Les Miserables - The Staged Concert

I'm sure there's a huge difference between performing one song and doing a 2 and a half hour concert (and isn't Thursday JOJ'S day anyway?)

But I think the issue is, people find it a bit of a cheek that the show pushes the Boe/Ball combo (part of the reason they can charge for - and sell - the tickets at such high prices) and then the Boe part frequently doesn’t show up. Particularly galling as some have paid additional large sums for travel/accommodation. Sometimes this is people’s second or third attempt to see him on stage and he’s been off each time. That speaks volumes about vocal fitness, stamina and/or commitment.

People understand performers get ill. They understand they might have to see an understudy. But they probably don’t expect to watch the performer who’s missing so many shows gaily hitting the media publicity trail repeatedly for their new album. Or going on a cruise tour, then apparently taking time to recover before singing at a one-off concert at the Albert Hall. Or taking time off and then being fine for a CiN performance that is, like it or not, free advertising for the album and tour combination. All of this may absolutely be unfortunate coincidence. But unfortunately it’s starting to look like a pattern.

This is a two-way thing. Audiences need to understand people get genuinely ill. And performers need to understand they only take time off if they’re genuinely ill.

The power in this, of course, is in the audience’s hands. They can just stop buying tickets. But since so many of Boe’s fans seem utterly deluded about a man they seem to view as their naughty but ultimately lovable little boy, his position is probably fairly secure.

The show’s producers also have to take some blame. I don’t dislike Boe. He has a fantastic voice. But if he can’t sing the shows he’s contracted for, he shouldn’t be hired for the job.

If at the moment Boe’s genuinely struggling with an on-again off-again voice issue, I’m sure audiences would be equally genuinely sympathetic. He may be better advised to step back from that challenging role entirely and rest, as some singers have to at various points in their careers.

What was his attendance like when he was in the WE run of les mis?

Not sure why people who want to specifically see Alfie don’t just stick to concert tours as if he doesn’t appear then a full refund would be a given! Am a big fan of JOJ and worry if this whole furore about AB is really distressing him.

JOJ is a total pro - sure he'll be fine - he's working at the top of his game and in relative MT terms probably being paid well. The vast majority of people that see him love him.

Re the shouting out woman - I mean clearly a complete mess and absolutely awful behaviour. I mean honestly! I'd just evict drunk people from theatres but I guess for the FOH staff it isn't that simple.

But seriously - 120+ cast, orchestra, crew who witnessed it. Who is the first to be shocked and appalled on Twitter? You guessed it, CHF! She really is sanctimonious. Then the floods of replies - oh how awful, oh how do you cope, oh we're so sorry for you, oh you're a saint, blah blah blah blah. A part of me swears she loves these moments! It's a shame as she is so talented and a great performer. But SO annoying on social media. I mean compared to how professionally JOJ handled it by turning it into a joke - love the guy, total pro.
(Yeah yeah I know, the solution is for me not to be on social media!).

And re that guy's video re Alfie - I mainly agree. Musical theatre is demanding and JVJ is one of the most demanding roles of all. You MUST look after yourself and your voice. And yeah, a cruise where everyone's germs come together - you're bound to catch something. And he's doing way too much. Cam Mac marketed it as the Ball&Boe show, then charged full whack, so I get why people are angry. And I do think you have to question Alfie's professionalism.

Anyway hey ho. It's a fab production whoever is on stage and I look fwd to seeing it live once more and then at my local cinema in Brighton :-)

I am also excited now about the new tour cast and seeing how it fits back into the Queen's!

Alfie was JVJ on Broadway then, so some form of video message (ill or not) was inevitable

Have to say that whilst I would prefer to see JOJ personally I do understand Alfie fans being disappointed, always a drop when you've gone to see a particular performer and they're not on for whatever reason. That said, I understand disappointment NOT abuse towards other cast members be it like that in the theatre, at stage door or via social media. I do wonder how Michael Ball feels in all of this though, can't be an easy position for him watching Alfie being a no-show for Les Mis and yet still doing the promo for the album and concerts.

Agreed. Inevitable! Up there with death and taxes lol.

Saw the matinee today and Michael Ball wasn't in. Wanted someone to jokingly shout 'where's Michael?'

Reay, really enjoyed the show. This is the 3rd time I've seen it live (1st time seeing the concert) and I think it actually had the most impact, not sure if that's because it's more familiar. I found the vocals much more clear though too.

Earl said Michael had been fighting something for 3 weeks, off today as he's lost his voice.

Dawns Nan has been dead for 11 years. 😳😕

Strangely enough he’s not missing his free lunch at the Savoy... and he sounds far from Ill.
The way Ball, Boe and Mackintosh treat the high ticket price theatre goer is beyond disgusting.