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Post by Kim_Bahorel on Jul 18, 2017 14:14:50 GMT
News on the Hayden Javert front...
A mid year cast change *sigh*
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2,778 posts
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Post by daniel on Jul 18, 2017 17:30:28 GMT
News on the Hayden Javert front... A mid year cast change *sigh* I don't mind the mid year cast change if it means Hadyn won't be sticking around! No disrespect to him, I'm sure he's a lovely chap but I just can't warm to his performance. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2017 17:43:17 GMT
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223 posts
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Post by Kim_Bahorel on Jul 18, 2017 18:00:48 GMT
News on the Hayden Javert front... A mid year cast change *sigh* I don't mind the mid year cast change if it means Hadyn won't be sticking around! No disrespect to him, I'm sure he's a lovely chap but I just can't warm to his performance. Oh same here but I wonder if that could mean others coukd go. Saying that I wonder who they will get for Javert? |
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Post by longinthetooth on Jul 19, 2017 18:29:12 GMT
Antony Hansen (2nd cover) made his debut as Valjean today, according to West End Understudies on Twitter. Actually, it looks like understudy central, with Marius, Cosette, Eponine and the Factory Foreman all played by understudies!
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223 posts
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Post by Kim_Bahorel on Jul 20, 2017 3:17:25 GMT
John who is Marius 1st cover was also is debut. It was a really good show. Antony was AMAZING as Valjean.
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60 posts
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Post by alwfan on Jul 20, 2017 7:15:23 GMT
Wow, Antony Hansen from Any Dream Will Do! What a long way he has come
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Post by zermatt on Jul 21, 2017 13:19:53 GMT
It's a shame to see Jeremy leave, I've seen every Javert since Hadley Fraser except for Mr Thaxton and he's been by far the strongest for me. I've previously expressed my hope that he'll take over as the Phantom, and I may just be getting ahead of myself but I think that the timing really stacks up...Phantom cast change I think is early September, so rehearsals will likely start early August, which is a few weeks away from now...furthermore, if Jeremy was just leaving for leavings sake, would he not have gone at cast change? Time will tell. Jeremy stayed the extra month to cover Hayden's absence. Hayden's show in Australia went on for a month after Les Mis cast change, so they asked Jeremy to stay until he was able to come back. That's what Jeremy told me at stage door, anyway. Nothing to do with another job. He is an incredible Phantom, though, I do agree. Am sure he'll do it at some stage, if not this year, then in the future, especially as he was such a popular cover when Geronimo Rauch was The Phantom. I saw him when he was emergency cover last year opposite Lisa Anne Wood and Nadim Naaman - it was an incredible show. |
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Post by daniel on Jul 21, 2017 15:27:54 GMT
It's a shame to see Jeremy leave, I've seen every Javert since Hadley Fraser except for Mr Thaxton and he's been by far the strongest for me. I've previously expressed my hope that he'll take over as the Phantom, and I may just be getting ahead of myself but I think that the timing really stacks up...Phantom cast change I think is early September, so rehearsals will likely start early August, which is a few weeks away from now...furthermore, if Jeremy was just leaving for leavings sake, would he not have gone at cast change? Time will tell. Jeremy stayed the extra month to cover Hayden's absence. Hayden's show in Australia went on for a month after Les Mis cast change, so they asked Jeremy to stay until he was able to come back. That's what Jeremy told me at stage door, anyway. Nothing to do with another job. He is an incredible Phantom, though, I do agree. Am sure he'll do it at some stage, if not this year, then in the future, especially as he was such a popular cover when Geronimo Rauch was The Phantom. I saw him when he was emergency cover last year opposite Lisa Anne Wood and Nadim Naaman - it was an incredible show. Ahh thanks for clarifying! You know how it goes, when you want something to happen, it's very easy to convince yourself that the dates mean that it's happening when it is usually just coincidental 😂 |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2017 12:19:26 GMT
I have a question re: Les Mis in London. Has the show been re-orchestrated over the years/moves?
The original show as reflected in the original soundtrack was quite heavy in synth (Yamaha DX7 to be precise). But I noticed for some of the more recent releases including anniversary performances had replaced a lot of the keyboard work with orchestra instrumentation.
Ive yet to see this show in London and would be a little bit disappointed if the show wasn't still laden in the synths. Would rather know in advance to prepare myself.
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2,452 posts
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Post by theatremadness on Jul 22, 2017 12:24:19 GMT
I have a question re: Les Mis in London. Has the show been re-orchestrated over the years/moves? The original show as reflected in the original soundtrack was quite heavy in synth (Yamaha DX7 to be precise). But I noticed for some of the more recent releases including anniversary performances had replaced a lot of the keyboard work with orchestra instrumentation. Ive yet to see this show in London and would be a little bit disappointed if the show wasn't still laden in the synths. Would rather know in advance to prepare myself. The orchestrations in London were changed for the 25th Anniversary in 2010 to reflect the new orchestrations (by Christopher Jahnke, Stephen Metcalf and Stephen Brooker, as listed on the Les Mis website), which were originally introduced to the show for the 2006 Broadway revival. I believe the orchestrations used in London currently are a more downsized version of what was originally written; the full effect of the new orchestrations can be heard on the Les Mis 25th Anniversary UK Tour cast recording if you so wish to do so! The orchestra and pit was expanded for this change (I believe), as they lost 3 seats either side of the original orchestra pit (which became fan favourites as they were usually heavily discounted due to being so close you were practically on stage) when it was expanded. Even with the expansions and extra musicians, I still think the sound at Les Mis in London is so tinny and thin and they could desperately do with cranking up the volume a few notches, but that's another issue! |
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Post by TallPaul on Jul 22, 2017 12:37:43 GMT
Wasn't there all that controversy when the show moved from the Palace to the Queen's, and Cam Mac said he could only make it pay by cutting the running time and replacing half of the orchestra with a machine?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2017 12:50:41 GMT
I have a question re: Les Mis in London. Has the show been re-orchestrated over the years/moves? The original show as reflected in the original soundtrack was quite heavy in synth (Yamaha DX7 to be precise). But I noticed for some of the more recent releases including anniversary performances had replaced a lot of the keyboard work with orchestra instrumentation. Ive yet to see this show in London and would be a little bit disappointed if the show wasn't still laden in the synths. Would rather know in advance to prepare myself. The orchestrations in London were changed for the 25th Anniversary in 2010 to reflect the new orchestrations (by Christopher Jahnke, Stephen Metcalf and Stephen Brooker, as listed on the Les Mis website), which were originally introduced to the show for the 2006 Broadway revival. I believe the orchestrations used in London currently are a more downsized version of what was originally written; the full effect of the new orchestrations can be heard on the Les Mis 25th Anniversary UK Tour cast recording if you so wish to do so! The orchestra and pit was expanded for this change (I believe), as they lost 3 seats either side of the original orchestra pit (which became fan favourites as they were usually heavily discounted due to being so close you were practically on stage) when it was expanded. Even with the expansions and extra musicians, I still think the sound at Les Mis in London is so tinny and thin and they could desperately do with cranking up the volume a few notches, but that's another issue! Thanks. I'll give it a listen. I also think I'll swerve seeing the show based on your last sentence. Im quite pedantic about musical sound so don't want to have to deal with that show if theres an issue already. |
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Post by theatremadness on Jul 22, 2017 12:59:46 GMT
Thanks. I'll give it a listen. I also think I'll swerve seeing the show based on your last sentence. Im quite pedantic about musical sound so don't want to have to deal with that show if theres an issue already. Apologies - didn't mean to put you off, as it's only my personal opinion! I just think the show (as it's my favourite of all time) deserves to be much louder and somehow fuller as I believe that would deliver an even higher emotional impact and do the show and orchestrations justice Just feels a bit flaccid, for want for a better word!! Unlike the 25th Anniversary UK Tour where, even from the back row of the gallery at the Barbican, the sound filled the place. West End-wise, the best musical for sound levels, purely in my opinion, was Memphis. That almost literally (as well as figuratively) blew me away. Anyhow, like I said, only my opinion. It certainly isn't effecting the show at all as the Queen's is, of course, regularly packing in the very happy punters! |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2017 13:09:17 GMT
Thanks. I'll give it a listen. I also think I'll swerve seeing the show based on your last sentence. Im quite pedantic about musical sound so don't want to have to deal with that show if theres an issue already. Apologies - didn't mean to put you off, as it's only my personal opinion! I just think the show (as it's my favourite of all time) deserves to be much louder and somehow fuller as I believe that would deliver an even higher emotional impact and do the show and orchestrations justice Just feels a bit flaccid, for want for a better word!! Unlike the 25th Anniversary UK Tour where, even from the back row of the gallery at the Barbican, the sound filled the place. West End-wise, the best musical for sound levels, purely in my opinion, was Memphis. That almost literally (as well as figuratively) blew me away. Anyhow, like I said, only my opinion. It certainly isn't effecting the show at all as the Queen's is, of course, regularly packing in the very happy punters! Theres nothing that winds me up more than a good musical being let down by lacklustre sound or a level that is just that bit off where it should be. Matilda for me is one of those shows where, apart from Revolting Children, some moments really requiring some power get let down by the sound being too low. Absolutely agree that Memphis was spot on in terms of appropriate level. Id go in to Les Mis expecting it to be powerful and loud where it needed to be, like you say to not just drive the emotion, but do the orchestrations and score justice. For a while I stopped going to the theatre because I'd seen too many shows where (in my opinion) the sound wasn't an appropriate level for the show. Im choosy in what I see now as a result, So I can imagine I'd get really frustrated at Les Mis and not enjoy it. Don't apologise, Im glad to know ahead of making a mistake. |
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Post by firefingers on Jul 22, 2017 15:12:53 GMT
I have a question re: Les Mis in London. Has the show been re-orchestrated over the years/moves? The original show as reflected in the original soundtrack was quite heavy in synth (Yamaha DX7 to be precise). But I noticed for some of the more recent releases including anniversary performances had replaced a lot of the keyboard work with orchestra instrumentation. Ive yet to see this show in London and would be a little bit disappointed if the show wasn't still laden in the synths. Would rather know in advance to prepare myself. The orchestrations in London were changed for the 25th Anniversary in 2010 to reflect the new orchestrations (by Christopher Jahnke, Stephen Metcalf and Stephen Brooker, as listed on the Les Mis website), which were originally introduced to the show for the 2006 Broadway revival. I believe the orchestrations used in London currently are a more downsized version of what was originally written; the full effect of the new orchestrations can be heard on the Les Mis 25th Anniversary UK Tour cast recording if you so wish to do so! The orchestra and pit was expanded for this change (I believe), as they lost 3 seats either side of the original orchestra pit (which became fan favourites as they were usually heavily discounted due to being so close you were practically on stage) when it was expanded. Even with the expansions and extra musicians, I still think the sound at Les Mis in London is so tinny and thin and they could desperately do with cranking up the volume a few notches, but that's another issue! The orchestra is smaller now you are right, suspect the seats by stage were lost for other reasons (a whole new sound system was fitted at the time so that might have been it). Real shame what they did to the orchestra, made players who'd been on the show years reaudition for their chair and then say they weren't up to standard and hire someone younger and cheaper. The percussionist had been on the show 25 years and had essentially made that part as the score was vague. He lost his job. |
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Post by sempala on Jul 25, 2017 11:20:59 GMT
Any more opinions on Karis Jack as Eponine who have seen the show recently?
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Post by tsxmitw on Jul 25, 2017 12:10:45 GMT
I'd agree the post-2010 orchestrations in London feel small and lacklustre.
It was a very noticeable change.
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Post by tsxmitw on Jul 25, 2017 13:49:26 GMT
And I miss the synths! They'd sound pretty current now, I think/
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Post by Kim_Bahorel on Jul 26, 2017 14:58:27 GMT
Any more opinions on Karis Jack as Eponine who have seen the show recently? I have. I only ever saw her in Urinetown I liked her in that. Her voice suited the role. Les Mis not so much. I have seen the role done better by other people including the current 2nd Cover Lauren. |
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Post by indis on Jul 26, 2017 16:55:01 GMT
saw the matinee today, really liked Killian as JVJ, and also Hayden as Javert and the new Enjolras. The new Eponine sang good, acting wise ok. But it is weird somehow to have a black Eponine when both Thenardiers are white 🤣 btw does anyone know what happened at the Queens? after the applause there was an announcement of an emergency and we should leave immediately by the nearest exit?
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Post by tsxmitw on Jul 26, 2017 17:32:34 GMT
Some sort of emergency at the matinee today, all the cast out on the streets in their costumes (again).
Anyone know what happened?
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Post by indis on Jul 26, 2017 17:59:54 GMT
would have loved a photo with Enjolras in the red goldvest 😇
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Post by Kim_Bahorel on Jul 27, 2017 4:02:16 GMT
Some sort of emergency at the matinee today, all the cast out on the streets in their costumes (again). Anyone know what happened? we spoke to Oli it was a fire drill they knew it was happening so it made it very amusing to see them all in costume. Esp Steven & Jacqui who were in full Wedding Thenardier attire. Oli was the lucky one he wasn't on. He said they do it every 6 months. |
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Post by sempala on Aug 2, 2017 22:56:04 GMT
Just come home from tonights Les Mis show and the Understudy for Javert was honestly the most incredible Javert I've ever seen in my entire life! His acting was just absolutely amazing! His name is Shaq Taylor so be sure to watch out for him!
Also special mention to Karis' Jack's eponine I found her very refreshing and new, showcasing the more fearless side of her character - I found her movements very clever as if she's convincing herself she's strong and fearless which explains her jerky and sudden movements.
Wonderful new cast!
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