Broadway Buzz: Dream the Dream on Christmas Day

Cameron Mackintosh has a present for theater fans everywhere on December 25. 

It's opening day of the new "Les Misérables" film starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried and a host of other talented Broadway-loving actors. 

Based on a 1862 novel by Victor Hugo, Les Misérables has stood the test of time. It first opened in London's West End in 1985 and on Broadway two years later. Since then, it has toured the world for more than 60 million people in 42 countries to see, including a tour stop at the Fox Cities P.A.C. just last year.

Still Les Misérables isn't the only project keeping Mackintosh busy these days. According to Broadway.com, a film version of Miss Saigon may not be far behind.

Thanks Cameron Mackintosh! You knew just what to get us this year.
 

Show & Tell: Les Miserables is an Emotional Masterpiece

I’ve seen many musicals over the past twenty years, and I must say that last night’s opening performance of Les Miserables at the Fox Cities P.A.C was among my favorites. Having never seen the show before and, admittedly, not knowing much beyond the basic storyline, what I experienced was nothing short of spectacular.


Upon entering the theater, my husband and I were both impressed by the elaborate and beautiful set. The scenery was stunning. Because this is the 25th anniversary of the show, the producers have reworked much of the scenery and added special effects like none I’ve seen before. The projected backdrops added color, motion and depth to the stage making it easy to forget you were watching a live performance. The special effects and lighting added to the mood and feel of the performance perfectly. One high point for me was the battle scene at the barricade where the sounds and flashes of gun fire made me jump in my seat and duck for cover. As awesome as the set and effects for the performance were, the talent of the cast was equally impressive.


Fear, misery, despair, sacrifice, greed, betrayal, passion, joy, and love are only a handful of the emotions executed perfectly by the cast throughout the two-and-a-half hour performance. The story of Les Miserables is an emotional whirlwind that begins with ex-con Jean Valjean serving time on the chain gang. After his release Valjean is bitter with society and returns to a life of crime. When he is about to be arrested again, a bishop lies to a police officer, Javert, to save him. Astonished, Valjean swears to turn his life around for the better. Throughout the next ten years, Valjean repays the acts of kindness shown to him including sparing the life of Javert after he has been exposed as a spy.


Emotions grow stronger as the story grows darker. When a revolution breaks out the audience is bombarded with rage, upheaval, despair, longing, and worry. But underneath it all there is a thread of love. As the revolution mounts and Valjean realizes that his daughter is in love with Marius, who is fighting at the barricade, Valjean prays to God to keep Marius safe. The prayer scene is arguably one of the best of the entire show. The pure emotion and power behind the music brought tears to my eyes.


The love between Marius and Cossette culminates in their marriage. At the wedding, Marius learns the truth about Valjean and how he rescued him from the revolution and from death. Marius and Cossette go immediately to Valjean where she learns the truth about her life before Valjean passes away. My absolute favorite part about the ending of the play was that Valjean was allowed to die with forgiveness, honor and dignity – something he could not achieve years earlier. 


At its heart, I found Les Miserables to be an uplifting story about the survival of the spirit and the power of forgiveness. It is a testament to the power that one person has to change when given the opportunity to do so.

Show & Tell: Les Miserables

For my inaugural evening as a Show & Tell reviewer, I drew Les Miserables, one of the best known musicals of the past 25 years. My daughter and I were filled with anticipation as we entered the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center Tuesday evening for the opening night of a eight performance run here in Appleton.

I must first admit that prior to this I did not know much about this classic show. I was advised by some friends that I should at least get an overview of the storyline and characters. Fortunately, there is a concise synopsis in the program to assist any novices, such as myself. Once the lights went down and the curtain came up, we were taken on a wonderful 2 ½ hour ride.

Two of the constants in the performance were Jean Valjean, an ex-con who has broken his parole, and Javert, the officer sworn to bring him back to justice for his past transgressions. Their paths crossed throughout the evening as Valjean strives to be a man who does right by those around him while dealing with the secrets of his past. Both characters bring a strong voice to the story, notably Valjean’s “Bring Him Home” and Javert’s “Soliloquy.”

There was no shortage of amazing vocal moments from the rest of the characters, including “On My Own,” “”I Dreamed a Dream” and the haunting “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables.” The set and visual effects blended seamlessly as the story unfolded.

All in all, this was an amazing evening of theater. I enjoy performances that bring emotions right to the surface, and then let them out. This show did not fail to deliver. As we left the Center, I felt very fortunate to have been able to see such a performance in our community. It is easy to see why this story has produced a run of such length. If like me, you have not yet experienced Les Mis, seize the opportunity while it is right in your backyard. You will not be disappointed.

Don’t Miss a Minute with Show & Tell

This week the 2011/12 Kimberly-Clark Broadway Across America – Fox Cities Series kicks off with Les Misérables Tuesday night. Even if you don’t have tickets for the opening performance, you can follow the excitement online!

Stewart and Michele, two of the Center’s Show & Tell reviewers will be at opening night and plan to post their reviews here following the show. But this Tuesday, you won’t have to wait until the curtain comes down. Follow Michele’s experience throughout the night on Twitter! Just search for the hashtag #fcpaclive, and you’ll have the latest from @foxcitiespac!

Our Show & Tell crew is made up of 11 people from throughout the Fox Cities. Check out the contributor list, and watch for written reviews, video clips and featured tweets from Michele and Elissa! Get to know each member of the team through their experiences at the Center, and join in the conversation with a comment of your own!

Broadway Buzz: What do Les Mis, Phantom and Cats Have in Common?

What do Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and Cats have in common? Not only are they three of the longest running musicals of all time, but they all have been produced by Cameron Mackintosh. Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, most of the musicals he has produced will. Take a look at his production history and see how many titles you recognize. Ever wonder how such an influential man got his start?

According to The NewYork Times, Mackintosh knew at the age of eight that he wanted to be a producer when he attended a matinee of the musical Salad Days. He spent his early days as a stagehand and produced smaller musicals in London, but really boomed in the 1980s. In 1980 Andrew Lloyd Webber suggested they work together, and they produced a Broadway favorite, Cats. Les Misérables was produced in 1985 followed by The Phantom of the Opera in 1986 – both shows recently celebrated 25^th anniversaries! Les Mis is currently the longest running music in the world, having played for over 25 years at the Queen’s Theatre in London.

But unlike other 80’s stars Cameron Mackintosh has continued the trend into the 2000s. Mackintosh is behind the comedic Avenue Q and family friendly Mary Poppins, coming to the Fox Cities P.A.C. this spring. He had a long standing ambition to produce a stage version of Mary Poppins, and met with original “Mary Poppins” author Pamela Travers in 1993 to acquire the stage rights for the show. After spending years in the planning process, Mary Poppins took flight in 2004 in London.

You won’t want to miss two of Cameron Mackintosh’s masterpieces this season at the Fox Cities P.A.C., Les Mis next week November 15-20 and Mary Poppins March 6-11. Let’s celebrate the 45 years Cameron Mackintosh has been producing musicals, and here’s to many more!

In the Know About Les Misérables

It’s no secret that Les Misérables ranks up there with Phantom of the Opera and CATS as one of the world’s most recognizable Broadway shows. But like any great work of art, there are a thousand layers to explore with this performance.

Whether it’s a personal favorite or you’re thinking of seeing it for the first time, we thought we’d share a link to lesmis.com. There you’ll find a host of information including a full synopsis, videos, a study guide (great for adults too!) and a dynamic timeline starting with the French Revolution. Beware of spoilers, but in truth, the history of Les Misérables may be just as interesting as the show.

One of my favorite tidbits is the site’s account of Victor Hugo’s inspiration. On the streets of Paris in 1845, Hugo witnessed the moment that would set Les Mis in motion. 

Hugo looked on as an impoverished man was arrested for stealing a loaf of bread. As the man stood in the streets, he saw a dazzlingly beautiful woman in an ornate carriage completely unaware of his plight. Hugo wrote, “The moment he became aware of her existence, while she remained unaware of his, a catastrophe was inevitable.” Now, 166 years later, Hugo’s observation of a stranger has touched the hearts of 55 million people in 41 countries. 

As you connect the real-life revolutions, an intriguing novelist, the book’s transition to the stage and its place in theater history, the story of Les Misérables’ success makes for an interesting read and one amazing Broadway performance.

For more information on Les Misérables playing November 15-20 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, visit foxcitiespac.com today.

Broadway Buzz: A Chance to Give Back!

The 2011/12 Kimberly-Clark Broadway Across America – Fox Cities Series officially gets underway with Les Misérables November 15-20, and the cast and crew have something special in store for their Fox Cities run. They’re going to be collecting donations for a charity that’s near and dear to the Broadway community, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

 Back in the late ’80s as HIV/AIDS was first making headlines, actors and producers in New York came together to build awareness of the disease, support The Actor’s Fund, and raise funds for AIDS service organizations nationwide. With campaigns like the Broadway Flee Market, an Easter Bonnet Contest and Broadway Bares (cover your eyes, kids) the group has tapped their creative talents to raise and award more than $123 million! 

When the lights come up at Les Misérables, that’s your cue! If every Broadway ticket holder in New York and across the country contributes just $1 dollar this year, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS could raise more than $25 million. Your spare change can make a real difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Don't want to wait? Make a gift online today at broadwaycares.com!

Congrats to the Les Misérables Trivia Winners

Over the past five days, the Fox Cities P.A.C. has been testing your knowledge about one of this season’s most anticipated Broadway titles, Les Misérables. Thanks for playing along, and if you took a guess, find out if you were right!

Day 1: Who wrote Les Misérables and created artwork that’s included in the new 25th Anniversary production?
    Answer: Victor Hugo wrote Les Misérables

Day 2: How many loaves of French bread appear in Les Mis each week?
    Answer: 8 loaves

Day 3: How many people will perform with the cast of Les Misérables November 15-20 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center?
    Answer: 38!

Day 4: How many Tony Awards has Les Misérables won?
    Answer: 8 Tony Awards 

Day 5: For what crime does Jean Valjean become prisoner 24601?
    Answer: Stealing a loaf of bread

Congratulations to
 Karie Mindock
 Jeanee Martens 
Jennifer Woldt (aka Badgerjen2002) 
Joy Fritz Paffenroth 
Peg McEwen

The five winners above, selected at random, will receive a copy of “Les Misérables Live! The 2010 Cast Album New 25th Anniversary Production.” Prizes can be picked up in-person at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center ticket office!

Les Mis Trivia #5

Here's the last Les Mis trivia question! Take a guess and check back Monday to find out if your name was picked for an official cast album.

For what crime does Jean Valjean become prisoner 24601?

Les Mis Trivia #4

Want to win a cast album from the 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables? Take a guess - how many Tony Awards has Les Misérables won?

Winners will be selected at random on Monday!

Les Mis Trivia #3

How many people will perform with the cast of Les Misérables November 15-20 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center? Your guess could win a 2010 Cast Recording. For details, visit the contest post.

Les Mis Trivia #2

How many loaves of French bread appear in Les Mis each week? You could win a cast album with your best guess! 

For details, visit the contest post.

Les Misérables Trivia #1

Who wrote Les Misérables and created artwork that’s included in the new 25th Anniversary production?

Win a Les Misérables Cast Album!

Les Misérables is just around the corner November 15-20 at the Fox Cities P.A.C. Dream the dream with a cast album from the 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables! Watch for trivia questions this week, and respond with your best guess.

On Monday, we’ll select 5 winners at random and announce them here on the Center's blog!


*Limit one entry per correct trivia answer posted to the Center's blog, Twitter or Facebook Page. Prize must be picked up at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.