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Post by chessie on Apr 29, 2014 23:10:02 GMT -5
I couldn't bring myself to watch the wrestling either. I did happen to see Ramin Karimloo on Katie Couric's show today. He performed "Bring Him Home" accompanied by a guitarist. It was a bit surprising to hear him singing as a tenor after listening to his conversational voice. He talked about his friendship with Colm Wilkinson and meeting Hugh at the Oscars last year. He said Hugh inspired him to become more physically fit, and said of Hugh, "talk about a man of integrity!" He said he was "blessed to be following in such great footsteps."
Carol
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Post by mamaleh on Apr 30, 2014 0:04:26 GMT -5
I find it amusing that until Hugh played the role on film, no Valjean has ever thought about bulking up or dead-lifting, etc. He really set the mold for the new, (physically) improved Valjean.
Ellen
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jo
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Post by jo on Apr 30, 2014 0:22:51 GMT -5
The physicality aspect of the Valjean persona was important in the novel but not so emphasized in the stage production ( maybe Trevor Nunn was more concerned with the singing and the acting...and could he really find someone who can be all that ?) -- he had to be credible to be able to lift the cart which trapped Fauchelevent, he had to be able to escape to the convent with Cosette in a very difficult way, his strength initiated the doubts in Javert's mind about M Madeleine as his possible fugitive quest, he had to be able to contend with Javert ( a trained man of the law) in their physical confrontation, and his ability to carry the deadweight Marius through the sewers proved even further that he was a man of great physical strength!
At the same time, inherent in Hugh's portrayal was that he was a man of grace and even nobility in his later years.
The movie was being shown on our regional HBO network yesterday and of course I watched it again. During the last sections, I felt some emotional tug - when he was telling Marius why he had to distance himself from Cosette to avoid any further distress or even disgrace for his beloved adoptive daughter. Hugh looked very noble...and when he was carrying the trunk and his strength failed him -- I was teary-eyed.
And during the finale -- I actually felt the tears! It was not the same moment ( previously, I would tear up as he asked God to " take me there...bring me home" as it resonated with one's own mortality. This time, as he gave Cosette his letter, saying "It's the story...of one who only learned to love...when you were in his keeping", I realized how Valjean has attained some semblance of earthly sainthood -- it was a very spiritual moment! I choked! Hugh's portrayal was spot-on!! What an excellent actor! I choked again!
I wonder if Ramin captured the essence of spirituality that Hugh had embued in his close-up acting? Or was it just the physicality aspects of Hugh's portrayal that he had tried to follow? I find it sad that the theatre purists never appreciated how Hugh had elevated the character of Jean Valjean to such heights that had actually been envisioned by Victor Hugo! They only cared about the falsetto of Bring Him Home smiley-rolleyes010
I think over the years it will be Hugh's portrayal that will be the signature interpretation of the story of Jean Valjean!
Jo
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Post by mamaleh on Apr 30, 2014 17:10:59 GMT -5
Back to topic: Hugh is scheduled to be the guest on the May 21 "Tonight Show."
Ellen
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jo
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Post by jo on May 3, 2014 7:04:39 GMT -5
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Post by foxie on May 3, 2014 7:46:20 GMT -5
I couldnt watch the wrestling either-Kelly Ripa was talking about hugh yesterday how wonderful he and Deb are and how she texts with Deb-MichAEL Strahan had been at the Clinton thing the nite before with them and it seems he is really seeing the shows!!anyhow thanks so much for the reminder about GMA-I dont get many bookmarks for some reason but got this one thanks Jo!
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Post by foxie on May 3, 2014 14:41:03 GMT -5
The whole Graham Norton show is on you tube if I knew how to put it here I would it is HYSTERICAL!!
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Post by foxie on May 3, 2014 14:50:08 GMT -5
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jo
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Post by jo on May 3, 2014 16:12:38 GMT -5
Pls check out the thread "XMEN:DAYS OF FUTURE PAST : Publicity and Promotion" -- the link to the entire episode for the Graham Norton show has been there since right after the show was uploaded on Youtube.
Jo
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jo
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Post by jo on May 7, 2014 17:50:04 GMT -5
Reminder from Hugh --
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alma
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Post by alma on May 12, 2014 10:53:14 GMT -5
Hugh will be on The View tomorrow to say goodbye to Barbara (it's her last week).  Alma |
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alma
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Post by alma on May 13, 2014 11:02:27 GMT -5
Oh, I'm so glad it wasn't only a 15-second taped message, but over 5 minutes 'turning the tables on Barbara'. Hugh looked so handsome. And I'm SO GLAD Deb was there too. Classy lady.
Alma
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jo
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Post by jo on May 13, 2014 16:56:04 GMT -5
I hope it gets uploaded on YouTube! There was a report that Hugh sang I'VE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO HER FACE because it is Barbara's favorite song. Did he sing it in full or just a few lines? Hugh actually played the role of Prof Higgins when he was in high school in Australia. There are many memories of Hugh and Barbara together -- *The many appearances on THE VIEW, the most memorable of which was the promotion for THE BOY FROM OZ. People couldn't believe that Hugh was dancing all over the place, with his Peter Allen maracas! *The time when Hugh did a lap dance for Barbara ( at her instance  ) for a year-end Barbara show. *The most vivid would be the time when Hugh asked her up the stage ( with Matt Damon) at the closing show of TBFO...and did a hilarious duet-dance for Barbara...Ultimate Bicoastal victim ever  Jo |
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Post by foxie on May 13, 2014 21:24:31 GMT -5
Oh my goodness it was incredible when have we seen Hugh and Deb together in an interview an his singing to Barbara just very moving I love him double!
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alma
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Post by alma on May 13, 2014 21:31:54 GMT -5
I hope it gets uploaded on YouTube! There was a report that Hugh sang I'VE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO HER FACE because it is Barbara's favorite song. Did he sing it in full or just a few lines? Hugh actually played the role of Prof Higgins when he was in high school in Australia. ... Jo Yes, Jo, Hugh sang a part of this song from My Fair Lady for Barbara... I'm pretty sure the interview will be on YouTube before too long. Deb and Hugh were dressed up and Hugh looked soooo handsome... smiley-love029 Alma |
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jo
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Post by jo on May 13, 2014 21:35:10 GMT -5
Thanks, Alma  Jo |
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Post by chessie on May 13, 2014 23:04:34 GMT -5
The interview was really enjoyable and they all seemed very comfortable. Hugh and Deb looked great.
I'm so glad we didn't have to watch the lap dance tape again!
Carol
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Post by birchie on May 14, 2014 13:10:05 GMT -5
This may be my favorite Hugh/Deb/Barbara video ever! I thought the lap dance was a bit cringe worthy but this one is pure gold!
Enjoy!
Sue
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jo
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Post by jo on May 14, 2014 20:20:01 GMT -5
Love, love it smiley-love067 Thanks, Sue! *"I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" sounded even so much better than I imagined! I wonder if Hugh has kept the lines memorized from his time in high school when he was Prof Higgins!...Hmmm - if NBC or Fox decides that MY FAIR LADY needs another live airing on TV --they don't have to look far for their curmudgeonly phonetics teacher who fell in love with his Pygmalion! Hugh can do Brit accents - he can stay with his Mum and England-based kin to practice more. *It's always nice to see the little touches of affection and regard that he has for Deb. He even excused himself for singing to Barbara. *The lap dance - that was really at Barbara's instance and Hugh could not do anything but be gentlemanly about it ( Ha - as if the lap dance is a genteel preoccupation). But Barbara rates that occasion as one of her most memorable in her career *Didn't you get reminded of Kate and Leopold at the start as they showed scenes from that part of Central Park? *Deb looked particularly beautiful! *They have become real New Yorkers -- the city and the Jackmans are both sooo vibrant and they belong to each other Jo |
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jo
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Post by jo on May 15, 2014 18:13:13 GMT -5
May 21 - Kelly and Michael
May 21 - with Jimmy Fallon ( Tonight)
May 22 - with Seth Meyers
Jo
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Post by foxie on May 17, 2014 17:03:44 GMT -5
It was so great just watched it again. Wow fabulous!
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jo
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Post by jo on May 20, 2014 23:00:13 GMT -5
Media appearances UPDATE from Hugh himself --
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jo
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Post by jo on May 21, 2014 16:52:12 GMT -5
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May 21, 2014 19:00:39 GMT -5
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Post by mamaleh on May 21, 2014 19:00:39 GMT -5
Fun Fallon show tonight. Hugh was too mentally exhausted by his promo tour to do the planned Instant Musicals, so they substituted a fun race---I don't want to reveal anything more so as not to spoil it. He may be tired but boy, what energy! He kept things hopping. Cute segment with Fallon's dog Garry, too. Got a wave as Hugh left the stage.
Ellen
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alma
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Post by alma on May 21, 2014 21:27:43 GMT -5
So glad you were there and even got a wave, Ellen! But there's NO WAY you were going to miss THAT show with THAT guest, right? Can't wait to see it! Alma |
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) for a year-end Barbara show.
