Loyola Les Mis
Mon, 24 Oct 2005, 01:12 pmBroadway Baby22 posts in thread
Loyola Les Mis
Mon, 24 Oct 2005, 01:12 pmI saw LoyolaÂ’s Les Miserables on Saturday night and must start my review with saying how AMAZING the ensemble was in this production. I did not see one person out of character for a second, real tears rolled down their cheeks, the singing was strong and clear and the most telling thing of allÂ….even after performing in Les Mis twice and seeing the production countless times, I still got goose-bumps when the ensemble sang!
The lead characters were a bit of a mixed bag. I really liked Eponine - she made the character her own instead of being the usual Lea Salonga clone. Eponine was much softer and more what I imagined Eponine to be like from reading the novel. All the students were great, the children cute, Javert menacing, the Thenardiers revolting and Cosette appropriately sweet and saccharine. Jean Valjean did a commendable job and I think my problem with him is more an issue with the director and the costuming department. In the prologue he seemed crazy with a long scraggly wig and manic movements and you were left with the impression that he should have been kept locked up for all those years. I was a little disappointed with Fantine, whose voice was not as strong as I would have liked to hear.
A review of Les Miserables would not be complete without comment on the BarricadeÂ…The different levels and the height of this Barricade was fantastic providing lots of interest in the battle scenes, however it was very 2 dimensional looking and it did not revolve which I think is an essential element to a good Barricade. While on the technical side of the production I have to sayÂ…why, why, why did they have to have the stage crew come on stage in the middle of scenes in full stage lighting. It is just WRONG when there are ways that this can be easily avoided.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with this company and look forward to seeing (or perhaps performing in) their productions in the future.
The lead characters were a bit of a mixed bag. I really liked Eponine - she made the character her own instead of being the usual Lea Salonga clone. Eponine was much softer and more what I imagined Eponine to be like from reading the novel. All the students were great, the children cute, Javert menacing, the Thenardiers revolting and Cosette appropriately sweet and saccharine. Jean Valjean did a commendable job and I think my problem with him is more an issue with the director and the costuming department. In the prologue he seemed crazy with a long scraggly wig and manic movements and you were left with the impression that he should have been kept locked up for all those years. I was a little disappointed with Fantine, whose voice was not as strong as I would have liked to hear.
A review of Les Miserables would not be complete without comment on the BarricadeÂ…The different levels and the height of this Barricade was fantastic providing lots of interest in the battle scenes, however it was very 2 dimensional looking and it did not revolve which I think is an essential element to a good Barricade. While on the technical side of the production I have to sayÂ…why, why, why did they have to have the stage crew come on stage in the middle of scenes in full stage lighting. It is just WRONG when there are ways that this can be easily avoided.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with this company and look forward to seeing (or perhaps performing in) their productions in the future.
Re: Loyola Les Mis
Mon, 7 Nov 2005, 04:27 pmWalter Plinge
THANK YOU TO THE CAST OF LES MISERABLESÂ…
I have seen the professional stage production of Les Mis twice (Melbourne 1998), have watched the ‘Dream Cast’ concert video countless times, seen an amateur production in 2000 and adored each experience. Loyola’s production at the National Theatre on Saturday October 29 topped them all.
It was the most moving interpretation I have seen. Not only were the songs brilliantly executed, but the acting was phenomenal - so many extra touches that had a profound impact on the story as a whole. IÂ’m reluctant to single anyone out as all of the actors were so beautiful, but one stirring example I must mention is Javert breaking down in tears when he realizes Valjean is releasing him. What a moment. Magnificent. It gives me tingles just thinking about it.
I was at the performance with my parents, who are avid fans of Les Mis and introduced me to its world years ago, and with my cousin. At interval my family and I looked to one another with wide eyes. ‘Are you in shock?’ my dad asked. We were all buzzing with adrenaline as we launched into our respective thoughts on what we had just experienced. The consensus was one of sincere awe and great anticipation of what was still to come!
I was so happy that at the showÂ’s final close the audience were moved enough to overcome that ingrained Australian hesitation and to give the cast the standing ovation they so deserved.
Waiting in the foyer afterwards, we got the chance to briefly thank and congratulate some of the actors, which was very satisfying, yet not enough. I realize IÂ’m not an authority on the technical or critical aspect of theatre productions, but from the viewpoint of an objective, paying audience member and fan of musical productions I can only offer the feelings I felt. The emotional journey I went on that night has had a lasting impact that will stay with me for as long as I live.
I donÂ’t know who looks at this site but hopefully somebody will pass on my sentiments to those involved in the production!
I have seen the professional stage production of Les Mis twice (Melbourne 1998), have watched the ‘Dream Cast’ concert video countless times, seen an amateur production in 2000 and adored each experience. Loyola’s production at the National Theatre on Saturday October 29 topped them all.
It was the most moving interpretation I have seen. Not only were the songs brilliantly executed, but the acting was phenomenal - so many extra touches that had a profound impact on the story as a whole. IÂ’m reluctant to single anyone out as all of the actors were so beautiful, but one stirring example I must mention is Javert breaking down in tears when he realizes Valjean is releasing him. What a moment. Magnificent. It gives me tingles just thinking about it.
I was at the performance with my parents, who are avid fans of Les Mis and introduced me to its world years ago, and with my cousin. At interval my family and I looked to one another with wide eyes. ‘Are you in shock?’ my dad asked. We were all buzzing with adrenaline as we launched into our respective thoughts on what we had just experienced. The consensus was one of sincere awe and great anticipation of what was still to come!
I was so happy that at the showÂ’s final close the audience were moved enough to overcome that ingrained Australian hesitation and to give the cast the standing ovation they so deserved.
Waiting in the foyer afterwards, we got the chance to briefly thank and congratulate some of the actors, which was very satisfying, yet not enough. I realize IÂ’m not an authority on the technical or critical aspect of theatre productions, but from the viewpoint of an objective, paying audience member and fan of musical productions I can only offer the feelings I felt. The emotional journey I went on that night has had a lasting impact that will stay with me for as long as I live.
I donÂ’t know who looks at this site but hopefully somebody will pass on my sentiments to those involved in the production!
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