Les Miserables

The second show of my three show weekend was Les Miserables. Once again, having seen Les Miserables before I knew what to expect from the show however for the first time ever I was seeing the show on the night of the cast change and nothing could have prepared me for the emotional show that I was about to see.

Les Miserables London, Queens Theatre

Les Miserables is based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo with music byAlain Boublil, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and the original French text by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Jean-Marc Natel.

The show is set in early 19th century France and tells the story of Jean Valjean and his quest for redemption after serving nineteen years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread. Upon his release, Valjean decided to break his parole and start his life anew after being inspired by a bishop. However he is relentlessly tracked down by Inspector Javert who is determined to put Valjean back in jail for breaking his parole.The story shows us Valjean's life and the characters whom he meets during a revoluntionary period in France where a young group are making their last stand at a street barricade.

One Day More

Geronimo Rauch easily leads the cast in the lead role of Jean Valjean and gives a truely heartbreaking performance of the notable ballad 'Bring Him Home'. Tam Mutu portrays the determined Inspector Javert and leaves the audience chilled during his Soliloquy. Mutu's performance enables the audience to feel pity for Javert instead of annoyance at his continual tracking of Valjean and gives them an insight to his past backgrounds. Celinde Schoenmaker was a heartbreaking Fantine whose I Dreamed a Dream left the audience with goosebumps. Former Over the Rainbow winner Danielle Hope played the love struck Eponine and did so with conviction. Upon first hearing of Hope's casting in the role I was a bit concerned whether the casting was right however Hope performed the role well. It is clear to anyone who watched the search for a Dorothy that Hope has come along way and improved beyond recognition. Cosette is played by Samantha Dorsey, Marius by Jamie Ward, Enjolras by Christopher Jacobsen at the Thenardier's by Cameron Blakely and Vicky Entwhistle. I must admit I was skeptical about the casting of Entwhistle in the production having watched her in Coronation Street but by the end of the night all my doubts had vanished and I left the theatre feeling that she was possibly one of the best Madame Thenardier's I've seen to date. Her comic timing was second to none.

Danielle Hope as Eponine

On an average night, Les Miserables is always a tear jerker that leaves many an audience member bleary eyed and feeling emotional. This can be attributed to the powerful music score and the 'miserable' storyline of the show however combine all of the above along with seeing the majority of the casts final show and you may just find yourself sobbing uncontrollably! You could see that the whole cast were determined to make this show the best show that they had ever done. I can honestly say I left the theatre feeling extremely lucky and privellegded to have been there.

Les Miserables runs at the Queens Theatre, London with the new cast taking over on the 18th June 2013.

The Phantom of the Opera

Last weekend (15th-16th June) I travelled down to London for an exciting three show weekend. The Phantom of the Opera, which I have seen numerous times previously, was to be the first of three top west end shows.

The famous chandelier of the Paris Opera House

The Phantom of the Opera is based on Gaston Leroux's 'Le Fantome de l'Operea' with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart and choreography by Gillian Lynne. As I've previously mentioned I have seen the production before and knew what to expect however I still found the show to be as enjoyable as ever.

Marcus Lovett as the Phantom of the Opera

The story follows the story of Christine Daae, a young ballet dancer who is in the ensemble at the Paris Opera house who is said to be taking singing lessons from a great teacher. It has long been thought that the Opera House is haunted by a Phantom who watches over them and makes terrible things happen. As the audience we see a scene unravel where the current owner of the Opera House has sold the theatre. The scene introduces the audience to the two new owners of the Theatre, Firmin and Andre. The leading soprano of the company, Carlotta, is known to be a diva and is asked to sing by the new owners, however mid way through her song some scenery collapes on her and no one can understand how is has happened. It it thought that this has been caused by the Phantom of the Opera. Carlotta storms out which leaves the production without a leading soprano. Panic is evident and the Firmin and Andre consider the implications of cancelling the evening show however Meg Giry suggests that the young chorus girl, Christine, could sing it. Christine Daae is asked to sing the role thus thrusting her into the limelight. The show follows the Phantom's obsession with Christine and the love triangle between the Phantom, Christine and Christine's childhood sweetheart, Raoul, the Vicomte de Chagny. The question is how far will the Phantom go to keep Christine in his grasp?

The Phantom enters the Masquarade Ball during the opening scene of Act Two

Marcus Lovett was starring as the Phantom of the Opera and has performed the same role on Broadway. Lovett was a truely inspiring Phantom and managed to portray the need that the Phantom has to be loved in a way that made the character heartbreaking to watch. Sofia Escobar was a beautiful Christine and had a sense of innocence about her that reflects upon the audience. Simon Thomas was perfect Raoul and his vocal tone was a perfect contrast to the Lovett's Phantom.

Obviously I would reccomend the Phantom of the Opera to anyone who hasn't seen it. The show is a love story that anyone could fall in love with. Even though I do enjoy the show, I will be leaving it some time before I see the show again as I find I enjoy the production more when I haven't seen it for a while!

After the show had finished I went to stage door to meet my former West End Experience tutor Richard Munday. Richard plays the Policeman in the Pit and understudies the role of Raoul. It was really interesting meeting up with him again and hearing all about his life whilst being in the show. He also very kindly introduced me to the Phantom himself, Marcus Lovett who was a true gentleman and a pleasure to meet.

Richard Munday and I

Marcus Lovett and I

The Phantom of the Opera runs at Her Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket.

Ghost the Musical

Ghost the Musical has stormed into Wolverhampton for a much anticipated two week engagement at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Ghost the Musical

The musical is based on the film of the same name having starred Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. Having seen the musical in London's West End in January 2012, I knew what to expect from the show and I was not disappointed. The standard of the show was as high, if not higher, than it was when I saw it in London. I was very interested in seeing how the technical aspects of the show would transfer on tour and I am happy to report that it transferred perfectly.

Stewart Clarke and Rebecca Trehearn as Sam Wheat and Molly Jenson

Stewart Clarke leads the cast in the lead male role of Sam Wheat whilst Rebecca Trehearn portrays the female lead, Molly Jenson. The clear chemistry that the two leads have together works well and makes the story even more heartbreaking to the audience. Trehearn delighted the audiences with an emotionally heartbreaking rendition of 'With You' and I am sure that there wasn't a dry eye in the house. However the star of the show has to be Wendy Mae Brown, who portrayed, coincidentally, the role of Oda Mae Brown. Her comic timing was excellent and she completely dazzled the audiences. I

Wendy Mae Brown as Oda Mae

Ghost is a fantastic and moving musical that combines an excellent score with clever special effects and modern dance moves. Be sure to catch this interetsing musical while you can, but remember you will need the tissues!

Ghost runs from Tuesday 4th June until Saturday 15th June 2013.