Les Miserables - The Staged Concert

Did Michael Ball just say Jon Robyns is taking over JVJ when it opens at Sondheim?!

Yep !!

Earl Carpenter I think.

Jon has been in LM hasn't he? Enjorlas?

Wow the first and only time I probably going to see Earl Carpenter as Javert. I booked ages ago when I knew that Ball was off and wow do I feel honoured to see him as Javert. Not to be a b*tch who can sing and perform the part. If only he was nextvyo JOJ. But I paid my price for wanting to see a cover.

This should be in the bad behaviour thread but sod it. I had to put up with two people on the right of me talking one bloke who was actually loudly talking (back row of Grand if anyone was in and wants to vent). Then is partner who insisted on whisperig ALL THE WORDS TO THE SONGS. And two people on the left who chatted. Even though the quiet moments. Want away to ruin it. Cheers.

Anyway also the last time I see my fave swing in action covering a track. Very sad.

Ahhh Dr Tom I was also there last night, shame, could have said Hi!

So yes finally saw this. Cam Mac rarely disappoints and unsurprisingly this was of the highest quality, whole thing worked very well and I really enjoyed it. I was Stalls N aisle and from where I was audience was well behaved. There were a few mid show attention seekers, I mean, standing ovators, but wasn't too excessive.

Don't normally detail the cast as is the overall impression of a musical that is the most important to me but since this is an "all star" event, here goes:

JOJ - think everything's been said. Having seen the 25th tour 10-15 times was great to see him again.
Michael Ball - pleasantly surprised. Do find he can be a caricature of himself these days so was nice to see him do some actual acting. SO much better than the Chess mess.
CHF - was fantastic. Assume her fan army aren't gaining access owing to lack of day seats so no hysteria when she was on, and you could really appreciate what a great MT talent she is without being distracted for once. Such a shame the flying cupcakes spoil things the rest of the time....
Lucas and Secombe - well, it's not as written (i.e. sinister) and was 100% panto but they (more or less) pull it off and was going with it by the end of the night. Needless to say the home counties crowd adored it. His Beggars At The Feast wig reminded me of Bubbles DeVere.
Rob Houchen - will never be a butch Marius but has such a beautiful voice. I hope he gets the gig when it re-opens at the Queen's, one of my fave Marius' of all time.
Ako and Kerhoas - had never heard of either but both excellent.

And finally Bradley Jaden - loved his Javert but his Enjolras was another level. The surprise of the evening. His voice is so powerful and sensational. And freed of the make up and wigs it really came across (plus he's gorgeous!)

Set, lighting and staging was the best I have ever seen for a "concert" and way better than any of the "semi-staged" offerings at The Coliseum.

And finally the music; and surprised nobody has commented on this. The speed police will be delighted to know that it was been slowed down, quite considerably. Such that, although there have been quite a few cuts, it still finished at the usual time of just after 22:20. I think people who have been desperate for this will be happy. For me, I am SO used to hearing it at the 25th new orchestrations speed, it took me a while to get used to. Don't get me wrong, it sounded gorgeous, but for me was a little too slow at times.

The large orchestra was again lovely, although once more I am used to the heavily synthesised sound mixed in with orchestra so did also miss that at times.

Do we think there will be a DVD or CD? It is worth preserving.

No idea why he's not listed, but yes, certainly in the current tour version it's the same actor who plays Montparnasse.

Another quick question too that came up when looking at the cast board at the weekend, but nobody knew the answer to:

Why are the kids called Little Eponine and Young Cosette?  Why not Young Eponine and Young Cosette?

Oh, now that's clever! I seem to remember there was a moment in the 25th Anniversary concert where Fantine walked offstage just as young Cosette comes on, and had a brief moment where she turned to look at her.

While I love the UK tour (and work at its current venue, so enjoying seeing it multiple times a week), I do miss the projection as Valjean vanishes into the Paris crowds that says 'Paris - 9 years later'. I've heard several audience members saying they were a bit baffled as to who the older Cosette was, and why the Thenardiers are there instead of back at the inn in Montfermeil.

Is Bamatabois ('here's something new, think i'll give it a try...') in this or has he been cut?

Ahhh cool, thank you, yes that rings a bell actually.

Deffo not Prouvaire in concert through, as I'd recognise James Nicholson!

Hahaha, yeah true! Though I’d hate to stray into 3rd cover midwife territory...

Yes I was able to fully relax and take my flying cake protecting headgear off after I Dreamed A Dream had passed without incident.

The tracks for the concert are really spead out there are 17 guys fitting into 11 tracts traditionally at the Queens version. I will say though I think outside of named parts some cast might have got to pick parts and I say this because when I spoke to Oli Brenin about waving the flag (that was also on the Prouv track) he said he wanted to do it. A couple of casts ago Adam Bayjou told us that he wanted the convict line "When I get free you wont see me hear for dust" line but it stayed on its previous year track and he was the 2nd convict. But of course for the concert he gets to do it.