Oscar Night!

[jo]

Maybe I am biased ( Lea is my countrywoman...and she did write a positive review of the movie fellow musical, posted somewhere here) -- but I think she is referring to the entire Les Miserables family ( movie musical cast included)?

Hope so - or else, she loses a few points in my eyes! Plenty of points!

But the idea of merging the movie and the stage casts seems like a great idea, now that I think of it. People will no longer make a distinction and will look at these talents as homegenous and all a credit to the genius of Hugo, Boublil, Schonberg, and Kretzmer!


Jo

[jo]

And look at how these people were enjoying themselves while working hard at rehearsals --

www.9news.com/entertainment/318899/343/Les-Miserables-cast-wows-Oscar-stage-in-rehearsals

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


'Les Miserables' cast wows Oscar stage in rehearsals

12:39 PM, Feb 23, 2013 | 0 comments


USA TODAY - It took the Oscars to bring together the cast of the hit musical Les Miserables, giving members the chance to sing onstage as a group for the first time. Friday's Oscar rehearsals at the Dolby Theatre featured a star-packed Les Miserables reunion with best actor nominatee Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway (nominated for best supporting actress), Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter all sharing the stage.

"This is the first time the cast has actually performed onstage together. Ever. It's fantastic," Neil Meron, who is producing the show with Craig Zadan, told USA TODAY in between lengthy rehearsals. "That's what the Oscars are all about. To have these sort of events. Not just the reunion of the cast, but singing together like this for the first time is very, very significant."

And there will be no lip syncing. Just like the best-picture-nominated movie, the cast is singing live.

"It really gives credence to the live singing in the movie to see them actually do it live onstage," Meron said.

Sir Cameron Makintosh, the show's original stage producer, and the movie's director, Tom Hooper, were on hand to give insight for the live performance.

The cast worked for hours in their street clothes on the complicated, original Oscar number before breaking up and reconvening again a few hours later for even more rehearsals.

The number also features cast members of the Broadway and British productions of Les Miserables.

At times it was like a stage production with Hathaway wandering the stage singing seeming nonsensical voice exercises and Jackman keeping an ever-present cup of tea in his hand for his throat.

But there was time for laughter. Crowe was particularly playful, posing for a goofy picture onstage with Hathaway and pulling aside Jackman for conspiratorial whispers from which they both came away laughing.

And when called to test out his microphone, Baron Cohen, a flat cap pulled over his head, began to sing the Barbra Streisand song, I'm Just a Woman in Love.

The real Streisand will perform at Sunday's Oscar telecast (ABC, 8:30 ET/5:30 PT), along with other musical guests including Adele, who will perform the theme from Skyfall live for the first time, and a musical number from the movie Chicago.

During one break the Les Miserables cast sat in the theater's wings and watched Jennifer Hudson practice her Oscar routine. After Hudson hit a series of high notes, Jackman could only watch the backstage monitor with disbelief, his jaw slack.

"Wow," he said to his co-stars as Hudson finished. "This is going to be a very good show."

(Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[njr]

Feb 23, 2013 16:36:16 GMT -5 birchie said:

I just saw this:

Lea Salonga ‏@msleasalonga
To my LES MIZ family singing on The Oscars tomorrow night, BREAK A LEG! Kill it and show 'em how it's done!!! XOXO

Is this yet another slam on the movie by a so called theater professional?

Or am I now hyper sensitive?
Sue

Why do you think this is a slam? Saying 'Break a leg' and 'Kill it and show 'em how it's done' are good things. Unless I'm confused, that is.

Nancy

[foxie]

Lets hope alot and hold our breath that Hugh will win and just Enjoy!!!!!

[wildfire]

Nancy, you are not confused. These terms are very positive , "do a great job" type of comments for those who act on stage.

[ruby]

Feb 23, 2013 17:34:33 GMT -5 njr said:

Feb 23, 2013 16:36:16 GMT -5 birchie said:

I just saw this:

Lea Salonga ‏@msleasalonga
To my LES MIZ family singing on The Oscars tomorrow night, BREAK A LEG! Kill it and show 'em how it's done!!! XOXO

Is this yet another slam on the movie by a so called theater professional?

Or am I now hyper sensitive?
Sue

Why do you think this is a slam? Saying 'Break a leg' and 'Kill it and show 'em how it's done' are good things. Unless I'm confused, that is.

Nancy

The alternate read to the "Show 'em how it's done" is the inference that the "LM stage" cast in the Oscar ensemble will show the film actors how to perform the material to full effect. You can choose to take it as a dig...or not.

[birchie]

Feb 23, 2013 16:53:56 GMT -5 jo said:

Maybe I am biased ( Lea is my countrywoman...and she did write a positive review of the movie musical, posted somewhere here) -- but I think she is referring to the entire Les Miserables family ( movie musical cast included)?

Hope so - or else, she loses a few points in my eyes! Plenty of points!

But the idea of merging the movie and the stage casts seems like a great idea, now that I think of it. People will no longer make a distinction and will look at these talents as homegenous and all a credit to the genius of Hugo, Boublil, Schonberg, and Kretzmer!


Jo

Didn't mean to stir up controversy. I guess I took it as a dig to the movie because I didn't think her previous comments/review were that positive. I can't find the original. I had seen it I think on Broadway World before I saw it here. All in all I thought the only positive part of what she said was how impressive it was that they sang in difficult conditions. At the time I thought it sounded like she accepted that as a reason why the film was inferior to stage productions. I may have read it wrong. Today's comment really seemed to me like she hopes the theater people show up the movie people. Like I said I didn't intend a controversy and won't reply to all the other comments since I've expressed my reasoning here. Maybe she just has an odd way of putting things. I never got the impression from her prior comments that she thought of the movie people as part of the Les Miserables family. Now I hope to find the original again to see if my first impressions would be the same now.
Sue

[jo]

For you, Sue --

entertainment.inquirer.net/74609/miss-saigon-dont-miss-les-miz

‘Miss Saigon’: Don’t miss ‘Les Miz’
By Lea Salonga
Philippine Daily Inquirer January 2, 2013 | 8:08 pm 67 1399 432


AH YES, I got to fulfill one holiday promise to myself—to see the brand-new film version of the hit musical “Les Misérables.” My husband and I caught it in Los Angeles day after Christmas, something we knew we wanted (to some extent, needed) to do.

My reasons for seeing the movie were threefold. First, having participated in its multiple live versions (stage musical and concert), I wanted to see how the show would translate to the big screen. Second, I had some friends and colleagues participating in the movie (including Samantha Barks as Eponine, whom I had the pleasure of working with on the 25th Anniversary Concert, as well as Frances Ruffelle, “Les Miz’s” original Eponine who plays one of the main “whores” … she was quite easy to spot). Third, I had my casting curiosities and wanted to see how Hugh Jackman (as Valjean), Russell Crowe (Javert), Anne Hathaway (Fantine), Amanda Seyfried (Cosette), Sacha Baron Cohen (M. Thenardier), Helena Bonham Carter (Mdm. Thenardier), Aaron Tveit (Enjolras) and Eddie Redmayne (Marius) would fare in these very iconic and beloved roles.

We all have our favorites as far as who’s played whom is concerned, and perhaps we are “married” to these portrayals, considering them our ideals.

Over the years I’ve seen Les Miz quite a few times, and fallen in love with a lot of the actors who have trod the boards. (I’ll never forget my first Valjean, Peter Karrie, whom I got to see in London in late 1988.)

Its own creation

So many incredible actors have come and gone in the show, both in the original production and in its current incarnation on tour in the United States—which begs the question, how do the film actors (and ultimately, this new film version) stack up to the memories etched in our heads?

I’m happy to say that to utter the words “stack up” would be wholly unfair, as this Les Misérables is its own unique creation. Yes, it utilizes the score from the musical that took over the world, but in a way that works for this particular medium.

Reordered moments

Orchestrations are rethought; a brand-new song written that adds to the story of Valjean’s relationship with Cosette; a few elements from the original Victor Hugo novel brought in to thread scenes together and explain certain characters more clearly; and a couple of moments reordered to make sense for the film. (“I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own” are not where they would normally be, for example, but make absolute sense and are heartbreaking where they are now placed.)

Some recitative that was necessary for the stage are eliminated for the film, and other things that were deleted over the years have made their way back (it was great to hear lyrics that I thought were long set by the wayside). But for the most part, how I know the show to be is pretty much intact. That’s comforting.

Of course, there are going to be standouts, moments so stunning, performances so riveting, they require mentioning.

Jackman as Jean Valjean lives up to his musical-theater pedigree, fully embodying the role of the convict-turned-town mayor. From his first spine-chilling moments as a prisoner pulling a ship to land, to his final moments leading to his death, he was committed, and stunning.

However, I’ll have to say that the song “Bring Him Home” is still owned by the original Valjean, Colm Wilkinson, who makes a lovely appearance in the film as the Bishop, who saves Valjean’s soul.

Hathaway as Fantine was so beautiful. I love the stage incarnation of this character, how her track was plotted in the film, each rung on her descent into hell, leading into a most heartbreaking rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” which sent tears flowing. Hathaway’s performance was equal parts rawness and grit, and vulnerability. If she wins a slew of awards for this, they will all be well-deserved.

Finest moment

I fell in love with Redmayne as Marius (himself a Tony winner for “Red”). First of all, I never knew he could sing like that! Second, he played this part (immortalized by Michael Ball in the original West End production and the 10th Anniversary Concert) with much passion and romance. His finest moment was his rendition of “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables.”

Barks as Eponine, Tveit as Enjolras, Seyfried as Cosette all gave great performances, as did Isabella Allen as Young Cosette and Daniel Huttlestone as Gavroche.

Most enjoyable

Most enjoyable were Baron Cohen and Bonham Carter as the Thenadiers, and they were both clearly enjoying themselves. Bonham Carter fared better here than as Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd,” and Baron Cohen’s unexpected ad libs were both hilarious and appropriate, refreshing and necessary.

The students at the Café Musain, the prostitutes at the docks, every ensemble member performed wonderfully as well (many of them have performed in a production of Les Miz in London, and a few in either the 10th or 25th Anniversary). There were quite a few familiar faces, which was thrilling to see. To all of them, I offer a hearty “Bravo!”

As wonderful as Les Miz is on screen, I will always be sentimentally attached to the original stage production, mounted with genius by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Perhaps because I’ll never forget my first Les Miz (at the Palace Theater in London), and the first time I was transported by the story of finding hope in moments of despair; wearing Eponine’s dirt and rags on Broadway at the Imperial Theater, and Fantine’s locket and generous locks of hair at the Broadhurst Theater many years later; the first tentative steps on that turntable; and being surrounded by lush orchestrations in concert (credit to John Cameron and Chris Jahnke).

But perhaps, primarily, seeing this musical with the actors in the same room as you is an experience so incomparable, it stays forever.

All that said, I highly recommend this film. The score remains gorgeous and the acting sublime. Don’t forget to bring tissue, you’re going to need it.

[Kelly]

Feb 23, 2013 1:01:18 GMT -5 carouselkathy said:

Jo,
Whatever happens Sunday, it sounds like the cast has bonded so well that they'll have a great time. They'll make a great cheering section for Hugh, Anne, and LES MIS. I'm feeling the good vibes, no matter who goes home with the gold statues.

I agree Kathy. I think this Oscar show, win or lose for Les Miz, will be an epic show.

[jo]

I wonder what the fans of Argo, Lincoln, Silver Linings Playbook, Zero Dark Thirty, Life of Pi, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Flight et al will think of the highly musicals-oriented show ;D

Probably mouthing a lot of ...and blaming it on Les Miserables ;D

But who cares >


Jo

[marymagdalene]

As "Break a leg" = "Good Luck" in theatre slang, I would NOT consider this a slam..

Anyway, considering that Lea Salonga CREATED the role of 'Kim' in "Miss Saigon," in both London AND Broadway, I would consider her a TRUE theatre professional... Especially since I know that it is Lea's voice on the OLCR...

But I could be mistaken...

[rmtndew]

I don't see anything negative in that tweet, Sue. It just sounds supportive to me.

- Alicia

[klenotka]

Lea Salonga was one of the people who talked highly of the movie. Maybe she means show it to the naysayers? Who knows. I really hope they will shut the critics up.

And one thing is certain - judging by the number of people participating in the number, Hugh will have the biggest support in the audience

[jo]

At rehearsals --






Jo

[jo]

I wonder why he had to change shoes --





Would there be some form of choreography for the musicals number??


Jo

[jo]

Much ado over singing live or not for the Oscar show singing participants

www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2283714/Oscars-2013-Adele-Anne-Hathaway-Hugh-Jackman-WILL-sing-live-Oscars-Wolverine-star-pictured-rehearsals.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Rehearsals photos --







Interesting info from Baz Bamigboye who wrote the article --

"Cameron Mackintosh paid out of his own pocket to double the chorus taking part in the Les Miserables segment from 24 to 48, flying some in from London and New York."


I think he is using the Oscar presentation to promote the new runs of the stage musical itself - LOL!

The other numbers ( Chicago and Dreamgirls...and even the songs apart from the musicals tribute) are going to look puny in scale and spectacle ;D ... It's a wonder that the show producers and Musical Director agreed to that - hope this does not turn out to be controversial! We might also hear some complaints from the other BP nominees ;D

Jo

[birchie]

Feb 23, 2013 22:25:37 GMT -5 jo said:

For you, Sue --

entertainment.inquirer.net/74609/miss-saigon-dont-miss-les-miz

‘Miss Saigon’: Don’t miss ‘Les Miz’
By Lea Salonga
Philippine Daily Inquirer January 2, 2013 | 8:08 pm 67 1399 432


AH YES, I got to fulfill one holiday promise to myself—to see the brand-new film version of the hit musical “Les Misérables.” My husband and I caught it in Los Angeles day after Christmas, something we knew we wanted (to some extent, needed) to do.

My reasons for seeing the movie were threefold. First, having participated in its multiple live versions (stage musical and concert), I wanted to see how the show would translate to the big screen. Second, I had some friends and colleagues participating in the movie (including Samantha Barks as Eponine, whom I had the pleasure of working with on the 25th Anniversary Concert, as well as Frances Ruffelle, “Les Miz’s” original Eponine who plays one of the main “whores” … she was quite easy to spot). Third, I had my casting curiosities and wanted to see how Hugh Jackman (as Valjean), Russell Crowe (Javert), Anne Hathaway (Fantine), Amanda Seyfried (Cosette), Sacha Baron Cohen (M. Thenardier), Helena Bonham Carter (Mdm. Thenardier), Aaron Tveit (Enjolras) and Eddie Redmayne (Marius) would fare in these very iconic and beloved roles.

We all have our favorites as far as who’s played whom is concerned, and perhaps we are “married” to these portrayals, considering them our ideals.

Over the years I’ve seen Les Miz quite a few times, and fallen in love with a lot of the actors who have trod the boards. (I’ll never forget my first Valjean, Peter Karrie, whom I got to see in London in late 1988.)

Its own creation

So many incredible actors have come and gone in the show, both in the original production and in its current incarnation on tour in the United States—which begs the question, how do the film actors (and ultimately, this new film version) stack up to the memories etched in our heads?

I’m happy to say that to utter the words “stack up” would be wholly unfair, as this Les Misérables is its own unique creation. Yes, it utilizes the score from the musical that took over the world, but in a way that works for this particular medium.

Reordered moments

Orchestrations are rethought; a brand-new song written that adds to the story of Valjean’s relationship with Cosette; a few elements from the original Victor Hugo novel brought in to thread scenes together and explain certain characters more clearly; and a couple of moments reordered to make sense for the film. (“I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own” are not where they would normally be, for example, but make absolute sense and are heartbreaking where they are now placed.)

Some recitative that was necessary for the stage are eliminated for the film, and other things that were deleted over the years have made their way back (it was great to hear lyrics that I thought were long set by the wayside). But for the most part, how I know the show to be is pretty much intact. That’s comforting.

Of course, there are going to be standouts, moments so stunning, performances so riveting, they require mentioning.

Jackman as Jean Valjean lives up to his musical-theater pedigree, fully embodying the role of the convict-turned-town mayor. From his first spine-chilling moments as a prisoner pulling a ship to land, to his final moments leading to his death, he was committed, and stunning.

However, I’ll have to say that the song “Bring Him Home” is still owned by the original Valjean, Colm Wilkinson, who makes a lovely appearance in the film as the Bishop, who saves Valjean’s soul.

Hathaway as Fantine was so beautiful. I love the stage incarnation of this character, how her track was plotted in the film, each rung on her descent into hell, leading into a most heartbreaking rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” which sent tears flowing. Hathaway’s performance was equal parts rawness and grit, and vulnerability. If she wins a slew of awards for this, they will all be well-deserved.

Finest moment

I fell in love with Redmayne as Marius (himself a Tony winner for “Red”). First of all, I never knew he could sing like that! Second, he played this part (immortalized by Michael Ball in the original West End production and the 10th Anniversary Concert) with much passion and romance. His finest moment was his rendition of “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables.”

Barks as Eponine, Tveit as Enjolras, Seyfried as Cosette all gave great performances, as did Isabella Allen as Young Cosette and Daniel Huttlestone as Gavroche.

Most enjoyable

Most enjoyable were Baron Cohen and Bonham Carter as the Thenadiers, and they were both clearly enjoying themselves. Bonham Carter fared better here than as Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd,” and Baron Cohen’s unexpected ad libs were both hilarious and appropriate, refreshing and necessary.

The students at the Café Musain, the prostitutes at the docks, every ensemble member performed wonderfully as well (many of them have performed in a production of Les Miz in London, and a few in either the 10th or 25th Anniversary). There were quite a few familiar faces, which was thrilling to see. To all of them, I offer a hearty “Bravo!”

As wonderful as Les Miz is on screen, I will always be sentimentally attached to the original stage production, mounted with genius by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Perhaps because I’ll never forget my first Les Miz (at the Palace Theater in London), and the first time I was transported by the story of finding hope in moments of despair; wearing Eponine’s dirt and rags on Broadway at the Imperial Theater, and Fantine’s locket and generous locks of hair at the Broadhurst Theater many years later; the first tentative steps on that turntable; and being surrounded by lush orchestrations in concert (credit to John Cameron and Chris Jahnke).

But perhaps, primarily, seeing this musical with the actors in the same room as you is an experience so incomparable, it stays forever.

All that said, I highly recommend this film. The score remains gorgeous and the acting sublime. Don’t forget to bring tissue, you’re going to need it.

Thanks for finding it Jo! I clearly was remembering someone else's review...sorry Lea.
Sue

[jo]

Last minute interview with Jacko by best mate Gussie --

www.triplem.com.au/sydney/shows/grill-team/blog/hugh-jackman-on-nerves-before-oscars-rehearsals/


Jo

[jo]

Even male actors need their haistylists and makeup artists -- it is Oscars night after all!

RealHughJackmanHugh Jackman 5 mins
Jason helping me get ready for the big day. Very excited...thank you all for the overwhelming support!! pic.twitter.com/WsEAMoZERy

[jo]

On to more mundane matters ;D

My Red Carpet goddesses --

*Catherine Zeta Jones -- simply, simply beautiful!
*Nicole Kidman -- always a red carpet dazzler, but so natural!
*Charlize Theron -- in white and diamonds, can someone be more stunning?

Honorable mention --

*Amanda Seyfried -- always my favorite fashionista from the Les Mis gang
*Anne Hathaway -- elegant Prada in pink -- and those stunning Tiffany diamonds!

[jo]

And my favorite Red Carpet couple --

Hugh and Deb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Both look very sophisticated ( I like Deb's hairstyle)!
*Hugh showed a sample of his amazing strength -- Valjean or Wolverine??? Lifting both Kristin and Deb - wow!! Can DDL do that -LOL!
*Hugh seems quite relaxed -- hope the evening, however it turns out, will be one of his best Hollywood memories!
*Would have been nice if the supposed show finale will be performed by Hugh and Kristin ( instead of McFarlane)


Just wondering - did Tom Ford also dress Deb ( I thought I read something to that effect). If you follow Vogue - the 2013 trend is supposed to be the return of the black pant suit

Jo

[foxie]

Hugh looked wonderful. deb is nice but she needs a designer I hate to say it but she has the handsomest man alive and dresses very oddly sorry folks but it is true don't jump on me

[jo]

Our Les Mis Gang --

[rmtndew]

Very upset that E! didn't have him on the carpet. They've taken the last 45 minutes to just talk about the clothes. I completely missed Hugh. I'll have to find his interviews on YouTube.

- Alicia

[jo]

They showed the seating in the auditorium in the background ( behind the last minute chatter of Cheno in the forefront) -- am I right in seeing that :

Hugh and Anne are seated center front - or was that just my imagination ;D

Jo