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Post by miz on Dec 1, 2019 14:40:36 GMT
Thank you, shady23, for a good explanation. I think it is very true.
My reasoning was that she must have been used to listening to Les Miz with his soft operatic voice and, threfore, listening to JOJ's musical theatre voice came as dissapointing. And it's probably the combination of both.
What you said actually matches, in the opposite direction, my theory that if one goes to see a show knowing someone famous is in it, that famous actor/singer's performance automatically aquires around 40% (or whatever) of leverage because the judgment of this audience member is pre-influenced. He/she is famous, therefore, must be good.
So, I think this theory works in both directions.
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Post by digne on Dec 1, 2019 18:13:01 GMT
Funny they should tell us now one day before we actually attend 😂 Wonder if it’s a 360 of the stage or of the whole auditorium? The wording brings to mind those extreme 360° action cameras but perhaps they simply mean different zoom levels at different angles facing the stage. As opposed to the revolve, this set seems to have been designed for straight-on viewing (and works wonderfully- even from the standing area the blocking and composition are aesthetically pleasing). I’m probably overthinking this but do love a good critical discussion on anything I've seen that wording in emails about shows that are being filmed while I watch them before, and so far it has never actually meant a 360° view - I assume it's just phrasing that says that there's a chance that a camera can point into any of the 360° at any given moment, so you consent that your face might appear in the broadcast.
I was at the final show yesterday, which also had notices everywhere in the theatre that Universal was filming the show. I assume this was in equal parts a camera rehearsal for Monday and material to use as a backup option in case Alfie is sick tomorrow.
I was in the Grand Circle so can't say what cameras they had at the back of the stalls, but there was at least one camera at the front of the stalls, left side, another camera in the box on the left side, and a crouching camerawoman who moved around at the back of the stage/between the musicians. As the back of the stage was dark most of the time I can't say for sure what that camera was doing most of the time, but I only actively noticed it when she crouched forward to point the camera at the audience during Fantine's death in the first act, and was moving among the musicians to film them during the second act during one of the parts with no singing - might have been the aftermath of the barricade.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 1, 2019 18:35:02 GMT
Funny they should tell us now one day before we actually attend 😂 Wonder if it’s a 360 of the stage or of the whole auditorium? The wording brings to mind those extreme 360° action cameras but perhaps they simply mean different zoom levels at different angles facing the stage. As opposed to the revolve, this set seems to have been designed for straight-on viewing (and works wonderfully- even from the standing area the blocking and composition are aesthetically pleasing). I’m probably overthinking this but do love a good critical discussion on anything I've seen that wording in emails about shows that are being filmed while I watch them before, and so far it has never actually meant a 360° view - I assume it's just phrasing that says that there's a chance that a camera can point into any of the 360° at any given moment, so you consent that your face might appear in the broadcast.
I was at the final show yesterday, which also had notices everywhere in the theatre that Universal was filming the show. I assume this was in equal parts a camera rehearsal for Monday and material to use as a backup option in case Alfie is sick tomorrow.
I was in the Grand Circle so can't say what cameras they had at the back of the stalls, but there was at least one camera at the front of the stalls, left side, another camera in the box on the left side, and a crouching camerawoman who moved around at the back of the stage/between the musicians. As the back of the stage was dark most of the time I can't say for sure what that camera was doing most of the time, but I only actively noticed it when she crouched forward to point the camera at the audience during Fantine's death in the first act, and was moving among the musicians to film them during the second act during one of the parts with no singing - might have been the aftermath of the barricade.
I think the chance of that happening is zero. I was scoffed at (told I was being insulting) upthread for suggesting that he was resting his voice but I think that’s precisely what’s been going on for a couple of weeks now. |
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Post by 141920grm on Dec 1, 2019 19:56:36 GMT
Amazing that's the level of detail I wanted to geek out about. Maybe they'll even manage to recreate a semblance of falling in Javert's Suicide with fancy camerawork together with that clever bridge set piece.
@burlybear It's not unreasonable to consider last-minute illness a possibility, if we could all control when and when not to fall ill I'd choose to be sprightly all the time! And Alfie would've made 100% of his scheduled appearances. 😂
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Post by shady23 on Dec 1, 2019 20:12:18 GMT
They're really not going to miss this, thousands will be watching all around the world, never mind on the subsequent dvd and cd release.
Michael didn't do his radio show today, I presume to save his voice and rest for tomorrow.
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Post by 10642 on Dec 1, 2019 21:51:42 GMT
So JOJ said he’d be part of the live screening, Killian Donnelly was in the Sondheim the other day and retweeted the trailer for the concert, Dean Chisnall tweeted “exciting Les Mis adventures to come in London on Monday”. definitely a Valjean quartet
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Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 2, 2019 10:03:49 GMT
I think the chance of that happening is zero. I was scoffed at (told I was being insulting) upthread for suggesting that he was resting his voice but I think that’s precisely what’s been going on for a couple of weeks now. I kept my head down on that one but I honestly thought everyone would be thinking the same thing ..... Now, I do like Alfie, and I've seen the Ball & Boe concerts, and I've seen Alfie on tour and I like the guy a lot, but I don't think he is a musical theatre performer. For a Concert performance, he's terrific, but it's been a long run of 4 months for a Concert - I think even his most ardent fans would say he's not cut out for that. I would think the filming on Saturday would be to cover any problems in the live screening tonight for forthcoming screenings / DVD. I'm very much looking forward to this evening. |
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Post by shady23 on Dec 2, 2019 10:26:38 GMT
For a show that bans understudies for saying anything about when they are on or not I am surprised they are letting people post saying they are going tonight and dropping hints about what is involved.
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Post by galinda on Dec 2, 2019 13:23:36 GMT
Sorry if this has already been discussed but will the cinema broadcast be released on dvd? If so, I’ll give the cinema a miss at £20 a ticket!
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Post by 141920grm on Dec 2, 2019 13:48:06 GMT
For a show that bans understudies for saying anything about when they are on or not I am surprised they are letting people post saying they are going tonight and dropping hints about what is involved. But also: For a show that relies so heavily on big names this kind of hinting activity is exactly the PR it needs to draw in the non-Ball&Boe fan club crowd- the longtime musical fans who otherwise wouldn’t be convinced by the star lineup but were persuaded to go after seeing, say, Dean or Killian’s tweets. |
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Post by justfran on Dec 2, 2019 17:52:18 GMT
Hope everyone at the theatre or cinema enjoys the performance tonight 😊
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Post by shady23 on Dec 2, 2019 18:25:19 GMT
Sorry if this has already been discussed but will the cinema broadcast be released on dvd? If so, I’ll give the cinema a miss at £20 a ticket! It's been heavily hinted at, as well as a cd. I'm at my local cinema and it is rammed and such a great atmosphere already. |
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Post by robertb213 on Dec 2, 2019 18:46:27 GMT
Two sold out screens in my cinema, it's heaving. Hopefully they're all a well-behaved bunch! Hope everyone has a fabulous time tonight 😀
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Post by digne on Dec 2, 2019 18:49:34 GMT
I'm in the dress circle today and there's a camera on a crane on the left side, and a hand carried camera up in the grand circle. Also there are cameras at both sides at the front of the stalls, and in the boxes on both sides.
According to the cast board all principles are in, so no surprise JOJ.
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Post by kimbahorel on Dec 2, 2019 19:52:40 GMT
Seems to be a lot of people saying that either they have no sound or no picture at the screenings.
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Post by 49thand8th on Dec 2, 2019 19:56:45 GMT
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Post by shady23 on Dec 2, 2019 20:36:18 GMT
Behind the scenes video now showing in the interval.
Along with 24601 Ball and Boe adverts 😂
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Post by xanady on Dec 2, 2019 20:44:51 GMT
Problems at the screening?Call for JOJ and Earl....they’ll sort it.They’re used to helping out in a crisis...sorry,couldn’t resist😂
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Post by miz on Dec 2, 2019 21:15:42 GMT
Behind the scenes video now showing in the interval. Along with 24601 Ball and Boe adverts 😂 I hope you are joking🤨. |
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Post by carriesparkle on Dec 2, 2019 21:32:06 GMT
Shame. I seem to recall this happening for the 25th anniversary screenings as well.
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Post by crabtree on Dec 2, 2019 22:33:48 GMT
all perfect in Altrincham, though ball only just got through it. I suspect someone coming to this for the first time, would have no idea what the plot was. But I may feel cynical about the cash cow that this is, but it still works, it still moves, and people still want to see it. It is an epic masterpiece. Great speeches though a mention of Trevor and the two johns would have been respectful.
Our audience were in and out more times than a French farce, and everyone being competitive about how many times they have seen it. it is a show that people like to own. I was lucky enough to see the very much longer second preview at the barbican. I did so enjoy it tonight but if I get the DVD I shall fast forward the Thenardiers - really don't like how they have evolved into such a cheap shallow undisciplined panto turn.
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Post by SamB (was badoerfan) on Dec 2, 2019 22:36:24 GMT
Well that was fantastic!
It's so wonderful to hear such an amazing score played so well by such a big orchestra, and sung brilliantly by a huge cast. On the other hand, I swear every time I see this show it's faster - let the music breathe!
The 'concert' setting I can take or leave, if I'm honest, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with the staging in the new production. The concert staging works in some parts, and is disappointing in others (I thought Fantine's death scene was particularly weak in this regard).
Of the cast, largely great. Michael Ball surprised me, he acts the role really well, and his performance of the Suicide is probably the best I've seen. Matt Lucas plays a genuinely funny Thenardier, alongside whoever is playing Mme Thenardier.
Boe... is Boe. Some parts of his performance were fantastic, but in other parts he oversings. But tonight he convinced me as Valjean. Which is more than CHF did - her Fantine is an absolute cipher. It's not much of a role anyway, but her IDAD and the rest of her story left me cold tonight. She sings it beautifully, but that's about it.
And the encores... Five Valjeans I could take or leave (we've pretty much seen it before, and Bring Him Home doesn't need a key change whilst Alfie Boe does his muscle pose from Carousel), but Stars! I feel like we don't often get special versions of this underrated song, so the duet tonight was a privilege to see.
I am *so* glad I saw this and took the plunge on a restricted view seat (D26 grand circle incidentally, and I don't recommend it) - fab night.
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Post by greeny11 on Dec 2, 2019 22:36:29 GMT
Worked fine in New Brighton - 3 virtually full screens (roughly 700 people) - audio and picture absolutely great quality. Enjoyed it thoroughly, except for some of Michael Ball's singing. Bradley Jaden as Enjolras and Rob Houchen as Marius were my standouts this evening.
I must mention the orchestra who sounded absolutely incredible all evening.
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Post by shady23 on Dec 2, 2019 22:36:33 GMT
Absolutely amazing show.
After the bows Michael did a little speech and was saying how this show helps people to grow and he passed the Javert coat to Bradley and they sang Stars together.
Then on came the JVJS to sing Bring him home.
JOJ came on first "who is he" asked the old lady nearby. Then Killian, Dean, Jon and Alfie. It was wonderful.
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Post by robertb213 on Dec 2, 2019 22:39:09 GMT
Sorry to hear about the technical issues some of you had. Selfishly we had no issues in Rushden, and a very well behaved audience to boot which was a lovely surprise.
This was an incredible 3 hours and I mostly thought it was astounding. Carrie, Rob, Michael and Bradley completely blew me away, I had goosebumps through most of the evening. The duet of Stars was just brilliant, and the Valjean manband at the end (although not remotely a surprise) was a shining example of the talent the show has had this year.
For me, the weak link was still Alfie (not wanting to start a war, I know he has his fans and he does have a great voice). I just found him robotic and blank, the only time he came close to acting was during Bring Him Home. He showed more expression in the adverts for his bloomin album! He has no awareness of nuance, he just adjusts his volume but does nothing with his face. John Owen Jones for me would've been significantly stronger, but then he would've sold barely a fraction of the tickets that Alfie has, so I totally get it.
Personal preferences aside, this was an amazing performance. It's a musical that I feel I grow to love a little more every time I hear it.
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