piro Donovan (Fantine), originated Cosette on BW. "

.. you mean she replaced Tracey Shayne, .. who replaced Tony-Nominee Judy Kuhn? Close enough .

[singtopher]

Posted: 7/16/09 at 8:27pm

Jacquelyn Piro Donovan was Fantine towards the end of the original run as well.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 7/16/09 at 8:30pm

Since when is the first act two hours? Seriously? Did they slow down the tempos?

[LauriePgh]

Posted: 7/16/09 at 10:05pm

just in case,,,the last show is Sunday the 19th at 2:00. not 3:00.
schedule

[nealb1]

Posted: 7/16/09 at 10:28pm

Pittsburgh CLO is one of the best, if not these best, theatre company in the US. Saw "West Side Story" there last year, and it was fantastic!

[matineeidol2013]

Posted: 7/16/09 at 11:59pm

Let me start off by saying I am not a fan of "Les Mis". In my opinion the show is too long and too depressing. I received tickets to the Pittsburgh CLO production as a graduation gift. I loved the production so much that I bought tickets to see it a second time.

Something that will surprise some is that the show is done without the typically used turntable. I?ve seen ?Les Mis? 4 times before seeing the PCLO production, each time used with a turntable. I didn?t miss it at all, I must say. The sets provided by Music Theatre of Wichita were visually interesting and practical enough that they kept the show running just as smooth as the productions I?ve seen with the turntable. 3 ?towers? if you will flanked each side of the stage, and a platform maybe 7 feet high ran the width of the back of the stage, connecting the two upstage towers. Push sticks were attached to two platforms only maybe 6 inches high but at least 10 feet wide that slid on and off either side of the stage to make for seamless scene changes (for instance pieces of furniture were placed on them for different scenes, and during the battle scenes the two platforms joined together center stage and the barricade sat atop them).

Barry Ivan's direction was fresh and clever. Many little bits not used in the original production caught my eye; for instance in the factory scene when the girls are singing about the Forman and how ?Fantine wont give him his way? Mr. Ivan actually showed the Forman attempting to seduce Fantine.

The actors were wonderful for the most part. Fred Inkley as Jean Valjean and Bob Cuccioli as Javert were wonderful. Each had strong presences and gave powerful renditions of their songs (Inkley?s ?Bring him Home? and Cuccioli?s ?Stars? in particular). Kevin Earley?s portrayal of Enjolras was a highlight for me. He had perhaps the best male voice I?ve ever heard in a professional show, Broadway or Regional. The Thenardier?s (Tim Hartman and Sally Wilfert) and Marius (Matthew Scott) fit the bill just fine. Ashley Spencer (yes, the runner up in the TV show ?Grease, You?re the one that I want!?) was a knockout as Eponine. As Fantine, Jacquelyn Piro Donovan?s could have been more vocally suited, but her heartfelt acting made up for it. Kate Loprest was a disappointing Cosette.

The first act did not run 2 hours, I looked at my cell at the beginning of intermission and it was 9:35. The show started at 8.

Topping off the experience was a stellar orchestra, 27 strong.

I agree with one of the previous posts, that PCLO has to be one of the strongest summer stock theatre company?s in the country. Their shows usually impress, and ?Les Mis? was no exception.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 7/17/09 at 1:32am

Uh oh. Lesson learned -- curly quotes in Word don't always translate to plain text!

Mr. Ivan actually showed the Forman attempting to seduce Fantine.

This HAS been done in the Cammack productions.

Updated On: 7/17/09 at 01:32 AM

[The Pud]

Posted: 7/17/09 at 9:07am

Thanks, I would hate for anyone interested to miss one minute, much less an hour.

[minicko88]

Posted: 7/17/09 at 1:40pm

philly is right about the Regional productions of Les Mis... A Few months ago, Les Mis came to Atlanta/Houston with Rob Evan and Robert Hunt... and it was absolutely stunning. Its great to see this amazing show over and over again!

[Flossie]

Posted: 7/17/09 at 2:32pm

Excerpt from Pittsburgh Theater Examiner

The CLO did a marvelous job in casting the leads, which with their powerful voices made this show the gem ? no diamond that it is. Fred Inkley plays Jean Valjean with relative ease and his vocal range from top to bottom was as close to perfection as you would expect. His performance of ?Bring Him Home?, one of the more famous songs in the show made the audience roar with applause, and they did not stop cheering until the conductor was forced to go on with the show.

Javert was played by Robert Cuccioli, famed for his portrayal of the title role in Jekyll and Hyde on Broadway, turned in one of my favorite performances of the night. His powerful voice and strong acting turned in one of the best performances I have ever heard and seen of the song ?Stars?, Javert?s prayer to the Lord to let him find Valjean.

Other powerful performances were turned in by Ashley Spencer as Eponine; her strong acting drew tears from the audience in both ?On My Own? and ?A Little Fall of Rain? as she died in Marius? arms. Matthew Scott was Marius, one of the leaders of the Students; his beautiful tenor voice was very enjoyable to listen to. Scott?s performance along with Spencer in ?A Little Fall of Rain? was very emotional and heart wrenching, making it a beautiful moment in the show. Scotts? virtuosity also shone in ?Empty Chairs at Empty Tables?, where he showed that you can show pain and anguish via song as he sings to his fellow students, now dead.

With only four performances left if you are a fan of the theatre here in Pittsburgh I urge you to see this show, as something like this does not come around all the time. To get tickets call the Box Office at 412-456-6666 or stop by the CLO?s website.

Shows are Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.

[broadwaydreamer892]

Posted: 7/17/09 at 8:05pm

I saw Philly's Walnut Street Theatre production as well philly03. Since I'm from Pittsburgh I was sooo excited to see that the CLO was doing Les Mis. I just saw the show a few days ago and all I really have to say is, its ok. Nothing great or terrible, just ok. But I do have to give credit to Jacquelyn Piro Donovan. She was the only one that shined in my opinion. All other actors did their job, sang their part, the end.

Now if I were to compare this cast with the one at the Walnut in Philly, there is no comparison. The only change I would make to the Philly cast would be to replace the Fantine with Donavon. While watching Ashley Spencer in Pittsburgh I was constantly wondering why she didn't get cast as Cossette. Don't get me wrong, I think she's an amazing singer, just miscast. She often left me wanting to see Philly's Christina DeCicco's portrayal of Eponine (who was fantastic and still remains my favorite). After reading a few reviews, I see most people are very pleased with Spencer's performance. I don't know, maybe I was just spoiled by DeCicco's flawless performance.

Overall, if you want to see a great performance by superb actors, see the CLO production. If you're an avid Les Mis go-er and are expecting to see something spectacular, I say skip it. Its nothing special, with the exception of Donovan.

Updated On: 7/17/09 at 08:05 PM

[philly03]

Posted: 7/17/09 at 9:02pm

I'm in full agreement: DeCicco is such a marvelous talent. Somehow she is not ON Broadway yet, but Off-Broadway is close enough ... Jessica Bogart I believe her name was was the only one of the main cast (although Madame Thenardier OUTSHINED Thenardier completely) who I thought wasn't top-notch, but DeCicco's was my favourite!

[broadwaydreamer892]

Posted: 7/17/09 at 9:23pm

Oh! The Thenardier's! I totally forgot to include them in my review... perhaps because they were so forgettable. Master of the House was lackluster, in my opinion. It was sung and acted well, but there was no spark and I didn't get the comic relief that song, or the characters for that matter, are supposed to provide.

I have a feeling I'm going to get some negative comments from my review, but unless you've seen the Philly cast, please don't judge my opinion. Reguardless, philly03, I'm so happy that you understand where I'm coming from (and why isn't Christina on Broadway!?!?!? I don't understand it).
Updated On: 7/17/09 at 09:23 PM

[philly03]

Posted: 7/17/09 at 9:59pm

DeCicco is off-Broadway right now atleast!? (Marvelous Wonderettes)

Maybe she will join Wicked. She is still my favourite Belle from Beauty and teh Beast too. ... I guess the Walnut can't keep her forever!

[broadwaydreamer892]

Posted: 7/18/09 at 10:14pm

(SOOO off-topic)

You saw her in Beauty and the Beast?? That's so awesome! Did you see Wonderettes yet? I'm going on the 25th of this month and expecting greatness as usual.

[philly03]

Posted: 7/18/09 at 10:52pm

No I haven't but I have only considered seeing it because of her! Wonderful actress and singer ... I've always been baffled at how she isn't on B'way yet either!

She is still my favourite Belle btw!