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Post by anthony40 on Oct 6, 2023 8:00:01 GMT
I have not heard the news this morning but I'm assuming last night's performance went of smoothly as normal?
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Post by toomasj on Oct 6, 2023 8:01:44 GMT
Personally, I’ve been a lifelong fan of Les Mis and saw the show last year. Frankly, it was as good as I’ve ever seen it from my perspective. It was dreadful at times in the mid 2000’s, where it looked like it was on life support. I’d go more often if it wasn’t such a hot ticket. I miss the revolve of course, but the positive changes far outweigh the negatives. My only wish is they’d slow down a bit and let moments breathe. It feels like it’s been getting faster and faster since the Palace run. Could do with a genuinely superb Javert too, as the last great one I saw was Hans-Peter Janssens and that was in 2006… I’ve seen it about 50 times since then. Not enough people bring up Hans-Peter Janssens lately! He was fantastic. That 2006/2007 21st anniversary cast with him, JOJ, Tracie Bennett, Gina Beck, Simon Bailey and later Joanna Ampil remains one of my favourites. Maybe it's because I hit an age where I first had my own disposable income so saw I saw them more than most other casts and it's a fondness related to that, I don't know. But they felt like a strong cast to me. Plus David Thaxton was always very enjoyable as Bamatabois. Oh and additionally a BBC Radio recording was made of this 21st Anniversary cast which has been captured and is freely available online. It was never released commercially sadly, but was recorded at the Peacock Theatre (I was there) and is absolutely electric. I prefer it to most of the cast recordings - JoJ and HPJ are absolutely on fire.
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Post by solangelafitte on Oct 6, 2023 12:57:37 GMT
Not enough people bring up Hans-Peter Janssens lately! He was fantastic. That 2006/2007 21st anniversary cast with him, JOJ, Tracie Bennett, Gina Beck, Simon Bailey and later Joanna Ampil remains one of my favourites. Maybe it's because I hit an age where I first had my own disposable income so saw I saw them more than most other casts and it's a fondness related to that, I don't know. But they felt like a strong cast to me. Plus David Thaxton was always very enjoyable as Bamatabois. Oh and additionally a BBC Radio recording was made of this 21st Anniversary cast which has been captured and is freely available online. It was never released commercially sadly, but was recorded at the Peacock Theatre (I was there) and is absolutely electric. I prefer it to most of the cast recordings - JoJ and HPJ are absolutely on fire. I ripped that from the radio myself at the time and has been a favourite listen since! Very jealous you were there. I've probably listened to that more than any Les Mis cast recording over the years. And agree with you and tom, loved when Thanxton went on as Enjolras. I haven't actually seen the show in a couple of years. Last saw the staged concert with Jon Robyns and Bradley Jaden but haven't been back since it reopened. Since we appear to share a taste in casts, your opinion on the current state of the show has me more interested in going back than I have been in while. So I'll take your recommendation!
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Post by toomasj on Oct 6, 2023 14:00:11 GMT
Oh and additionally a BBC Radio recording was made of this 21st Anniversary cast which has been captured and is freely available online. It was never released commercially sadly, but was recorded at the Peacock Theatre (I was there) and is absolutely electric. I prefer it to most of the cast recordings - JoJ and HPJ are absolutely on fire. I ripped that from the radio myself at the time and has been a favourite listen since! Very jealous you were there. I've probably listened to that more than any Les Mis cast recording over the years. And agree with you and tom, loved when Thanxton went on as Enjolras. I haven't actually seen the show in a couple of years. Last saw the staged concert with Jon Robyns and Bradley Jaden but haven't been back since it reopened. Since we appear to share a taste in casts, your opinion on the current state of the show has me more interested in going back than I have been in while. So I'll take your recommendation! Do try and see Chris Jacobsen as Valjean! He is among the best I’ve seen across so many over the years. I am sure you’ll have a blast if you do manage to go, it was so fun tight and sharp when I last went.
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Post by SuttonPeron on Oct 6, 2023 14:15:33 GMT
Second this! He´s amazing in the role.
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Post by my fairly obsessed lady on Oct 6, 2023 14:42:32 GMT
Third this, he's a great JVJ! On that note, is Josh Piterman still off on Mondays with the new contract? Saw him in Phantom before COVID and I have zero desire to see him in anything ever again thanks...
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Post by thistimetomorrow on Oct 6, 2023 15:30:56 GMT
s Josh Piterman still off on Mondays with the new contract? I believe so, but tbh even on a non Monday you have a 50/50 chance of seeing not Josh
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850 posts
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Post by BVM on Oct 6, 2023 15:35:39 GMT
s Josh Piterman still off on Mondays with the new contract? I believe so, but tbh even on a non Monday you have a 50/50 chance of seeing not Josh Agreed - been trying to chase him down for ages! I did think his night off might have changed to Wednesdays as he missed the anniversary performance last week and the previous Wednesday when I went. They have three US Valjean's currently so it's a bit of a lucky dip!
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Post by solangelafitte on Oct 6, 2023 15:40:53 GMT
I was about to say I'll keep a look out for Josh's days off then in order to see Christopher but it seems like that doesn't mean much. I guess I'll try and risk it!
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851 posts
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Post by longinthetooth on Oct 11, 2023 15:28:50 GMT
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Post by c4ndyc4ne on Oct 11, 2023 15:35:38 GMT
do they say josh is coming back? It just says "final performance"
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Post by SuttonPeron on Oct 11, 2023 15:40:10 GMT
What on earth will it take for them to give Chris Jacobsen a principal contract?
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Post by my fairly obsessed lady on Oct 11, 2023 15:56:30 GMT
Has anyone seen Killian as Valjean? Saw him as Phantom in February and I wasn't too impressed... Why him when Chris Jacobsen is right there!
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Post by 10642 on Oct 11, 2023 16:10:00 GMT
Imho he was a better valjean than he was phantom, though vocally he isn’t on the same level as chris
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643 posts
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Post by theatremiss on Oct 11, 2023 16:30:19 GMT
I love Killian, I’ve booked twice to see him return to the show as JVJ. He’s a much better JVJ than he is Phantom. I Lao wish Chris would get a longer stint as JVJ, He is perfection in the role. I need to do a Mon night and catch up with him again
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Post by toomasj on Oct 11, 2023 16:55:56 GMT
Has anyone seen Killian as Valjean? Saw him as Phantom in February and I wasn't too impressed... Why him when Chris Jacobsen is right there! I’ve found him absolutely bang average in everything I’ve ever seen him in I’m afraid, going right back to his Enjolras. Not technically bad, not good, just competent enough to do the job. Poor Chris Jacobsen, he is twice as good at least.
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850 posts
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Post by BVM on Oct 11, 2023 17:15:44 GMT
Poor Josh has had terrible luck - he's already been out quite a bit and now something else has obviously happened. I'll try and catch him one last (well, first for me!) time next week. Yes, Les Mis selling so well currently that they really don't need a musical theatre "name" in the lead, so also surprised they've not promoted Chris (also the tourists making up 80% of audience surely wouldn't know who either of them are). That said Killian always seems like a nice guy, he played the role very well on tour and he is a very reliable and hard working leading man who I think brings stability and leadership to a company.
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1,097 posts
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Post by theatrefan62 on Oct 11, 2023 17:28:40 GMT
Sudden family reasons doesn't just mean he could automatically just leave his job. Not all jobs would allow extended leave with immediate affect until cover/alternative arrangements made (if at all). He may also have things to sort out here before leaving for Australia for months.
Also it could be the earliest he could get a flight to Australia (especially an affordable one).
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Post by A.Ham on Oct 11, 2023 17:55:18 GMT
Sad to hear something’s happened that means Josh needs to get home asap, but I’ll definitely be booking to see Killian in this - I’ve always wanted to see him as JVJ but only saw the show for the first time after he’d departed.
Although I’ve not seen him myself, between here and a Les Mis fan page, I’ve only ever seen rave reviews for Chris, so agree it’s a shame he’s not been promoted up for the 15 weeks Killian is stepping in for. Is he alternate/first cover though? If so, I should have a good chance of seeing him or Killian soon I hope.
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Post by SuttonPeron on Oct 11, 2023 17:58:29 GMT
He´s the alternate Valjean. If Killian lets people know his day off, or you look at the pattern in WestEndCovers, you´ll know when he´s on.
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1,427 posts
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Post by showtoones on Oct 11, 2023 18:13:25 GMT
Killian will likely be off Monday or Tuesday. I think Josh is usually off on Mondays.
Does Killian usually have a good attendance record?
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Post by solangelafitte on Oct 11, 2023 19:09:19 GMT
Mondays could well make the most sense for Killian being off. His start date is a Tuesday plus he still lives in Dublin and travelled back and forth most weekends during his Phantom contract from what I saw on his social media. If he still plans to do that, Mondays off would give him something of a proper weekend to do it.
Agree with those who preferred his Valjean to Phantom. But I thought he was excellent in Fun Home recently so maybe just wasn't suited to Phantom.
And I'm very sorry for whatever Josh's situation is and hope he and his family are okay.
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643 posts
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Post by theatremiss on Oct 12, 2023 19:39:40 GMT
Killian will likely be off Monday or Tuesday. I think Josh is usually off on Mondays. Does Killian usually have a good attendance record? Yes Killian has a very good attendance record, bit like JOJ, has to be really ill to be off. The only thing that might be an issue is I think his wife is due to give birth end Jan/Feb which if it is early could mean he leaves sooner. Im a huge fan of Chris Jacobsen and he does Mon nights which I assume will be the same as it would give Killian the chance to get home for a couple of nights if needs be.
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874 posts
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Post by daisy24601 on Oct 14, 2023 8:14:48 GMT
Killian will likely be off Monday or Tuesday. I think Josh is usually off on Mondays. Does Killian usually have a good attendance record? Yes Killian has a very good attendance record, bit like JOJ, has to be really ill to be off. The only thing that might be an issue is I think his wife is due to give birth end Jan/Feb which if it is early could mean he leaves sooner. Im a huge fan of Chris Jacobsen and he does Mon nights which I assume will be the same as it would give Killian the chance to get home for a couple of nights if needs be. They just had a baby in September. Monday does make sense as others have said so he can go home for the weekend. I'm excited to see him again, I was due another visit so this is great timing. He was a great JVJ by the end of his run.
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Post by stagedreamer23 on Oct 17, 2023 19:21:11 GMT
I finally got a chance to see the new cast.
Unfortunately, Josh Piterman was not in the performance I saw. I know he is due to leave soon but was hoping he would still be performing till the end of October.
I know some people prefer Val Jean to be older and more wild-looking, but I think having a charismatic lead helps get the audience rooting for him on his journey.
It took me a moment to get used to the person playing Val Jean, especially in the opening scenes where some of the cast seemed to be spitting profusely! Unavoidable, I know. I think it was Christopher Jacobsen who was playing Val Jean when I went and he did a very good job. He sung the cues in One Day More excellently and was great in Bring Him Home!
Claire Machin is continuing as Madam Thenardier and she was a standout! Excellent. Really delivered the comic relief perfectly.
Ollie Wray was a perfect Marius and Djavan Van De Fliert had good stage presence at Enjolras.
I was most curious about Amena El-Kindy as Eponine, especially given some of the incredible Eponines of past. I had previously seen Nathania Ong and she did such a powerful performance of On My Own. I was worried that this time it would not be as good. I'm pleased to say El-Kindy has a great voice and could definitely deliver! There were times her facial expressions were quite intense, but at the same time, she seemed really committed and was giving everything to the performance so that was perfectly understandable! All in all, I think she is a great addition to the cast.
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Post by BVM on Oct 26, 2023 14:35:57 GMT
So I tried for a third and final time to catch Josh in Les Mis last Friday. And sadly for the third time he was out. Hey ho, you pay your money and take your chance. And as ever, once the lights went down, it was still a fantastic show. And was wonderful to see the new cast.
Had never seen Brad Barnley as Valjean before but thought he was sensational. And nice to complete my hat-trick of Valjean understudies.
Adored Will Callan as Marius on tour and am so happy he's now got the West End gig. Such a pure voice with such a gorgeous tone and quality. Voice wise probably my 3rd fave Marius of all time after Rob Houchen and Gareth Gates.
Luke Kempner I first became aware of when he was in the original cast of the 25th version on tour, but since then have known him more for his comedy. His Boris impressions were on the list of things that got me through lockdown. Anyway, great to see him on stage again as Thenardier and he somehow achieved the hamming up of the panto elements (which usually I hate) whilst playing the role to perfection. First time I have experienced that.
Les Mis royalty Katie Hall in gorgeous voice as Fantine. Lulu Pears somehow achieves the impossible and makes Cosette pretty interesting. And Amena El-Kindy and Djavan Van Der Fliert, neither of whom I had heard of before delivered great performances as Eponine and Enjolras.
Extraordinary musical. Still selling out 40 years later....
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1,244 posts
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Post by londonmzfitz on Oct 29, 2023 0:43:49 GMT
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Post by darreno on Nov 19, 2023 16:15:29 GMT
Finally got to see the latest cast on Thursday evening, having been religiously attending the previous cast almost weekly. Unsurprisingly, the show is still one of the best in the world.
We had Harry Lake in as Marius and he was very, very good. It's a difficult part to stand out with but he made a great young and innocent Marius. In fact, the first thing I thought about the cast is how young they are! Maybe that's just me getting older.
I'm not crazy about the current iteration of Thenardier, just not how I see the character or how I enjoy his part of the story.
My main reason for excitement with this cast is Stewart Clarke as Javert. He's someone who has been a standout in everything I've seen him in. From Be More Chill to Cabaret, he's always been a fantastic entertainer. He does a great job with Javert, must be so difficult taking on such a role. His version of Stars on the night was outstanding! Genuinely one of the best I've seen from any Javert.
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Post by capybara on Nov 19, 2023 17:33:12 GMT
Booked the front row seats in front of the conductor for a January performance, as suggested by someone on this thread previously.
Looking forward to my third visit.
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18,806 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Nov 20, 2023 11:20:19 GMT
Just caught up with this and despite having “moved on” from Les Mis it’s hard to not have a lump in your throat at Alfie’s rendition, especially under these circumstances.
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