Les Mis

Hi!

I am currently in London and not able to see the production, has anybody been to see the show yet? Can someone give me review!

Thanks:)


*Don't Dream It, Be It*

believe tonight is opening night. It will be interesting to see if it can meet the standard of the last Les Mis at the Regal some 3 or years ago

I was a cast member of Les Mis at the Regal in 2001 and also the MS Society's production of the King and I last year. I am now in Melbourne and unable to see this production. I would also like to hear a review and know who is in the cast.

Thanks

Any one seen Les Mis at the regal yet ? Feedback pls?

It was quite different to the one in 2001, which is to be expected with different direction and totally different cast.

Because of having seen the 2001 production it is difficult to look at this Les Mis and be objective so I will leave it to others to comment.

What I will say is that, from all accounts, it was a stallwart effort from all concerned to actually get this production up and running on time.

Well done all

Was it good Michael? I'm not sure what you're trying to say.

I would give it about 5/10
The group scenes were really good most of the time, but some of the scenes where is just the one character on stage alone, got a bit boring. I went with my brother... who fell asleep. but it wasnt that bad overall.

Yes I heard the chorus scenes were fantasic, how were the lead players tho?

To be brutally honest I dont think "fantastic" is a term I would have used.

There seemed to be a few sound issues, common fault with quite a few productions.

The Students were a tad on the young side for my liking, but thats just my opinion.

Some of the lead performers were a touch "wooden"

The biggest disappointment was the baracade NOT revolving.

But as I stated before, I am comparing this version to the 2001 Les Mis which is a bit unfair of me becasue I should be viewing it on its own merits as opposed to using a previous production as a bench mark

all things considered, it was not bad for what it was.

how was the marius and how was valjean jus wondering i havent been able to get a ticket ???

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.

In regards to the MS SocietyÂ’s presentation of Les Miserables, I felt that the overall direction and performances were excellent.

However, it does not surprise me that the reviews thus far have been negative, considering that many so called “Perth Theatre Enthusiasts” rarely enjoy any musical of this style unless the director Andrew Lloyd Webberises the entire production.

To draw comparisons with the previous production (2001) should not even be an item of discussion. Therefore, I myself shall not stoop to such a degree and point out how the present production of Les Miserables triumphs over the 2001 staging.

A standing ovation should be given to John Milson and the entire cast and crew for presenting an amazing show which holds it own against any production I have seen thus far in the Perth community.

Which Les Mis are you guys referring to?

Geelong, Loyola or another?

Rach, it's about the Perth production.

I agree it is completely unfair to be bringing the 2001 production into reviews of the current show.
If you can't be objective then go and start a thread about the Les Mis that was on 4 years ago.

Well done Terry, everyone is entitled to their opinion, after all that is what a review is.

However, as much as others will respect your opinion, even though they may or may not agree with it, it is prudent to also show respect,
rather than anamosity to the opinions of others.

People should be able to review a production without fear of being criticised and I encourage all theatre goers to review honestly and in a constructive manner.

It must be remembered that we are all individuals and as such we enjoy a wealth of different experiences and as a consequence we will demonstrate different opinions. None are right and none are wrong they are just viewed through different eyes

It is an unfortunate quirk of nature that we compare things, people, events etc.

However how do we know if what we are seeing is enjoyable or not if we have nothing to compare it to?

How do you know if you are sad if you have never been happy. How do you know sweet if you have never experienced sour?

Thats Deep....




SJS

I would still love someone to post a cast list for the production.

PS. Sorry for mentioning the 2001 production. I didn't mean for people to feel the need to compare them.

Thanks

Boradway Baby

Well if you all can wait until after Thursday, I'm going to see it then, and I'll post a cast list and a rambling review then, for what it's worth.


What I do in the real world: http://www.cafepress.com/aliciasmith


Thou mangled beef-witted wagtail!

Are you sure your not in the show ?

Jean Valjean - Ian Toyne
Javert - Michael Heap
Fantine - Ann Adlem
Cosette - Veronica Pulker
Marius - Roberto Abate
Enjolras - Thomas Strong
Eponine - Kira Morsley
Thenardier - Brian Dawson
Madame Thenardier - Shirley Welch
Gavroche - Blake Rookledge (Oct 21, 22, 25, 27, 29 mat) and Michael Bingaman (Oct 22 mat, 23, 26, 28, 29, 30)
Little Cosette - Miranda MacPherson (Oct 21, 22, 25, 27, 29 mat) and Kate Thomas (Oct 22 mat, 23, 26, 28, 29, 20)


If you want the ensemble list, let me know.

Thanks Charlotte - would love an ensemble list as well if you can be bothered typing it out....

Broadway Baby

No worries.

ENSEMBLE

Javert's Constables - Jared Newall, Daniel Brando
Farmer - Ian Beldon
Labourer - Andrew Shugg
Inkeeper's Wife - Jenny Lawrence
Inkeeper - Stephen Wilson
Bishop of Digne - Phil Wilson
Constables - Mathew Gollow/Sam Holland
Factory Foreman - Ian Belton
Factor Workers - Glen Hunting/Richard Reeve
Factory Girls - Leanne Cole/Tessa Hurst/Melissa Treby/Jenny Lawrence/Taryn Leggett
Sailors - Charles McComb/ Stefan Brand/ Stephen Haimes
Whores - Margriet Van Tuyll/ Breeahn Jones/ Tina Jackson
Crones - Donna-Maree Gavin/ Colleen Johnson
Pimp - Anthony Harwood
Bamatabois - Simon Brett
Fauchelevant - Stephen Haimes
Little Eponine - Krystina Kokis/Emma Gage
Ensemble/"Turning" - Sarah Cosstick, Donna-Maree Gavin, Laura Hayman, Sally Hodgson, Tessa Hurst, Estelle Lewis, Rebecca Mansfield, Tamara Woolrych
Drinkers - Stefan Brand, Stephen Wilson, Peter Knol, Andrew Shugg, Glen Hunting, Richard Reeve, Stephen Haimes, Leanne Cole, Daniel Brando
Diners - Ian Belton, Colleen Johnson
Beggar Woman - Melissa Treby
Young Whore - Jessica Lenney

THENARDIER'S GANG
Montparnasse - Daniel Brando
Brujon - Peter Knol
Babet - Richard Reeve
Claquesous - Anthony Harwood

STUDENTS
Grantaire - Neville Talbot
Courfeyrac - Jamie Ward
Prouvaire - Glen Hunting
Lesgles - Simon Brett
Combeferre - Stephen Haimes
Joly - Charles McComb
Feuilly - Mathew Gollow

Army Officer - Meter Knol
Major Domo - Jared Newall

URCHINS
Oct 21, 22, 25, 27, 29 mat: Eloise Ashton, Emma Gage, Kyle Hams, Kristen Plati, Maree Turner
Oct 22 mat, 23, 26, 28, 29, 20: Emily Allen-Rose, Shayna Hall-Gordon, Krysty-Anne Hillary, Krystina Kokis, Troy Leenards

a big thanks to you from anyone who wanted the list. I applaud you .

Hey - I went to see Les Mis over the weekend and was really impressed.

I loved the minimal sets and movement....It really seemed to enhance the quality of the voices throughout the show...I mean...the voices really soared...Every time Javert and Fontaine sang I had total goosebumps. My Mum bawled when Fontaine, Eponine and the students died....One child sitting in front of us (a boy about 12 years old or so) had to be comforted by his Dad after the show as he was completely devastated that Val Jean had died...

I didn't see the previous Les Mis performance so can't comment or compare....all I can say is that it was well worth the cost of the ticket and I am actually hunting down another ticket to go and see it again before it ends.

Oh - The chorus scenes...Wow. These scenes really worked well for....great energy from beginning to end. Great orchestra too...

Hee! Sorry to gush...I just really loved it and haven't stopped humming songs from the show since.

hey i went to go see the show on opening night
as a regular theatre goer, this was actually the first production on Les Mis i had seen
i had quite high expectations of the show due to the sell out season and the overwhelming popularity of the show
however it must take a good director, strong actors/singers/dancers, backstage crew and designers to pull this one off
the main character was two dimensional almost, not giving us a chance to become fully sympathetic with him, he was boring and was poorly singing in falsetto, his voice was unable to handle it
i was constantly annyoed at the fact the director did not take in to consideration, particularly with scenes containing many cast members that audience focus wasnt adopted, so during the songs, i was confused of where to look and spent much of the time looking around the stage to find out who was singine
a strong us of tableaux were used, however after once or twice, it became overused
the kids cast couldnt sing very well, and seemed to be dancers and singers, not performers or acotrs
the sound was terrible! with the microphones coming in and out of songs, and some actors not having microphones at all were totally drained by the orchestra which was very annoying and disappointing
the two stand out performers were the characters who played the constable guy who ends up jumping off the balcony (sorry i dont know names) and the girl who endlessly loves marius but dies in the end and helps corsette (or whatever) and marius get together. their singing was beatuiful and they felt more 3-dimensional than any other character
the lighting was unadventurous, boring and did not lend it self well to the show, and the choreography was limited, i would have loved to have seen more dancing or movements rather than a step forward step backwards action which was adopted no less than 5 times.
two other stand outs were the evil characters, which acted also as comic relief which allowed us to like them and become instantly drawn to them
this performane is the 2nd i have seen from John Milson and have created very low respect for him as both shows were poorly directed, with boring blocking which led to no conflict, intesity and was at times just boring
it seems he took the approach of keeping everything minimal and didnt want to experiment or be too creative...either that or he just plainly did a half assed job
so there is my review
overall quite a poor performance, poorly directed, and terribly unadventurous or lacking in creativity
Chloe

Chloe Spalding wrote:
>
> the choreography was limited, i
> would have loved to have seen more dancing or movements
> rather than a step forward step backwards action which was
> adopted no less than 5 times.


Had you seen any of the original professional productions, you would recognise that marching action as being THE Les Mis march. It's famous enough to be a cliche. I don't know whether that's a good or bad reason to incorporate it in this new production, but it's probably expected.

Craig

this is my point, the director just wasnt experimental in any way
he stuck to the conventions and di it how it was "suppose" to be performed which was one very bad idea

Maybe you don't understand, the Les Mis march is as much a part of the show as the song I dreamed a dream, it's not something you'd cut but rather something you'd expect to see in a production of les mis

Speaking of choreography, who did it? does anyone know off the top of their heads?

chloe spalding wrote:
>
> this is my point, the director just wasnt experimental in any
> way
> he stuck to the conventions and di it how it was "suppose" to
> be performed which was one very bad idea



Fair enough. I haven't seen the production, so can't comment on its effectiveness. I just thought you might not have been aware of the original choreography, as you claimed to have never seen a production.


I'm not defending what I haven't seen, nor refuting your opinion of it, but your comment has prompted me to make this observation: I do sometimes think that it can be a mistake to try TOO HARD to be 'original' or clever and experimental.

There are always going to be new interpretations by everyone involved, and hopefully original ideas will come out of this. But it can be a mistake to make ORIGINALITY your sole purpose. I think the overall purpose should be to make it GOOD.


Cheers,
Craig

[%sig%]

I am actually led to belive the director brought a lot of new ideas to the show. I'm seeing it tomorrow night so I can't really say until then.

I agree with many comments. I found the leads to be a bit wooden and the sets to be rather uninteresing. In terms of character, in reference to the story (the book primarily) the audience is supposed to engage with a pompus Javert, a humble and strong Val Jean, a longing Eponiene, a passionate marious, enraged students etc... but all I got was 'actors on a stage'

In my opinion, it had a very 'high school' feel about it with many of the chorus not really knowing what they should be doing - so they shook their heads in a very un-natural and static way.

Also, many of the mics did not work on the night I went --- so that meant that you could not hear many of the leads at all.

I applaud all of the cast who gave up their spare time to perform in an essentially amatuer production of a piece of theatre which everyone has exceptionally high (dare I say cliched) opinions of.

And hey, at the end of the day its all for a good cause

Rating:
Chorus effort 8/20
Principal effort 2/10

Actually the production is nothing like Cam Mac's, so I don't know what you're talking about in regards to not experimenting - it is extremely different to the original; John Milson has gone out of his way to avoid all of the Trevor Nunn/Cam Mac directions, with the exception of the Les Mis march.

The infamous Les Mis march is just that - infamous. Leaving it out of The People's Song, One Day More and the Epilogue would be ridiculous. That's a total of three times, not five.

The choreography was all done by JM, apart from the wedding waltz which was done by someone else (I don't have the name on hand).

Chloe Spalding wrote:
>
i would have loved to have seen more dancing or movements
> rather than a step forward step backwards action which was
> adopted no less than 5 times.

As Charlotte has pointed out, the 'infamous' march was only used in 3 songs and all the choreography, with the exception of the wedding dance, was done by JM. Brian Dawson (who was also our Thenardier) assisted with the wedding choreography...and, really, Les Mis is not really a 'singing and dancing' show. As a performer, I wouldn't have wanted to see any dancing myself in any of the other scenes...but hey, thats just me. I'm glad you enjoyed some aspects of the show.

Interestingly enough, rumour had it that all sets and costumes were coming from the MS Adelaide production. I dont know if this eventuated or not.

I thought that the play was abosolutley fantastic. It's great to know the talent that people have; singing and acting at the same time is amazing. I really enjoyed it.





October 25 2005

yeah the show was satisfactory, u just have to ignore me sometimes, because i do see ALOT of theatre and as a result i have become highly critical and my involvement in theatre is in my family
i tried hard not to be overly critical!
sorry all :)

I was given tickets to see this as a present, and was excited to go and see it was one of my friends was a chorus member.

I love Les Mis, in itself. I think that it's a brilliant and dramatic show, with amazing, heart wrenching songs and music. It's one of those shows that can draw you in and absolutely devastate you in it's sadness.

Only if it is done right.

And I feel that the MS Society production was not entirely there.

I am not a stranger to musicals or theatre itself, working which various companies in the community.

I have a lot of quibbles with this show, and I think that major problem was that is badly paced. It is slow, boring in places, with dead space in bits (something that kills shows, trust me).

Some of the acting was melodramatic and/or non-existant, and the chorus easily outshone the leads.

Except when you couldn't hear them in songs. Sounds levels and microphones were just appalling, horendous in places.

I liked the minimal staging, but laughed out loud when the smoke effects (which was quite popular with the show) drowned out the poor actor on stage (not good in a dead scene).

The other major quibble I had was that the direction failed to ground or set any of the leads for their solos. Eponine paced during hers (annoyingly so), Marius sang his to the back wall of the stage (the back drop got all the actions and emotions that would have been better for the audience to see). And I was quite upset that I didn't get upset during "Fall of Rain". I was like, "ho, hum. Eponine is dying. Sigh."

It's sad when you go to a show like this and can't emotionally connect with the characters because of other elements (ie staging, singing, bad acting/direction).

And the poor orchestra sounded like it was forced to wait and slow right down for the cast in some of the more faster pasted songs. It's not good when the pace of the music sets the pace of the show. Traditionally, in Les Mis, the marching beat and music helps set the pace and tighten the show's speed. Well it should do, but no fast paced underscoring could have saved this production.

Overall, commendable effort by chorus, some of the staging was alright (I liked the minimal set, but at times the stage was just empty, both physically and emotionally), and the singing was above par (brilliant in places) but it could and should have been a much tighter and better paced show.

I felt every one of the 175 minutes that the show runs.

But I do enjoy a night out at the theatre, and if I didn't love the show itself so much, I don't think that I could of withstood it.

Regards.

i agree with u totally, :)

Confirming that Sets and Costumes are from the MS Adelaide Production.

My completely honest and hopefully unbiased review of

Les Miserables
Presented by the MS Society of WA, 2005


I have read in previous posts there is a tendency to compare this production to the 2001 Pat Barton production. Why exactly IÂ’m not sure, same venue perhaps? I did see the 2001 production and itÂ’s my opinion more of a fuss was made out of that one purely because of who was in it- some of the cast were quite well known in Perth and I thought it was a good show but nothing to rave endlessly about. I myself have seen Les Miserables performed about 10 times, both professional and amateur productions and donÂ’t ever think I could get enough of it.

I personally donÂ’t feel there was anything bad about the MS Society show, I enjoyed a great deal of it. And IÂ’m not sure anyone associated with the show would care what reviews were written as itÂ’s sold out and they have obviously already met their fundraising objectives. But here goes my review for the sake of reviewing. Any criticisms I do give are meant to be constructive, I hope they arenÂ’t taken any other way.

I thought generally a good show but nothing to rave about in my opinion. I felt musically that the chorus did a spectacular job and really sounded full in some of those big numbers, particularly “Do you hear the people sing”. I thought that number was fantastic and I could feel the hairs stand up on the back of my neck because the sound was so full and harmonies came across clearly. I felt in most of the chorus scenes and even when some of the leads were singing out front that chorus did a great job, making sure they were looking busy and in appropriate characterization. There were a couple of stand out chorus solo performances, I won’t name names though. Some of them looked like they really thought about their roles no matter how small they were also great usage of the stage most of the time and I congratulate chorus with this because they had minimal sets.

I donÂ’t think any of the lead performers were bad as obviously John Milson and the MD wouldnÂ’t have cast them, but some of the performances and characterizations of their roles were very ordinary. I felt sometimes particularly in the some of the solos, some of the leads did not know where to look or how to use the stage. And some of the movements looked mechanical .This does not apply to all leads though of course, some of them were fabulous.

I thought stand out performances were Fantine, Cosette, Marius and I really enjoyed Gavroche. (I saw Michael B).I enjoyed CosetteÂ’s performance, her voice suited the role perfectly and she just characterized so well. IÂ’d sit up straight in my chair during her parts. I thoroughly enjoyed FantineÂ’s performances, she has a great big chest voice but at times I wanted to hear a little less shouting and more singing. Still brilliant none the less! I really felt for her in the death scene and it did seem to have an effect on me. Well done. I felt Marius had great character most of the time, although a tad wooden in some parts. But magnificent voice for sure and he really suited the role.

These were the only performers I felt really had the full package being great voice and great character accompanied by natural movements. (All the leads just mentioned) Some of the other leads had one or the other most of the time. I thought Javert did a great job also but I would have liked him to be a little sterner in his appearance and character with a deeper, richer sounding voice. Just my opinion. I thought Enjolras had a magnificent voice but I just didn’t feel the character come through most of the time. I was alittle disappointed with Jean Val Jean from the beginning, he carries the show most of the time doesn’t he? I just didn’t see JVJ on the stage most of time, I saw the actor. He had a great voice though. Lovely rendition of “Bring Him Home”.


I wasnÂ’t too distracted by the minimal sets. To me, Les Mis is the kind of show that the performers and great voices really make. I feel good performances really tell the story, Costumes were good also although I thought what ever Javert had on his head really looked like a big, black taco (ok so that wasnÂ’t constructive crit but I had to put it in somehere!)


I thought the orchestra was amazing from the first to the last bars! Well done MD! Well done to Mr Milson also- you obviously tried to portray Les Mis in a different light which was interesting. I was alittle distracted by the extra dialouge thrown into the show- or was I just imagining things?? I didnÂ’t expect too much movement in the show so the minimal movements didnÂ’t bother me either. As I said, Les Mis is more of a show made by vocal quality and performances.

Although I expected more I thought it was a good show. And congrats to the MS Society on an absolute sell out. But then again, anyone who puts on Les Miserables is almost guaranteed an absolute sell out, where ever it is put on.

I'm just amazed they didn't sack any actors this year. Guess Inside Cover will have to look for some other story.

Well from what I see, they had no understudies this year. So unless John Milson was prepared to get up there himself and take over, I don't see how they could run a show minus leads.

Be a bugger if a cast member broke a leg before the show one night then, wouldn't it?

Thankfully, that didn't happen. Our Marius performed the last three shows with a knee injury (and not in the leg that Marius gets shot in, either) but apart from that nobody came close to needing to pull out.
Valjean did have a cover in case anything happened.

Nobody was fired and nobody wanted to leave. It was a fabulous cast and we were lucky to be working together in a group that banded together and got along very easily.

And just for the record, the MS Society treated us beautifully.

So, sorry to disappoint but there's no gossip on that front. No, we didn't have understudies but really, the season is over and none were needed. Knowing the cast, everyone there would have been happy to go on performing with a broken limb or two rather than miss a show.

the costumes didnt come from adilade or anywhere else they were made here in perth by Meg and her team of costume designers, i know this because they fitted us and then made them during that fortnight

sorry chloe i dont agree although it was the first large scale musical i had been in i would have to say that it was one of the better ones that i had seen and been in you can say what you think i dont disagree with that but i do belive you are wrong. John Milson is one of the best directors around although he may be tough it makes perfection and i belive this musical was no differnet. even though at times the mics and other sound devices may not have worked this just shows that even the better musicals may be ruined by bad equitment. but i think along with alot of other people that the musical was amazing.

i dont understand how you can say that he changed things in the musical ie little people. the only reason he put in the stepping was because it looked so affective and because it symbloised the fact that the people where marching for a "new world..."

Maree, firstly don't worry yourself with replying to negative reviews. Everyone will have an opinion. We know we put on an awesome show and that's all that matters.

Secondly, some costumes did come from Adelaide. The rest came from various locations around Perth including WAAPA, the MS Society and others. Our dresser did sew a few items but she really didn't have time to make 60 costumes from scratcg- she put together and altered the fabulous costumes by working with John and choosing from all the possible costumes provided. So no, the costumes weren't made by Meg specifically, nor were they all from Adelaide.

by defining my opinions as wrong u are degrading me and making me feel as though i should believe what u believe and believe that john milson is the best director in the world and the show was absolutely marvellous
dont u dare tell me im wrong, cuz in actual fact, an opinion can never be wrong or right
stop being contradictory in what u say:
1) its alright to have an opinion but ur opinion is wrong, an opinion seems to be only accetable or "right" when it agrees with yours and
2) John is tough and likes perfection, yet his show was "ruined by bad equipment"
if john milson is so great why is he not doing bigger and better things?
if he was in to perfection why did he not organise microphones for all cast? which would have ultimately made the performance a lot better?
its fine to disagree but u need to be put back in your box cuz u have not right telling me that im wrong
would u like me to tell u that u are WRONG WRONG WRONG because the show was not the greatest i had seen. so u HAVE to feel the same as i do about the performance?
i never said that John Milson is the WORST director in the world, i said i have low respect for him as a director cuz i find his work seems half assed
i didnt say he was half assed, and i didnt get personal with him...i described how i felt about abot him on a professional basis, AS a director.
so think about what u have to say, because one day someone may tell u how u feel is WRONG, just as u did to me
of course u would have a bias in favour of the show anyways, U WERE IN IT...sometimes it takes an outsider to realise that things arent always so fine and dandy!
oh yeah, and i think like a lot of other people, the show was less than satisfactory in all aspects