It's been a while, and that's largely because I've been supporting my love, my passion - musical theatre. Most of October, I spent my free time seeing the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Tour. My love for that show is endless and amazingly, it keeps on growing. J. Mark McVey, the current John Valjean, does an excellent job of portraying the story's themes of love, hope, and redemption. Les Miserables genuinely depicts one's ability to create a better life despite harsh, uncaring circumstances.
The entire ensemble is incredible. Chasten Harmon, Eponine, sings "On My Own" with amazing vigor. When she sings "pretending," I got chills every time, and I've seen her as Eponine 13 times. Betsy Morgan's Fantine is heartfelt, strong, and honest. Her rendition of "Dreamed a Dream" was magical and moving. Every night watching her die was very moving, and I loved when she returned from the dead to welcome Jean Valjean to Heaven. Andrew Varela almost made me a convert to Team Javert, almost. He rejuvenated the role of Javert and when he sang "Stars," I shivered from the power and talent behind his words. Joseph Spieldenner was the best Grantaire I have ever seen, and I have seen the show 31 times. His Grantaire had heart, courage, and joy. Watching him as Gavroche died was one of the highlights of the show. He also played a blind man exquisitely during "Master of the House." I looked forward to hearing him sing "Drink With Me" at every performance. I was fortunate to see many of Justin Scott Brown's final performances as Marius. He resembled the character portrayed in Victor Hugo's books magnificently. One of my favorite additions to this new version of the show was Kylie McVey, who played a young girl that was added to the ensemble. She is wise beyond her eight years. Her character made the show more believeable and realistic overall.
The show has many lyrics that are touching. My favorite line is "...for love is everlasting, and remember, the truth that once was spoken, to love another person is to see the face of God," I loved the tour so much, I already have plans to see it multiple times next year.
Showing posts with label Les Miserables. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Les Miserables. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Love Changes Everything
Sometimes, I reflect on the shows that have deeply affected me. Usually, I think back at how I felt after my first time experiencing the show. How old was I? Where was I? What specifically moved me? Has this experience changed the course of my life? In particular, the last question makes me pause, as I realize the answer will always be “yes.” Like the Aspects of Love song explains, “love changes everything,” and my love of theatre has profoundly changed my life.
This love has inspired me to see as many shows as possible, connect with fellow theatre enthusiasts, and transform my career by pursuing a MS in arts administration and an arts management profession. Not only has theatre influenced my friendships, but it has influenced where I am willing to live and where I choose to vacation. Moreover, musicals especially motivate me to live a better, more dynamic and honest life.
The best example of this for me is Les Miserables. Anyone familiar with the show, based on Victor Hugo’s book, will recall Jean Valjean’s journey of redemption, grace, and love. I learned of the story and the musical when I was five, and I first saw the show when I was six. Every time I see the musical or read the book, I understand more about living a righteous life. Furthermore, each lyric’s expression of despair, isolation, ambition, desire, love or hope inspires me as I struggle through the ups and downs of life.
The new 25th anniversary production of Les Miserables incorporates fresh direction and orchestrations that invigorate the always touching musical. I’ll always love the original interpretation of the musical, but the new version presents the powerful message, music, and story Les Mis in an equally rousing manner. An updated tour of Les Miserables is currently running in the United States, and I highly recommend you see it if you get the opportunity. Each time I see Les Mis, I am in awe of how God’s love changes Jean Valjean’s life. Even though the show is entitled “The Miserables,” I always leave the theatre feeling fulfilled and overjoyed.
This love has inspired me to see as many shows as possible, connect with fellow theatre enthusiasts, and transform my career by pursuing a MS in arts administration and an arts management profession. Not only has theatre influenced my friendships, but it has influenced where I am willing to live and where I choose to vacation. Moreover, musicals especially motivate me to live a better, more dynamic and honest life.
The best example of this for me is Les Miserables. Anyone familiar with the show, based on Victor Hugo’s book, will recall Jean Valjean’s journey of redemption, grace, and love. I learned of the story and the musical when I was five, and I first saw the show when I was six. Every time I see the musical or read the book, I understand more about living a righteous life. Furthermore, each lyric’s expression of despair, isolation, ambition, desire, love or hope inspires me as I struggle through the ups and downs of life.
The new 25th anniversary production of Les Miserables incorporates fresh direction and orchestrations that invigorate the always touching musical. I’ll always love the original interpretation of the musical, but the new version presents the powerful message, music, and story Les Mis in an equally rousing manner. An updated tour of Les Miserables is currently running in the United States, and I highly recommend you see it if you get the opportunity. Each time I see Les Mis, I am in awe of how God’s love changes Jean Valjean’s life. Even though the show is entitled “The Miserables,” I always leave the theatre feeling fulfilled and overjoyed.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
One Day More!
It's been a while since I've written...but a LOT has been going on. The highlights are: I officially started graduate school for an MS in arts administration, and I traveled to London, New York City, and Philadelphia. The best part is that come tomorrow, I will have seen 15 shows this month. New record!
In London, I managed to see 10 shows in 8 days, including Phantom of the Opera, War Horse, Ghost, Richard III, Wicked, Billy Elliot, Wizard of Oz, and Les Miserables. A wonderful, eclectic mix of shows. It was an ideal vacation.
Phantom of the Opera surprised me. I was lucky to see it with its 25th Anniversary Cast, starring John Owen Jones as the Phantom, Katie Hall as Christine, and Killian Donnelly as Raoul. Naturally, I was pleased to see a cast full of Les Mis alums. The show is truly stunning. The lavish music, set, and costumes have delighted audiences for a quarter of a century. When the chandelier rises as the show begins, you know you're in for a treat. I'd only seen touring productions in the past, and even then, I hadn't seen the show live in about 14 years. Nonetheless, the show will always hold a special place in my heart since it was the first musical I ever saw. This production made me realize why Phantom of the Opera is still on Broadway. It continues to amaze audience members, including me, after 25 years.
Another spectacular production I saw was War Horse. I was determined to see the show again in London even though tickets seemed impossible to get. While I had an odd view from a balcony, the resulting back ache was worth it. The show is quite different from the Broadway version. Even though the main storyline remains entact, the means of getting there is a bit different. Firstly, there is only a Song Man, no Song Woman. I really missed the Song Woman. The Song Man was incredible; I'd just been accustomed to hearing a woman's voice too. Secondly, when I read the play, I noticed the use of foreign languages in the story - cheifly German and French. However, on Broadway, the whole story is presented in English. This is not the case in the West End produciton - the show incorporates French and German where it should be used. Lastly, some of the subplots of the story, especially int he second act, were very different. Either way, the main characters - Joey and Albert - still melted my heart. I think the whole audience was practically in tears by the end of the show.
I also saw a very technically stunning show while I was in London - Ghost. I don't think I've ever seen as much technology incorporated into one show. Spiderman may have come close, but I think this show had more technology displayed in it. For the must part it worked, but at times, it was a bit distracting. I especially enjoyed the way the elements of Sam as a ghost were incorporated into the musical. I also appreciated the show's music, sung beautifully by Richard Fleeshman (Sam) and Caissie Levi (Molly).
Even though I could write a novel about the fantastic shows I saw in London, I'll move on to my personal favorite: Les Miserables. The show was the first show I saw this month on September 3, and it will conclude my month tomorrow, September 30. I don't think I will ever not want to see this show. The music, story, characters, themes, etc. get me every time. This time was particularly special, largely because Alfie Boe (Jean Valjean) and Matt Lucas (Thenardier) were in the cast. Alfie Boe's voice reverberated throughout the entire theatre. I've never felt Jean Valjean's words so strongly, so powerfully. Truly inspired performance. Meanwhile, I've never appreciated Thenardier's parts as much as when Matt Lucas performed them. Typically, you don't see actors ad lib in well-renowned shows, like Les Mis, but he did and pulled it off. I also must mention Caroline Sheen (Fantine) and Liam Tamne (Enjorlas) since their performances struck me as well. Caroline Sheen is already a well-established actress, but Liam Tamne is rather new to the scene. I predict he's going to be as huge as Ramin Karimloo in the future, especially since his voice is just as magical.
Upon returning from London, I had a brief trip to New York City, where I saw Mary Poppins, Spiderman, and Rent. Even though I've seen them all before, I'd never seen Mary Poppins on Broadway. That was a standout performance since it starred the original Mary and Bert, Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee respectively. What a treat! I love to hear the voices of those on the original cast album when I can. I'm still hoping to hear the original Jean Valjean, Colm Wilkinson, sing live one day.
Tomorrow, the final day of September, I'll conclude my month at Les Miserables. Talk about ending on a high note! I've seen the tour before, but some of the cast has changed, and I am looking forward to seeing a new take on the characters. I can't quite believe that in "one more dawn, one more day, one day more" September will be over. This memorable, musical-filled month has been inspiring.
~ LBD
Musical Quote of the Moment: “Take my love, for love is everlasting" ~ Les Miserables
In London, I managed to see 10 shows in 8 days, including Phantom of the Opera, War Horse, Ghost, Richard III, Wicked, Billy Elliot, Wizard of Oz, and Les Miserables. A wonderful, eclectic mix of shows. It was an ideal vacation.
Phantom of the Opera surprised me. I was lucky to see it with its 25th Anniversary Cast, starring John Owen Jones as the Phantom, Katie Hall as Christine, and Killian Donnelly as Raoul. Naturally, I was pleased to see a cast full of Les Mis alums. The show is truly stunning. The lavish music, set, and costumes have delighted audiences for a quarter of a century. When the chandelier rises as the show begins, you know you're in for a treat. I'd only seen touring productions in the past, and even then, I hadn't seen the show live in about 14 years. Nonetheless, the show will always hold a special place in my heart since it was the first musical I ever saw. This production made me realize why Phantom of the Opera is still on Broadway. It continues to amaze audience members, including me, after 25 years.
Another spectacular production I saw was War Horse. I was determined to see the show again in London even though tickets seemed impossible to get. While I had an odd view from a balcony, the resulting back ache was worth it. The show is quite different from the Broadway version. Even though the main storyline remains entact, the means of getting there is a bit different. Firstly, there is only a Song Man, no Song Woman. I really missed the Song Woman. The Song Man was incredible; I'd just been accustomed to hearing a woman's voice too. Secondly, when I read the play, I noticed the use of foreign languages in the story - cheifly German and French. However, on Broadway, the whole story is presented in English. This is not the case in the West End produciton - the show incorporates French and German where it should be used. Lastly, some of the subplots of the story, especially int he second act, were very different. Either way, the main characters - Joey and Albert - still melted my heart. I think the whole audience was practically in tears by the end of the show.
I also saw a very technically stunning show while I was in London - Ghost. I don't think I've ever seen as much technology incorporated into one show. Spiderman may have come close, but I think this show had more technology displayed in it. For the must part it worked, but at times, it was a bit distracting. I especially enjoyed the way the elements of Sam as a ghost were incorporated into the musical. I also appreciated the show's music, sung beautifully by Richard Fleeshman (Sam) and Caissie Levi (Molly).
Even though I could write a novel about the fantastic shows I saw in London, I'll move on to my personal favorite: Les Miserables. The show was the first show I saw this month on September 3, and it will conclude my month tomorrow, September 30. I don't think I will ever not want to see this show. The music, story, characters, themes, etc. get me every time. This time was particularly special, largely because Alfie Boe (Jean Valjean) and Matt Lucas (Thenardier) were in the cast. Alfie Boe's voice reverberated throughout the entire theatre. I've never felt Jean Valjean's words so strongly, so powerfully. Truly inspired performance. Meanwhile, I've never appreciated Thenardier's parts as much as when Matt Lucas performed them. Typically, you don't see actors ad lib in well-renowned shows, like Les Mis, but he did and pulled it off. I also must mention Caroline Sheen (Fantine) and Liam Tamne (Enjorlas) since their performances struck me as well. Caroline Sheen is already a well-established actress, but Liam Tamne is rather new to the scene. I predict he's going to be as huge as Ramin Karimloo in the future, especially since his voice is just as magical.
Upon returning from London, I had a brief trip to New York City, where I saw Mary Poppins, Spiderman, and Rent. Even though I've seen them all before, I'd never seen Mary Poppins on Broadway. That was a standout performance since it starred the original Mary and Bert, Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee respectively. What a treat! I love to hear the voices of those on the original cast album when I can. I'm still hoping to hear the original Jean Valjean, Colm Wilkinson, sing live one day.
Tomorrow, the final day of September, I'll conclude my month at Les Miserables. Talk about ending on a high note! I've seen the tour before, but some of the cast has changed, and I am looking forward to seeing a new take on the characters. I can't quite believe that in "one more dawn, one more day, one day more" September will be over. This memorable, musical-filled month has been inspiring.
~ LBD
Musical Quote of the Moment: “Take my love, for love is everlasting" ~ Les Miserables
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