Final West End performance of Trevor Nunn’s Les Mis
Final West End performance of Trevor Nunn’s Les Mis
#1Final West End performance of Trevor Nunn’s Les Mis
Posted: 7/13/19 at 2:25pm
It’s about to start. There are three cameras filming and cheers coming from backstage. History is being made/finishing right now - one of the iconic productions leaving forever. I dont even like the show but am shocked that it’s about to go.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
Updated On: 7/13/19 at 02:25 PM
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Broadway Legend Joined: 11/19/05
#2
Posted: 7/13/19 at 2:49pm
Definitely a sad day, and one that many thought would never happen.
I wouldn't say forever though. I think one day we will see a revival with the original staging and design. Many, many years from now.
#3Re: Final West End performance of Trevor Nunn’s Les Mis
Posted: 7/13/19 at 2:58pm
I still can't believe the original staging is being replaced.
#4
Posted: 7/13/19 at 3:06pm
It is truly devastating that the original staging and production is being replaced by the travesty of the new production.
"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "
#5
Posted: 7/13/19 at 4:59pm
qolbinau said: "It’s about to start. There are three cameras filming and cheers coming from backstage. History is being made/finishing right now - one of the iconic productions leaving forever. I dont even like the show but am shocked that it’s about to go."
Hopefully being filmed for public release
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
#6
Posted: 7/13/19 at 5:24pm
I really wish I appreciated seeing it three years ago more. So disappointed they are changing the staging and orchestrations.
#7
Posted: 7/13/19 at 5:45pm
It was a very very special and emotional performance. And for the most part, some very very high quality performances. When Jean Valjean died at the end it felt like the show had died with him. The replacement production is a nasty carbon copy of this elegant, iconic production.
At the curtain speech, they literally handed out a glass a free Champaign to everyone in the audience. It was a a celebration and a funeral in one.
Trevor Nunn was not in the audience. And Cameron Mackintosh was thanked at curtain - surprisingly not accompanied by boos.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
#9Les miserdead
Posted: 7/13/19 at 6:13pmIf I’m not mistaken, the new production is wholly produced by Cameron Macintosh, while the original is a co production with RSC. So Cam will be getting more money with the new production.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
lotiloti
Broadway Star Joined: 1/23/06
#10
Posted: 7/13/19 at 6:20pm
I decided to see this, one last time. Saw the original version in it's first week at the Barbican and a couple of times at the Palace. Sorry to say, I found this final production devoid of any emotion. Had the feeling it was being run by the clock, show has to finish by 10:20 , no matter what.
#11Les miserdead
Posted: 7/13/19 at 6:20pm
Whatever the reason, it's unfortunate. How long before Phantom becomes the longest running musical in the West End? Surely this new production of Les Mis won't count?
Updated On: 7/13/19 at 06:20 PM
#12Les miserdead
Posted: 7/13/19 at 6:31pm
Call_me_jorge said: "If I’m not mistaken, the new production is wholly produced by Cameron Macintosh, while the original is a co production with RSC. So Cam will be getting more money with the new production."
I remember also reading speculation (potentially on this board - I don’t remember) that the director and designer royalties would also be quite a lot lower for the new production.
#13Les miserdead
Posted: 7/13/19 at 10:13pm
Speaking as someone who actually very much enjoys the new production and is aiming to see the tour again this fall, I'm very, very sad to see this go. I only saw the original once when I was twelve years old, and I'm always going to be kicking myself for not appreciating it when I had the chance, because now I'll never be able to see it again.
I'm sure the new production will make money; it's Les Mis, after all, and if I ever get to go back to London, I'll probably still opt to visit the show in its new iteration. But it's just not going to be the same anymore.
"Was uns befreit, das muss stärker sein als wir es sind." -Tanz der Vampire
Updated On: 7/13/19 at 10:13 PM
#14Les miserdead
Posted: 7/13/19 at 10:25pmAlso, someone who was there asked a staff member about the cameras, and apparently the show was filmed for archive purposes only and won't be released commercially. I'm not surprised, but it's still sad to think that the public won't have access to the final performance of such an iconic and important piece of theatre history.
"Was uns befreit, das muss stärker sein als wir es sind." -Tanz der Vampire
jo
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#15Les miserdead
Posted: 7/13/19 at 11:47pm
I first saw it on Broadway in the second year of its original run (but with original cast member Michael MaGuire still on the show) and that started the love affair with Les Mis. By accident I bought the original London cast recording...and not the Broadway OCR. That made me even more attached to the show. Eventually I would see it about 10 times over the years - even once in Paris in its run at the Theatre Mogador...and here where I live. All with the famous revolve...except for the last one ( a production from Australia that came over) here which was the supposedly leaner version. Now it will just be the leaner and meaner ( Cameron gets all the cash) version. Too bad the original stagings in London and maybe Broadway were never filmed for public consumption. At least we have the film adaptation ( which was kind of divisive - but to me, is now my definitive version..and I do like that it restored "Do You Hear the People Sing" as the top musical theme -- because it has more resonance to me) -- Mr. Producer cannot touch that one!
Thanks to the original directors and to the original cast -- they created the first version which people still remember fondly to this day!
schubox
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/16
#16Les miserdead
Posted: 7/13/19 at 11:50pmSaw it twice in London and saw the American tour last year. Much prefer the original/turntable production. Sad to see it go
Olivia11
Stand-by Joined: 7/30/16
#17Les miserdead
Posted: 7/14/19 at 12:56am
I was fortunate to see the OBC right after it opened on Broadway. Had seats way up in the balcony that we bought from scalpers on the street. I might as well have been in the first row as the show, the music, and the voices filled the theatre. Truly life changing.
I’m not as bothered by the new production as others. At the time, spectacular motion scenery was very en vogue (always thought it odd when the barricade coming together got a round of applause and felt it took away from the moment).
I did catch the recent revival, using the new production, and it did feel smaller (the stage itself felt smaller - perhaps the Imperial Is a smaller theatre than the original?). Still, the music and performances were great and I enjoyed visiting an old friend.
Perhaps we should be glad it will continue to play in the West End. It is such an iconic show.
Islander_fan
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/25/14
#18Les miserdead
Posted: 7/14/19 at 5:33am
Olivia11 said: "I was fortunate to see the OBC rightafter it opened on Broadway. Had seats way up in the balcony that we bought from scalpers on the street. I might as well have been in the first row as the show, the music, and the voices filled the theatre. Truly life changing.
I’m not as bothered by the new production as others. At the time, spectacular motion scenery was very en vogue (always thought it odd when the barricade coming together got a round of applause and felt it took away from the moment).
I did catch the recent revival, using the new production, and it did feel smaller (the stage itself felt smaller - perhaps the Imperial Is a smaller theatre than the original?). Still, the music and performances were great and I enjoyed visiting an old friend.
Perhaps we should be glad it will continue to play in the West End. It is such an iconic show."
For whatever it's worth, Les Miserables came to Broadway and played its first year or so at The Broadway theatre. When Miss Saigon came to Broadway, they moved Les Miserables to the Imperial so Saigon could take The Broadway. So, I doubt that the The Imperial is a smaller stage than the original because it was the home of the original for almost the entire original run of the show.
I didn't mind the revival, I just love the show. Maybe I was just jaded by the fact that I was glad that it was on Broadway again for a little bit. Though I will admit, there are things that I couldn't wrap my head around. Did they really need to project the name of the damn show right after Valjean tears up the ticket of leave? Is this a move or a show with a cold open? Do people not remember what show they are seeing/got a ticket to?
Loopin’theloop
Leading Actor Joined: 1/9/18
#19Les miserdead
Posted: 7/14/19 at 6:54am
JBroadway said: "Call_me_jorge said: "If I’m not mistaken, the new production is wholly produced by Cameron Macintosh, while the original is a co production with RSC. So Cam will be getting more money with the new production."
I remember also reading speculation (potentially on this board - I don’t remember) that the director and designer royalties would also be quite a lot lower for the new production."
It is both the above exactly. It’s all about greed
#20Les miserdead
Posted: 7/14/19 at 7:21am
The only thing I can potentially sympathise with is, would it have been financially unsustainable for the original production to continue? With those royalties & maintenance of that set. It couldn't have gone on forever? I don't know what the ticket sales have been like or the running costs to speak to this, though. Maybe a cheap carbon copy is better than no show at all.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
#21Les miserdead
Posted: 7/14/19 at 10:51am
While I'm a huge fan of the new production over the original, I still can't believe they're closing the original. What's more shocking is how they're burying the lead on Delfont's website, selling tickets through Spring 2020 and talking about the classic production, then throwing the New Production in December mention at the very bottom of the page. Maybe that'll change tomorrow when they update the website to reflect the name change of the venue to the Sondheim, but they're selling a lot of tickets these last few months under a falsehood.
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
#22Les miserdead
Posted: 7/14/19 at 11:56am
I’m one of the few people who enjoys the new production over the original. I first saw it on broadway in 2003 a few months before the original run closed. While the cast was fantastic, the show was so dark (physically), bare, and just felt lethargic and creaky. I definitely enjoy the music on a very guilty pleasure level, but it’s always been an overly sappy, unclear, spark notes version of the original novel to me.
The new production at least felt like a (brighter) large spectacle to me, which is what I feel the show is calling for. I don’t feel like the material can stand alone on its own without the extra bells and whistles, so i enjoyed the show more this go around. I will say though that it’s strange to have it all gone now.
-There's the muddle in the middle. There's the puddle where the poodle did the piddle."
#23Les miserdead
Posted: 7/14/19 at 12:11pm
It's no wonder Mackintosh gave up on Martin Guerre and reviving the show as was reported a few years back. I was excited to see Martin Guerre have a new life but he's only interested in making money now. I completely understand greed, but I think there should be a balance between the financial and the passion for art. This whole debacle is just a shame.
