Les Mis

I saw Les Miserables on Saturday night.

I had seen the production in 2001 and was very impressed with the standard of the chorus and principals.

I have also seen Les Mis on the west end a few years ago, which was looking a little tired but still very good.

I must say i was very disappointed with this production.
The chorus did a good job, but at times couldnt be heard because of the directors staging and the orchestra too loud.

Principals were what let me down, not all I will add, but most.
Fantine acted well for most of it, but the 'Broadway Belt" and almost yelling for her songs I thought quite bad. I dreamed a dream lost all its impact for me.

Jean Valjean sang quite well but was very wooden on stage. I felt no emotion at all with this character, which it certainly needs.

I felt that alot of the principals looked uneasy on stage, whether they hadnt done a lot of amature theatre or lack of rehearsal time etc?

The sets......sorry what sets besides the baracade were very poor.

A white cyc through most of the show isnt exactly exciting to watch. I dont mind minimalism but ??

I , like Alex's brother nearly went to sleep during alot of it.

I remember the 2001 production well and dont remember so many blackouts and waiting in the "near" dark for the next seen.

For me it was quite a disappointing show and in a way wasnt sure if I had wanted to see it......But after all this is only my opinion.
I would like to see others.

I suppose of an amature production it was ok, but as a pro-am production that it keeps getting billed as......I dont think so.

I have seen far better shows in this state produced on a 'shoe-sting' budget at smaller theatres and companies.

Another "red Herring" is the MS claim of all proceeds benifiting people with MS...........I see on this site you have been there before.