581 posts
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Post by princeton on May 1, 2019 18:32:50 GMT
I don't know the exact details of contracts etc - but I'm assuming that CML is treating each of the productions as a separate business - even if still under the Cam Mac banner - In which case everyone who has an ongoing contract (as opposed to a fixed term one) for Les Mis London (or whatever the current production/business is called) would have to be put at risk of redundancy because the company they work for won't exist beyond say the middle of July. Of course employees could transfer to the new company but it's not always guaranteed in law - and in particular because the 'Les Mis Concert Version' is likely to require fewer crew members and more orchestra members (perhaps with different doubling) so a like-for-like transfer is possibly difficult to argue. 'Les Mis London Reboot' may require a similar number of crew and musos as the current version - but because it's not a direct transfer in terms of time things get even muddier. Many of these decisions may be driven by cost savings but others will be regular company and business management.
It's also clear that the various unions have been involved throughout the process - and the MU rep gives no indication that he considers there is anything untoward going on. This is pretty unprecedented in the West End - so of course some people will be unhappy and unsettled - whilst others might actually be glad of any deals which are being done and delighted to move on.
Redundancy processes are always painful - particularly when there's some sort of selection process taking place. I've been through it twice myself - once after 17 years with a particular company - and it leads to much anxiety and tension not least because everyone has different attitudes to what is going on and there's often a reluctance to share personal circumstances and future plans with colleagues - and everything is usually done with a high level of confidentiality.
It's really awful to have a lack of certainty about future employment particularly after a long time in one job in an industry where instability is the norm - but The Stage article makes everything seem very black and white - when it's likely that it's much more complicated and nuanced than that.
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111 posts
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Post by theatregod on May 1, 2019 18:33:37 GMT
This is so sad for those involved and those losing their jobs, all because management want them out for some random reason!? What a producer to work for !!
Wow, that first day back will be sad, to see another person in their shoes, working/performing the same role, to the same professional standard.......!!!!
Can’t they just call a rehearsal for the orchestra? So no one has to leave? Like clean up calls for tech and cast ? Sounds like the producer is playing chicken to me!
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Post by danb on May 1, 2019 19:19:16 GMT
This is so sad for those involved and those losing their jobs, all because management want them out for some random reason!? What a producer to work for !! Wow, that first day back will be sad, to see another person in their shoes, working/performing the same role, to the same professional standard.......!!!! Can’t they just call a rehearsal for the orchestra? So no one has to leave? Like clean up calls for tech and cast ? Sounds like the producer is playing chicken to me! I suggest you re-read Princeton’s more reasoned, less emotional post. This is a business. For LM to survive another ten years it obviously needs to streamline further in many areas, not just cast & crew members (although every team has it’s disputive members that you’d like to get rid off if it were possible). Mr Mackintosh does not strike me as a fool, rather someone that surrounds himself with what he considers to be the best people. We’ve seen in many a documentary his creative passion alongside his financial nouse, and I feel we need to trust that he knows exactly what he’s doing. In choosing the more focussed tour version of the show to move forward with I am already convinced. |
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Post by Deleted on May 1, 2019 21:36:15 GMT
This is so sad for those involved and those losing their jobs, all because management want them out for some random reason!? What a producer to work for !! Wow, that first day back will be sad, to see another person in their shoes, working/performing the same role, to the same professional standard.......!!!! Can’t they just call a rehearsal for the orchestra? So no one has to leave? Like clean up calls for tech and cast ? Sounds like the producer is playing chicken to me! Again, there doesn't need to be a specific reason. Why do they do cast changes? Why do some performers stay, and why do the others go? Sometimes they all leave, sometimes they just recast 2-3 specific roles, sometimes it's half of them leaving. Is it sad? Yes. But they will get new jobs (some of the musicians leaving already got a job in Mary Poppins). This is how show business works.
So let's not make a big deal of this, guys! I just feel everyone is overreacting. However, you just need to say the magic words "cast change" when talking about Wicked, or other super popular shows, and everyone gets so excited, start tweeting their dream cast... Isn't it the same after all?
Btw I'm not directing this post specifically at you. I'm talking to everyone "complaining"; I just thought it was the perfect post to quote.
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2019 7:42:40 GMT
It is all quite unusual. But as always in these matters, we will never have all the information to hand and there will be gossip and hearsay as to what exactly is happening.
Certainly restructuring if you can call it that happens through all businesses all the time in attempts to keep them profitable and a going concern.
Re: the orchestra, while they may be changing it's members, I really don't think they will be changing it's size. London and the current tour are using the SAME orchestrations already and give or take have the same make up. And whilst I do feel sorry for any members moving on, sometimes all teams need a shake up to get a great dynamic for that team to be the best and most cohesive going forward. And it's a good point made above that we get excited for the annual cast change. Why should the pit be different?
Re: the ongoing success of Les Mis, I truly think it will go from strength to strength. This entire saga is only of interest to people like us and Joe Public will continue to flock. If shows can survive years 15-25 ish, it seems to me they become almost like 'events' and so famous they are almost indestructible. Also make no mistake, Cam Mac knows exactly what he is doing.
In other news, I saw the tour in Birmingham at the weekend. After Miss Saigon, this is now by far and away the best quality tour on the road and was SO sharp. The sound in particular was epic (why on earth is it easier to get decent sound at tour venues that it's permanent sit down at the Queen's where sound at the rear stalls is SO underpowered).
Now, I still mourn the lament of the original and wish it was staying. That goes without saying. BUT, it IS being replaced by a quality product.
(Although I am in no doubt that the tour is a progression from the Nunn/Caird original and their influence runs through it - it remains appalling that they will no longer get credit).
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Post by xanady on May 2, 2019 18:31:49 GMT
Saw the tour version in Brum last night.
Review time...it’s garbage!...Review over!
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716 posts
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Post by indis on May 9, 2019 22:02:25 GMT
does the beautiful wall art on the Queens stay when they renovate?
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364 posts
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Post by tysilio2 on May 10, 2019 8:22:05 GMT
Saw the tour version in Brum last night. Review time...it’s garbage!...Review over! I disagree! (Review of review over  ) |
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Post by xanady on May 10, 2019 15:43:53 GMT
^Fair enough.Everybody to their own.🙂Btw I went back to see it to give it a second look/chance and will be posting my thoughts on the tour thread.
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82 posts
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Post by ada92 on May 10, 2019 16:19:00 GMT
Saw this Wednesday matinee as my last visit with the revolve. Can't see how I could appreciate it without the revolve. Some excellent performances but also some that I failed to buy into their characterisation.
That said, there have been so many performers in Les Mis over the years and it would be great to get all your personal favourites together in one show - but it won't happen.
The show overall is always excellent and you cannot detract from the score and story.
I will have to see how it comes over without the revolve but I am pleased I have made the effort to see it this one last time for me.
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Post by xanady on May 10, 2019 16:37:15 GMT
^Lovers of the revolve unite!
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660 posts
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Post by Oleanna on May 11, 2019 12:02:47 GMT
Is this still running...?
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Post by xanady on May 11, 2019 14:23:15 GMT
Is what still running?The revolve?Yes but has to have a running push-start and oiled every show with WD40 due to old-age...,Sorry,only joking.Not sure when the original closes,must be very soon.A truly lamentable day when it happens 😪
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2019 14:36:14 GMT
Original production closes July 13th to coincide with the cast change that was planned for that date.
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82 posts
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Post by ada92 on May 11, 2019 14:52:31 GMT
Is what still running?The revolve?Yes but has to have a running push-start and oiled every show with WD40 due to old-age...,Sorry,only joking.Not sure when the original closes,must be very soon.A truly lamentable day when it happens 😪 Not another lamentable day...... 42nd st closure all over again! Sigh!!! |
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Post by xanady on May 11, 2019 20:14:54 GMT
Just been listening to the original 1985 cast recording from start to finish.What a line-up....Patti Lupone,Alun Armstrong,Roger Allum,Michael Ball,Peter Polycarpou,Colm Wilkinson,Clive Carter etc.If you have never come across it,it’s a true classic.As a collector of show soundtracks,I am hopeful that the All Star Concert might be recorded and released?
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2019 21:20:57 GMT
Just been listening to the original 1985 cast recording from start to finish.What a line-up....Patti Lupone,Alun Armstrong,Roger Allum,Michael Ball,Peter Polycarpou,Colm Wilkinson,Clive Carter etc.If you have never come across it,it’s a true classic.As a collector of show soundtracks,I am hopeful that the All Star Concert might be recorded and released? Big fan of the Original London Cast Recording. Have posted about it before, was tempted to write almost an essay about it on here once, might do one day. |
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Post by indis on May 12, 2019 10:48:24 GMT
would be great to have the All-Stars-Concert to be released on CD, could be the first Les Mis CD i could listen through
the one with Colm Wilkinson i can never listen to whenever JVJ has text
and i also cannot listen to the first Eponine, now i even forgot her name, she i just quaking and screeching
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19,677 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 12, 2019 12:58:31 GMT
Frances Ruffelle
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716 posts
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Post by indis on May 12, 2019 13:31:23 GMT
ah yes
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2,041 posts
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Post by 49thand8th on May 12, 2019 23:47:17 GMT
I am hopeful that the All Star Concert might be recorded and released? Well, I'm sure someone's gonna record it... |
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349 posts
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Post by kimbahorel on May 14, 2019 15:26:04 GMT
I don't know if people saw this yesterday to add a level of confusion to the last 2 months of Les Mis. Jenna is going to be 1st cover Eponine which in my mind means it's not just Amara leaving OR Jessica or Elena takes over as Cosette OR Hannah takes over the role of Cosette and 1st cover is Jessica Cosette. Jenna is the only post I have seen. Assume a one out one in policy.
It also sounds how she reponded to someone that she is going to be either a part of the concert or the December show. If anyone has gossip please share 😂
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Post by xanady on May 14, 2019 21:18:21 GMT
Confused.com.
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Post by Tommie on Jun 4, 2019 14:28:26 GMT
Do we think there will be any pomp and ceremony on the closing night of the Original?
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349 posts
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Post by kimbahorel on Jun 4, 2019 17:14:46 GMT
I hope there us something special.
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