Not gonna lie, I'm supremely jealous of the state of VA right now. I've always said that if it was ever given a chance, Les Miz would work brilliantly in an intimate space.
That said, you know that if it works and is a sucess, they'll mount it at Cirlce in the Square (or some other small broadway house), so they can make Les Miz money without spending Les Miz money.
"Who is Stephen Sondheim?" -roninjoey "The man who wishes he had written Phantom of the Opera!" - SueleenGay
That actually sounds extremely cool, if it's properly pulled off. Northern Virginia is very lucky-- we just had a bigger production of Les Mis at Wolf Trap. Greg Stone was in that, as well, understudying for Valjean.
In my pants, she has burst like the music of angels, the light of the sun! --Marius Pantsmercy
How is this an odd choice for Signature? It's a perfect choice for them. And they are doing it with the full Broadway orchestration and full cast. They aren't making a cheap production. I'm really excited to see it.
I am really excited and can't wait to see Matt Conner (the guy who plays the piano in the lobby before every show and is in many Signature shows) go on as Thénardier (he is the understudy) and excited about Tracy Lynn as Fantine.
Though I am confused about Doug because I know he has some other things coming up around them. Well, can't wait to see how that pans out.
It seems a little typically commercial-conventional for Signature. Of course every theatre is commercial but I think they usually do more quirky and "littler shows" than this. Cast looks great, though. Kind of sad they didn't get Will Gartshore as Marius but Stephanie Winter will be a lovely Cosette.
I'm definitely buying a ticket for this. I think trying to do Les Miz in Signature's space rather than a Broadway stage or a stage the size of Wolf Trap is going to impose some interesting constraints. I look forward to seeing how Schaeffer handles them in "reimagining" Les Miz. Mackintosh's endorsement scares me because I hated the "reimagining" of the West End Follies, but I tend to trust Schaeffer. Updated On: 9/14/08 at 05:29 PM
I like the casting of Conner and Olivera, but I don't think I will be seeing this. I have a subscription, but I don't think this is part of the regular series. Les Mis has been overdone in the DC area with tours and such. Although I am sure it will certainly sell tickets.
"Why do you care what people might say? Why try to fit into their design?" (Side Show)
This sounds like an interesting production that I would love to see. Greg Stone was my first stage Valjean. Eponine's costume looks different. Hopefully, someone will be able to go to this production and write a review.
I am also a Signature subscriber, but was thinking of passing this up since I've already seen productions of Les Miz ... until I saw the cast list. Sherri Edelen, who is a D.C. treasure, will likely be incredible as Madam Thenardier. Felicia Curry was wonderful in the MetroStage production of Tick, Tick..Boom! and should make a terrific Eponime. The chorus and supporting cast includes many of the marvelous Signature regulars -- such as Stephen Gregory Smith, Matt Conner, Amy McWilliams, and Channez McQuay. In the intimacy of Signature's MAX Theatre, it's hard to see how this will not be a great production.
It's nice to see Sherri back at Signature where she worked her tail off for so many years. She is such a great talent and she will be a great Mme. Thenardier. Brava Sherri