Les Misérables - Sondheim Theatre

Jöback was very worrying when he performed in the three/four Phantoms “Music of the Night” medley at the end of the anniversary concert, flambuoyant mannerisms to say the least… He’d just been announced as the new Phantom at this point. He was pitchy, nasal and the least likely Phantom imaginable and fans were expecting a car crash when he went into the show.

After a lot of work in rehearsals, I saw him a few weeks into his run, and he was absolutely fine. Not great, not terrible - just a completely by the numbers performance. He had perfected his “Phantom voice”, which sounded very affected and false but was passable as another generic Phantom. The broad gestures and, frankly, very camp mannerisms had been rehearsed out of him and he gave a very controlled, modest and stoic performance. It felt rigid, walk here butchly to this mark, sing this note deeply for the exact number of beats as written, do this specific gesture on his beat etc.

Many were expecting a car crash due to his obvious miscasting, but he was so well drilled he hid his weaknesses and ended up just another mediocre Phantom.

As a pure tenor, his voice is much better to Valjean, I think he’ll be fine.

But again, I have to ask - what about poor Chris Jacobsen? Did he run over Cameron’s dog or something?!

I think if it’s as has been mentioned earlier in this thread that Peter might be Valjean in the Nordic stops for the arena tour. It is less of a case of someone taking over to cover the gap and more to give him experience in the role before he leads the big arena production

I saw him twice in that tour. Despite his young age, he really "ages" beautifully in the role and near the end is very convincing as an old man. Beautiful voice, great actor. You're in for a treat!
You can see his solo Bring Him Home on Youtube

I love that you've brought this up! Not just me that noticed this in Mr Joback!!

About Chris, and this is just a theory, maybe he doesn't want to play Valjean full-time, as that would mean that he eventually has to leave the role because leads rarely stay for over two whole contracts. Whereas if he keeps being the alternate, he can possibly remain longer, as we've seen in the past with people like Adam Bayjou.

All That Dazzles gave him 5 stars.

A while ago someone said there was a rumour that Luke would be leaving in March (He has a show in April, but I expect he could conceivably take time off for that). Does anyone know if that rumour is indeed true and if yes, who might be replacing him?

Yes, I've been keeping my eye out. So I expect he'll just take time off in April at this point, unless he announces his final date this week or something.

Saw this tonight. Peter Jöback was very good as Valjean, and Amena El-Kindy was a powerhouse Eponine. The real standout was Stewart Clarke as Javert - just incredible.

I was surprised at the poor conduct tonight from the audience - maybe the worst I've ever seen. Crinkling galore, people digging through their bags, talking, etc. The final four bars of I Dreamed A Dream were interrupted by someone unwrapping a candy almost comically loudly. Very startling.

If this was last night (Monday) that would've been Chris Jacobsen you saw

They don't put any understudy signs up at the Sondheim. Only way to know is to check the digital cast board near the merch stand in stalls. But Chris does every Monday in general (Except for the upcoming one where Milan will be making his West End debut!)

They also keep a small stack of printed paper slips on the ledge in front of the box office - but you have to queue up at the box office to get one! Before a show this queue usually goes out of the door as it’s so cramped in there - it’s hard enough to get to see the electronic board with so many people about and the security guy giving you weird looks! But maybe that’s just me!