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winterI'll have more remarks later (seeing the show twice over the next two weeks, natch), but for now, this is my first impression of the new Big Show In Town, Les Miserables.
This is nominally a non-replica production, but this is mostly because Roma doesn't have a revolve. Instead they've finally purchased stage equipment that doesn't move by string - a
set of laser-controlled self-propelled platforms that roll around very impressively. (The sets move a tiny bit too much for my liking, but that's just them showing off.)
The sets and props are low-key and beautiful. Very much like the West End, really, but with some large-letter elements on the Parisian sets. The one that stood out was the Lovely
Ladies corral with its red lanterns, but sets definitely take a seat back to the actors here. Projections, on the other hand, are very impressive - especially in layering of the Castle in
the Clouds scene. The one miss is an especially glaring faux-impressionist paint splatter before the wedding, but it's still an improvement on previous productions.
The costumes are very close to the originals, but with a dusty, dark take. Everything is ragged and worn. I'm just squeeing over the fact that for once they have decent tailoring on
both female and male clothing. Trousers that fit! A miracle!
The whole thing is both very, very replica, and a bit rushed at times. Mind you, this isn't a bad thing: the replica direction is in general very good at conveying the text and emotions of
the show.
I think the major difference is the sheer amount of time Javert spends on the barricade. He's the ghostvampire! there, the mourner, the silver-haired spectre of Death
cheated of two of its prey.
I like. Lots.
The people - crazy, adorable, talented - are the main reason I see Roma's shows dozens of times. (Even with Phantom, I managed a dozen viewings, and they were worth it just for
the Passarino, the ensemble girls, my Best Meg, the Carlottas.) Here, the multitude of roles mean that they can really shine.
Valjean - Janusz Krucinski is a newcomer, he usually haunts the southern theatres. I like his voice in the abstract (pure and rockstar tenor), but the intensity of the acting is still only
getting there. Mind you, he has his own hair except for the Paris scenes ;) A very cute, fluffy and goody-two-shoes Valjean, which isn't my favourite interpretation, but is solid and
valid.
Javert - Ah. Later! With exclamation marks!
Fantine - Edyta Krzemien, who was only third Christine because of her angular looks. The same looks and passion are perfect for Fantine, an austere saint-like figure here. I remain
in awe of her versatility, because I've also seen her as a very sensuous Esmerelda in Notre Dame de Paris.
Marius - Marcin Mrozinski. He's sadly encumbered by a dreadful curly wig in the Michael Ball style, and as Marius he can no longer rage and rant as much as he did as Raoul. Still, he
does the best of the angst, and his voice kills me in Empty Chairs.
Cosette - I saw the second Cosette, Kaja Mianowana - very classic and with a voice like a lark. I think she's also searching for the right idea still; I like my Cosettes with a bit more
fire to them.
Eponine - Ewa Lachowicz, who surprised me in a positive way by disappearing into the role. She's clearly put much more thought into Eponine than she had into Meg - you go, girl!
Enjolras - second cast again, with Jan Bzdawka. Anyone who sees any Roma show notices That Guy With Floofy Hair, and as Enjolras he had the opportunity to shake that mane ;)
His voice surprised me with his strength. On the other hand, this is most certainly not book!Enjolras, because he hugs people, kisses girls, winces. I have to say I much preferred Jon
Robyns's cast-iron idealist.
Threnardiers - Anna Sztejner and Tomasz Steciuk. Fantastic actors, fantastic singers, fantastic dancers <3 Go team.
And then there is the ensemble, which I adore. Malwina Kusior - enough charisma for the whole cast ♥ Jakub Szydlowski, who should be getting leads. Marcin Wortmann, likewise. Everyone else... Gah. Takarazuka has trained me to notice the third guy from the left ;)
But now, Javert.
Ahem. Javert.
I am not nearly neutral about this guy, who with a single claw dragged me into musicals fandom. His voice melts. And to top it off, he has stage presence and acting and intensity.
Javert is his kind of role.
After Friday, I'll put up some clips. For now, let it suffice to say that this is My Javert.
Sets, costumes, production values
This is nominally a non-replica production, but this is mostly because Roma doesn't have a revolve. Instead they've finally purchased stage equipment that doesn't move by string - a
set of laser-controlled self-propelled platforms that roll around very impressively. (The sets move a tiny bit too much for my liking, but that's just them showing off.)
The sets and props are low-key and beautiful. Very much like the West End, really, but with some large-letter elements on the Parisian sets. The one that stood out was the Lovely
Ladies corral with its red lanterns, but sets definitely take a seat back to the actors here. Projections, on the other hand, are very impressive - especially in layering of the Castle in
the Clouds scene. The one miss is an especially glaring faux-impressionist paint splatter before the wedding, but it's still an improvement on previous productions.
The costumes are very close to the originals, but with a dusty, dark take. Everything is ragged and worn. I'm just squeeing over the fact that for once they have decent tailoring on
both female and male clothing. Trousers that fit! A miracle!
Direction
The whole thing is both very, very replica, and a bit rushed at times. Mind you, this isn't a bad thing: the replica direction is in general very good at conveying the text and emotions of
the show.
I think the major difference is the sheer amount of time Javert spends on the barricade. He's the ghost
cheated of two of its prey.
I like. Lots.
Cast
The people - crazy, adorable, talented - are the main reason I see Roma's shows dozens of times. (Even with Phantom, I managed a dozen viewings, and they were worth it just for
the Passarino, the ensemble girls, my Best Meg, the Carlottas.) Here, the multitude of roles mean that they can really shine.
Valjean - Janusz Krucinski is a newcomer, he usually haunts the southern theatres. I like his voice in the abstract (pure and rockstar tenor), but the intensity of the acting is still only
getting there. Mind you, he has his own hair except for the Paris scenes ;) A very cute, fluffy and goody-two-shoes Valjean, which isn't my favourite interpretation, but is solid and
valid.
Javert - Ah. Later! With exclamation marks!
Fantine - Edyta Krzemien, who was only third Christine because of her angular looks. The same looks and passion are perfect for Fantine, an austere saint-like figure here. I remain
in awe of her versatility, because I've also seen her as a very sensuous Esmerelda in Notre Dame de Paris.
Marius - Marcin Mrozinski. He's sadly encumbered by a dreadful curly wig in the Michael Ball style, and as Marius he can no longer rage and rant as much as he did as Raoul. Still, he
does the best of the angst, and his voice kills me in Empty Chairs.
Cosette - I saw the second Cosette, Kaja Mianowana - very classic and with a voice like a lark. I think she's also searching for the right idea still; I like my Cosettes with a bit more
fire to them.
Eponine - Ewa Lachowicz, who surprised me in a positive way by disappearing into the role. She's clearly put much more thought into Eponine than she had into Meg - you go, girl!
Enjolras - second cast again, with Jan Bzdawka. Anyone who sees any Roma show notices That Guy With Floofy Hair, and as Enjolras he had the opportunity to shake that mane ;)
His voice surprised me with his strength. On the other hand, this is most certainly not book!Enjolras, because he hugs people, kisses girls, winces. I have to say I much preferred Jon
Robyns's cast-iron idealist.
Threnardiers - Anna Sztejner and Tomasz Steciuk. Fantastic actors, fantastic singers, fantastic dancers <3 Go team.
And then there is the ensemble, which I adore. Malwina Kusior - enough charisma for the whole cast ♥ Jakub Szydlowski, who should be getting leads. Marcin Wortmann, likewise. Everyone else... Gah. Takarazuka has trained me to notice the third guy from the left ;)
But now, Javert.
Ahem. Javert.
I am not nearly neutral about this guy, who with a single claw dragged me into musicals fandom. His voice melts. And to top it off, he has stage presence and acting and intensity.
Javert is his kind of role.
After Friday, I'll put up some clips. For now, let it suffice to say that this is My Javert.
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(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-29 07:31 pm (UTC)Right now I so want to to ruffle Javerts sideburns. XD
About those clips you've mentioned: you've made just clips of certain songs or an entire video bootleg of the show? ;-]
(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-29 07:46 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-29 08:14 pm (UTC)I have plans on making an audio myself when I'll go to see Les Mis, and I'm still thinking about making a video bootleg (I need to come up with a strategy on how to do it).
(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-29 08:37 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-29 08:49 pm (UTC)But then, there are still ushers that will be sure to hunt you down if they see anything "funny" going on at the audience (and I've heard from various sources, that the ushers at Roma can be merciless when it comes to photographers and bootleg makers).
(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-30 03:50 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-29 07:52 pm (UTC)Shame you aren't still over here, as I suspect you would have appreciated it. :/
(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-29 08:02 pm (UTC)