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Les Miserables

A Truly A’MIZ’ING Performance! A Winter’tainment MUST!

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‘Les Miserables‘ is back…and this time it deserves an ovation. For most theater goers, Les Miz is a staple….the Chicago Tribune stating ‘One of the greatest musicals ever created!’ But with that kind of accolade comes expectation!  This version, Cameron Mackintosh‘s production, hits the mark! Where many productions lag, this Les Miz is alive and laudable.

The story, mired in misery (hence the name), takes us from the ache of hunger and crimes, to the ideals of Revolution and redemption. This is my 5th visit to Les Miz. This time, I felt part of it, deep in the desire for Valjean‘s vindication; hopelessly rooting for Eponine‘s happiness and oddly caring about Javert‘s dilemma.  Why? What made this Les Miz so unique….outside of the keen direction of Connor and Powell….in a word…a hugely talented cast! The best I’ve seen…frankly, ever!

From the rise of the curtain, the bellowing male voices capture you on a ride you will not leave until the company’s finale. The quintessential ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ is when the audience sits up, knowing the tune and respecting the incredible voice of Haley Dortch (@haleydortch) who simply takes Fantine to a place of believability. In Fantine‘s inevitable passing (there were tears) you were part off her pain. SO WELL DONE! (And it’s her national debut – WHAT?)

From there, Valjean‘s ‘Who Am I‘ sets us up for one of the strongest Valjean performances on record. It is Nick Cartell‘s (@nickcartell.com) blend of smooth vocals, and deep emotion….capped off with a heart-wrenching ‘Bring Him Home‘ ( A BIG WOW!)…that sustains throughout.

 

Of course, audiences fall in love with Thenardier and his wife in ‘Master of the House‘, providing the much needed comic relief….played by Matt Crowle (mattcrowle.com) and Christina Rose Hall…in all their goofy, giddy glory.

And, it is in that Broadway moment…the one we all know and love….’One Day More’ when you are convinced…this cast is magical! Their voices, their message in the Act One closer is riveting! Curtain closes, it’s been over 90 minutes…(Wait What?) In previous Les Miz performances, I have felt, like, ‘thats not the end?’ Not this time around. You are stoked for more!

Now, personally, I have to admit I have a love affair with the character of Eponine. We’ve all been there…unrequited love…but when I tell you that the vocals of Christine Heesun Hwang (chiseoni.com) are idyllic…I mean it. SHE WAS THE EPONINE I’ve waited for! ‘On My Own,’ the heart-ache  put to music, garnered a palpable applause.

I could highlight each and every performer…even the kids are amazing! But I save one for last! Preston Truman Boyd (@prestonboyd)…yep,Javert! (Huh? JAVERT?) As my husband put it, “I never cared about Javert until this production.” Yep, that’s it. You care because his voice…so deep, rich and commanding… demands your attention and understanding. He is the villain that transcends his character.

I mean, on and on I go! But, I’m impressed this time. around! It’s easy to say, ‘Les Miz, yeah, I’ve seen it before….um…no you haven’t…not this Les Miz! The show is tighter, more cohesive and the cast much stronger! Get to it Dayton…’Do You Hear the People Sing?‘ You really should!!

You can catch one of the remaining performances at 7:30 pm, Thursday; 8 pm, Friday; 2 and 8 pm. Saturday; and 1 and 6:30 pm Sunday.

For tickets: daytonlive.org/

 

Bagels & Broadway: Les Misérables

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Ever wonder what it takes to prepare a stage for a Broadway show? Join us Tuesday, April 2 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. for Bagels & Broadway, a unique opportunity for you to find out first-hand. Have a cup of coffee and a bagel — then watch the show’s crew and members of IATSE Local 66 set up the sights and sounds for a Broadway show! You won’t believe the transformation!

 

Les Miserables Collaboration Creates Big Sound

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LesMizDo you hear the people sing? You will – but it’s this weekend only. Les Miserables is getting a fresh staging and a BIG sound with a collaboration between Dayton Playhouse and Miami Valley  Symphony Orchestra at the Masonic Center for an orchestral and vocal production. The team of Brian Sharp (Director), Erik Strope (Vocal Director), and Ron Kindell (Orchestra Conductor) is working together to bring this show to Dayton. I recently talked to Brian Sharp for some insights into how the production came together and what audiences can expect.

Is Les Mis a personal favorite of yours? Do you remember when you first saw it and how you felt?

I saw Les Mis the first time on Broadway…and loved the music…but was not fond of the original staging, etc.  I always found the music thrilling and emotional.
 Les Mis has been around for a while and is fairly well-known. What makes now the right time for a community theatre to produce it locally in Dayton?

As far as why is this right now…and still appropriate? There is really no way for a community theatre to mount a production this large.  The idea of a partnership was perfect.  It would allow a full symphony and the opportunity to fill the cast with voices from all over the Miami Valley area. The music is timeless…and is much loved!

This is a pretty huge show to tackle. Did you have any concerns with such a big endeavor?

Just the sheer magnitude of the auditions was an undertaking.  We had over 200 people audition and had them scheduled every ten minutes…we auditioned over the course of a week…and then had a follow up chorus audition. There were concerns with rehearsal space because of the size of the cast and orchestra.  Once the auditions were complete…I had no concerns with the voices…these really are the best of the best!

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Brian Sharp

Is this adaptation different than the shows come of our readers may have seen traveling? All the same songs, setting, staging?

This adaptation will be similar to what was seen on the 10th and 25th anniversary shows.  However, there is a twist.  My big concern with this type of version is how do we keep the story clear to the audience. We have worked with a Broadway projection company to use projections that have never been seen anywhere in the Midwest.  It will truly be sensory overload…the visual piece of the costumed actors/singers, the magnificent symphony orchestra and then this visual element is sure to add another amazing element.

Can you tell me about the collaboration between the Playhouse and the MVSO?

The collaboration was just kind of a natural fit. Many of their musicians have played in the pit orchestras for our musicals. This is an opportunity for us to give back.

Does the setting of the Masonic Center add to the drama of the show?

The Masonic Center is grand, and allows us to sell up to 1500 seats per performance, so there are plenty of tickets available. It will definitely add to the performance and they have been fantastic to work with.
Anything else our audiences should know?

I simply hope the community realizes what an opportunity this is for them…we have positioned the orchestra in such a way that the audience will feel up close and personal with the musicians.  This is a production that should not be missed. Tickets are only $20/$18 and that is a bargain for what you will be receiving.

Tickets are available now for the performances Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 (both at 8 p.m.) and Sunday, October 26 at 2 p.m. They can be purchased online at wordpress.thedaytonplayhouse.com. However, a lucky Dayton Most Metro reader will have the chance to win a pair of tickets to see the show!  Just fill out this form below and tell us in the comments why you should win! [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

‘Les Misérables’ Review – Wright State University – Stunning Success

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les mis wsu

Mark Beyer as Enjolras (center) and the cast of Les Miserables (contributed photo)

Wright State University delivers an outstanding local collegiate premiere of Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Herbert Kretzmer’s “Les Misérables,” the popular, unabashedly sentimental 1987 Tony Award-winning pop opera based on Victor Hugo’s legendary 1862 novel exploring the human condition through plight and promise within turbulent France.
Inspired by the harrowing June revolt of 1832 (the French Revolution concluded 33 years prior), “Les Miz” hasn’t lost one morsel of its angst-ridden, melodramatic urgency under W. Stuart McDowell’s excellently firm, fluid and inventive direction. As a throng of fascinating, emotionally-charged characters leap forth spanning nearly 20 years, McDowell ensures every individual is clearly defined and every moment counts. Incorporating unique flourishes beyond the use of a turntable, a signature component of Trevor Nunn and John Caird’s original iconic stagecraft, he allows the show to resonate anew with a skillful grasp of atmosphere and tone. In addition to sprinkling the action with red, white and blue in a patriotic nod to the French flag, the opening seconds single-handedly stimulates the ensuing drama with a fresh grip by reiterating the magnitude of the story in a historical context. McDowell’s large, passionate cast, vocally on par with WSU’s fabulous productions of “The Light in the Piazza” and “Grand Hotel,” is powerfully led by Andrew Quiett as ex-convict Jean Valjean. Quiett gave one of the finest performances of this season last fall as Jud Fry in “Oklahoma!,” and his return is equally praiseworthy as he fills Valjean’s redemptive journey with engrossing humility and searing potency, especially in his gorgeously heartfelt “Bring Him Home.” At the same rate, Law Dunford, in a breakthrough performance benefitted by non-traditional casting, truly captivates as Inspector Javert, a devout Christian whose unforgiving heart and obsessive drive clouds his judgment as he relentlessly pursues Valjean. Instilling fear with a marvelously formidable demeanor and razor sharp intensity, Dunford avoids morphing into a one-dimensional antagonist by astutely interpreting Javert’s harsh convictions from the perspective of duty and principle instead of blatant vengeance.

 

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Andrew Quiett as Jean Valjean (contributed photo)

Quiett and Dunford are explosive adversaries (“Confrontation” is a knockout), but the featured players are very strong as well. The lovely, disenchanted Amy Wheeler is heartbreaking as the doomed Fantine, treating “I Dreamed a Dream” with sorrowful, lyric-driven, speak-sung eloquence. Ian Benjamin and Cassie Mikat playfully coalesce as the treacherous Thenardiers seeking to thwart Valjean. As lovebirds Marius and Cosette, an appealingly resolute Zack Steele and sweetly genteel Kaitlyn Sage beautifully intertwine although Steele (filling “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” with poignant solemnity) finds more depth in his portrayal than Sage who is saddled with thinner material. As the street-tough Eponine, hopelessly in love with Marius, the luminous Liz Romey blossoms into a superb storyteller in her fantastic “On My Own” radiating with anger, yearning and an eerily extended silence illustrating Eponine’s loneliness on the streets of Paris. Terrific tenor Mark Beyer brings fiery zeal to his striking, comforting portrayal of student rebel leader Enjolras.
Additionally, as Young Cosette, Emma Fry refreshingly embraces “Castle on a Cloud” as the haunting lullaby it was written to be by adding a few chilling inflections. Connor Iverson is a scrappy, spunky Gavroche. Abbey Fry is a delightful Young Eponine, particularly aiding in the frenzied swindling throughout “Master of the House” expertly choreographed by Dionysia Williams. Drew Bowen is delectably creepy opposite Wheeler as the cruel Factory Foreman and snobbish Bamatabois. Bowen also shines as Jean Prouvaire alongside Connor Lysholm (Combeferre), Brandon Kinley (Feuilly), Jordan Adams (Courfeyrac), Bailey Olean (Joly), Keaton Eckoff (Grantaire), and Jim Miller (Lesgles) as the defiant rebels of the ABC Café stirring the souls of their countrymen upon the death of General Lamarque (an advocate of the poor) in the rousing “Do You Hear the People Sing?” Bradley Farmer and Paige Dobkins are among the standouts of the female ensemble fiercely attacking “Lovely Ladies.” The cast also includes Bailey Edmonds, Peter Cutler, Caitlyn Geisser, Emsie Hapner, Haley Iverson, King Jones, Owen Kresse, Kody Mullins, Kate Mueller, Kelsey Pohl, Brandon Ramos, Tyrell Reggins, Alyson Snyder, MacKenzie Stephens, Ben Tracy, Abby Murray Vachon, Jake West, Sabria Wynn, and Meredith Zahn.

 

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The rebels at the barricades in Les Miserables (contributed photo)

The marvelous tech artists accenting this experience with color, dimension, nuance, realism and vigor include scenic designer Pam Knauert Lavarnway, lighting designers Matthew P. Benjamin and Erin Jones, costumer D. Bartlett Blair, sound designer James Dunlap, musical director Scot Woolley, fight choreographer Bruce Cromer, and dialect coach Deborah Thomas.
“Les Miz” dynamically champions freedom and faith, but it also serves as an impressive landmark in the history of WSU’s musical theater department and one of the best productions the Miami Valley will witness in 2014.

 

“Les Misérables” continues through April 6 in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Performances are March 27, April 2 and 3 at 7 p.m., March 28, 29, April 4 and 5 at 8 p.m., and March 29, 30, April 5 and 6 at 2 p.m. The production, running slightly over three hours including one 20-minute intermission, is sold-out. For more information or to inquire about ticket availability, contact the WSU box office at (937) 775-2500.

 

MONSTERS, GUILT TRIP, JACK REACHER, THIS IS 40, DJANGO, LES MISERABLES + TICKET CONTEST

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Hello Dayton and Happy Holidays!  So many films opening this week and next, there is something for everyone!

As always, thank you for support and we wish you a very merry holiday this season and a happy new year!

MONSTERS, INC. 3D – Opens 12/19

Monsters generate their city’s power by scaring children, but they are terribly afraid themselves of being contaminated by children, so when one enters Monstropolis, top scarer Sulley finds his world disrupted.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVY-jANhjPU’]

 

THE GUILT TRIP – Opens 12/19

As inventor Andy Brewster is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime, a quick stop at his mom’s house turns into an unexpected cross-country voyage with her along for the ride.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FMQLzOq1i4′]

 

JACK REACHER – Opens 12/21

A homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper who shot five random victims.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV6Z5KUja4k’]

 

THIS IS 40 – Opens 12/21

A look at the lives of Pete and Debbie a few years after the events of Knocked Up.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Vt9sP8OY8′]

 

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL 3D – 12/21 thru 12/24 @ 12pm & 7pm (Wide on 12/25)

From the big top to the big screen, visionary filmmaker James Cameron and director Andrew Adamson (Shrek, Narnia) invite you and your family on an all new 3D adventure. A young couple who is separated, must journey through the astonishing and dreamlike worlds to find each other, as audiences experience the immersive 3D technology that will allow them to leap, soar, swim, and dance with the performers. This Holiday Season, Cirque du Soleil brings their world to your city!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgTEynEyEdg’]

 

DJANGO UNCHAINED – Opens 12/25

With the help of his mentor, a slave-turned-bounty hunter sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8CZKbDzP1E’]

 

LES MISERABLES – Opens 12/25

In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk5UStefYmE’]

For showtimes click here

ENTER TO WIN TWO MOVIE PASSES!

Fill out the form below and leave a Facebook comment telling us you want to WIN MOVIE PASSES from RAVE CINEMAS DAYTON SOUTH, we will randomly draw a winner and notify same. Contest closes later this week. Passes awarded will be valid for 30 days from close date at Rave Cinemas Dayton South only and must be used by then or will be forfeited. Valid for any showing, except special events.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to Tameka Thomas!

 

Jane’s Best Bets (11/23 – 11/27)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It’s that time of year when you get asked the question, “What are you thankful for?”  I am thankful for the many blessings in my life, including such things as my family, friends, food, shelter, etc.  In addition, I am thankful for the fact that there are always great things going on in Dayton…and I’m here to share a few of them with you.   

On Wednesday, head to the 2nd Street Market to get some of your last minute Thanksgiving items for their Stock-Up Wednesday.  If you didn’t get to catch opening night of Les Miserables at the Schuster Center, you will still have an opportunity on Wednesday (as well as a few other opportunities later in the week).  Also, many people say that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the biggest party day of the year, so if you are heading out to the bars (or anywhere, for that matter!), please remember to be safe! 

On Thanksgiving/Thursday, perhaps you’ll be one of the brave runners out there for the 33rd Annual Turkey Trot in downtown Miamisburg, which I am told is sold out!  I am also told that if you participate in it, you can eat WHATEVER you want on Thanksgiving and the calories don’t count!  If nobody in your family is cooking, then you can make your way to the Dayton Convention Center for Thanksgiving in Dayton: ‘A Feast of Giving’.  Or head out to one of several great restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner, such as McCormick & Schmick’s, L’Auberge, Amelia’s Bistro, C’est Tout, or Carver’s.  In addition, Neil’s Heritage House will be having their Grand Opening celebration on Thanksgiving Day!  Whatever you do, I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

 On Friday, I’m sure many of you will be out there bright and early to get some of those Black Friday deals!  After you go back to sleep for a few hours, be sure to make your way downtown for the Dayton Holiday Festival.  The Tike’s Shop and Wonderland Windows at the Schuster Center, as well LES MISÉRABLES November 22 – 27, 2011 – Schuster Centeras the Ice Rink at RiverScape will be open.  There will be the The Grande Illumination at Courthouse Square and the Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights.  Also, you will be able to see Les Miserables at the Schuster Center and The Blue Moon Dancing (by the way, that is a great beer!) at the Dayton Theatre Guild. 

On Saturday, sit down and enjoy Les Miserables at the Schuster Center.  Do you have an old instrument that is just collecting dust in the garage?  If so, take it to the 2nd Street Market for “It’s Instrumental,” where the market is collaborating with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra in collecting instruments for Dayton Public Schools’ music programs.  Enjoy UD’s annual exhibit of international nativities as part of the At the Manger: World Nativity Traditions Open House.  Make your way to Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm for Candle Dipping and their Holiday Art Fair and Open House.  At Hara Arena, watch the Dayton Gems as they play Fort Wayne.  And finally, if you’re a boxing fan, head to US Bank Arena for HBO Boxing After Dark.   

On Sunday, enjoy a little R & R after the craziness of the holidays!  Be sure to check out Les Miserables at the Schuster Center if you haven’t already done so!  Prior to the show, check out some of the great things going on there, including The Tike’s Shop and Wonderland Windows. Or make your way to the Dayton Art Institute to see American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell. 

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week.  Drum roll please…

Why can’t you take a turkey to church?

Because they use such “fowl” language. 

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!