Whitney and I saw a touring company production of Les Miserables on Sunday night. Neither of us had seen it (although I vaguely remember a movie version in the 70's but not a musical). We were looking forward to it since we have heard so many good comments and we love musicals.
Unfortunately neither of us cared for it. There was a combination of factors that made it difficult to watch. Our seats were near the back of the theater. That normally isn't a problem, even in a big theater. However the lightning/set designer for the show decided that everything should be in low light to simulate the lighting I guess from the early 1800's. I understand the concept but they really should have sat in the back of the theater and realized that everyone was squinting to try and figure out what they were seeing. I can't tell you the number of times we lost someone in the shadows who was a main character. We could hear them just not know who they were.
Second we weren't prepared for the show to be entirely in song. Not a bad thing, just not what we expected.
None of the actors were outstanding. For a touring company I expected a better. Some of the voices were off. I understand that we were the last show but for the price we paid I expected to be wowed.
We decided that we don't need to see the movie when it comes out in December.
Ohhhh nooooo!! That's WHY you need to see the show in December.
ReplyDeletecome on... Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean? COME ON! Enough said! :)
Hey - thanks for stopping by my blog! (An update: the pears were ushered to their grave by my Big C, who took mercy on them. Thank goodness) In other news - we also saw the traveling Les Mis show last month - as a former stagehand I know it is really challenging for them to set up the same stage in different locations... sounds like your theatre wasn't quite set up for the best views and such. But the movie looks like it will be amazing - give it a chance! :-)
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