jo
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Post by jo on Aug 31, 2012 9:14:33 GMT -5
Monitoring developments...while posting here.
We are in the infamous ring of fire in the Pacific, so we do have our share of earthquakes ( very regular) and one or two devastating volcanic eruptions (we had the largest volcanic eruption in the 20th century in the whole world - Mt. Pinatubo). Flooding has also been more devastating - due to climate changes, the LaNina phenomenon, the annual tropical monsoons, etc...
Which is why each of our provinces has its own active National Disaster and Risk Management units -- thus, evacuations have been immediately ordered for the tsunami-prone areas. There was some report of water receding immediately to the sea ( which was what happened in the Japan tsunami) which triggered the immediate evacuation.
But we are all hoping damage in personal lives and property will be minimal.
Thanks for the words of concern, Ellen.
Jo
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Post by ocjackie on Aug 31, 2012 13:49:29 GMT -5
Be safe Jo. You, your family and country, and know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
Jackie
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Post by chessie on Aug 31, 2012 14:48:49 GMT -5
Jo,
I'm sure that all the advance planning that's been put into place will help to keep people safe, but a Tsunami is a frightening prospect. That was a huge earthquake.
Take care, and I hope that any damage will be minimal.
Carol
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jo
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Post by jo on Aug 31, 2012 17:02:36 GMT -5
Thanks for your concern.
It looks like we survived any major disaster.
Jo
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Post by nevaeh777 on Aug 31, 2012 18:06:18 GMT -5
Keep us posted Jo! We're all thinking of you. We send you hugs from all our locations!
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Post by foxie on Sept 3, 2012 15:09:20 GMT -5
listening to Alfie Bowies new album besides his fabulous Les Mis stuff he sings "On the Wheels of a dream" better than I have ever heard it sung before!!Just breath stopping!
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Post by foxie on Sept 3, 2012 15:10:36 GMT -5
PS. ugh has a lot to live up to!!!
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Post by joanhb on Sept 3, 2012 18:13:31 GMT -5
I am sure Hugh will do a fantastic job! In addition to his vocal
talent, he is an extremely talented actor. Don't sell him short!!
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Post by annetter on Sept 3, 2012 20:52:50 GMT -5
i totally agree Joan. Hugh is up to the challenge and will surprise a lot of people.
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jo
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Post by jo on Sept 4, 2012 5:26:42 GMT -5
I have seen Alfie Boe perform live in the stage musical KISMET, a musical theatre presentation by the English National Opera in London. I had seen this thrice because it starred my other favorite musical theatre actor, Michael Ball, who acted and sang the role of Hajj ( Howard Keel in the movie version). Michael was wonderful, as he gave an excellent portrayal of the poet Hajj, acting-wise and singing-wise. Btw, Michael was the original Marius of Les Miserables and he once sang the role of Valjean in a special concert of the show at Windsor Palace, for the Queen of England and her guest, the Prime Minister of France. While Alfie had a very good voice, I am sorry to say that his acting talent left much to be desired in this particular musical. I was hoping that I would be awestruck by his rendition of A STRANGER IN PARADISE and AND THIS IS MY BELOVED ( two of my favorite songs ever from musical theatre) -- but he lacked warmth and romanticism in delivering these numbers. It seemed to me that he stood like a post, rather wooden in his acting portrayal. As he was supposed to be a prince of his people, I had also hoped that his stage presence would evoke the kind of manly presence and strong persona called for by the character he plays. Sorry to say that he also lacked that element. I had seen the 25th anniversary concert, via DVD. Alfie has an operatic voice, that while very good as a natural gift, does not seem right to me in portraying a rough convict initially and whose contretemps with Javert will look dramatic and powerful enough for film. I am not sure it is the right voice nor the right look for a character like Valjean, especially on film ( who has been more recently portrayed by the likes of Liam Neeson and Gerard Depardieu) Valjean is NOT just a singing role! Why did Hooper audition both Boe and Jackman for the role and ended up with Jackman as his choice for the film Valjean? I believe Hugh has the singing ability, the acting chops, the physicality ( sorry, Alfie stands at around 5'8" -5'9" compared to Hugh's physical stature - can you imagine him carrying the almost six feet tall Eddie Redmayne in his arms through the sewers, as Hugh was supposed to have done?), and the strong big screen presence to deliver the goods! Even if a stage actor can deliver onstage, film is a different medium and one needs to act out a portrayal that is more screen-friendly! Please don't sell Hugh Jackman's talent and appeal short! Also, if I had to choose a favorite Valjean onstage - it would be Colm Wilkinson, whose portrayal of the rough-edged Valjean with a non-operatic tenor voice ( Okay, since when do rough convicts sing like operatic tenors?? Maybe it sounds alright on stage but film calls for more realism.), probably comes closer to what Hugh will deliver. If there are huge shoes to be filled by Hugh, I believe it will be those of Colm Wilkinson, for whom the song Bring Him Home was originally written! Again, this LES MISERABLES is not going to be a clone of the stage musical, where the singing was probably more prominent. Othewise, why bother to make a movie - why not just film an ongoing stage performance? Tom Hooper has his own cinematic vision of how he wants to tell the story of Valjean and the people who comprise the tale written by Victor Hugo. Why did he choose Anne Hathaway to sing with so much emotion, rather than showing off her singing ability ( ala Salonga or Henshall), in the teaser? In a recent article/interview, Hooper emphasizes that this Les Miserables is a dramatic story and not a musical first and foremost. It simply uses a musical structure to tell the story. How his actors tell their stories, with Valjean as the central character, is the essence of the film. I am glad that from indications, Hooper may be adopting more aspects of the story found in the original novel by Hugo ( which I have read once in its unabridged edition, but attempting to reread, albeit in a different translation  ) than what the stage musical captured in its entire musical play. Btw, I am a great fan of the stage musical - I have seen it 9 times ( Broadway, London, Paris, and in Manila where I live) and you won't believe how many recordings I have collected and how much memorabilia I have put together over the years -- it is my favorite musical. I had so much that I was ready with an artcard and a button of Les Miserables for Hugh's autograph ( which he graciously gave) when I saw him at the stagedoor of the Broadhurst - which I will proudly wear ( the signed button) on the first day I see Les Miserables on the big screen I think I do know that my expectations of the film musical will be different from what I have enjoyed seeing on stage, since 1988. Let us study what the film role will involve before we pass judgment! I hope we have more faith in Hugh Jackman's abilities. After all, didn't Cameron Mackintosh say that the movie version of his beloved Les Miserables failed to materialize in the last 26 years because they were waiting for a Hugh Jackman???Jo |
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Post by foxie on Sept 4, 2012 6:58:18 GMT -5
I didnt say he wouldnt be good I am sure he will fill all my dreams just that he a lot to achieve and mainly I was saying alfie boes Wheels of a Dream is outstanding I must have listened to it 15 times yeasterday-just magnificent!!!  |
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Post by mamaleh on Sept 4, 2012 7:22:23 GMT -5
Carol, have you heard Brian Stokes Mitchell's original rendition of that song from RAGTIME? Not exactly chopped liver.
Ellen
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Post by foxie on Sept 4, 2012 7:23:49 GMT -5
Actually I had never heard the song before and had to look up what it was from!!
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Post by carouselkathy on Sept 4, 2012 8:38:50 GMT -5
I've heard Brian Stokes Mitchell sing "Wheels of a Dream" many times in person, and he's the best. He so deserved a Tony for RAGTIME, and i also would have given the original RAGTIME the best musical Tony instead of THE LION KING.
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Post by birchie on Sept 4, 2012 12:38:50 GMT -5
Jo, I agree about both Hugh & Alfie. I've commented on Alfie here before with similar criticisms. I was surprised when you said he auditioned for Hooper. I didn't think he had. I would think his height would have disqualified him if nothing else.
As for Hugh I think he will do a masterful job and bring something the role of Jean Valjean that we have never seen. It may be the most authentic, raw portrayal compared to those previously seen either on stage or on film. I say this because he can bring the best of both worlds to the role and no actor has done that before. Sue
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jo
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Post by jo on Sept 4, 2012 16:22:40 GMT -5
Sue, His audition took a different route - unlike the three-hour session that Hugh did for Hooper, Mackintosh, Schonberg and Boublil. Instead, Tom Hooper saw him once while he was performing in Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre. In an interview Alfie said he had met and had some discussions with Tom, presumably about the role of Valjean. He said that they did some work at a studio ( presumably as a form of screen test). He later confirmed that he heard Hugh was getting the role and that he thought Hugh would do a good job of it. EDIT: I found the interview. Here are the relevant excerpts from the Matt Wolf interview -- www.broadway.com/buzz/157234/opera-star-alfie-boe-on-crossing-over-to-play-jean-valjean-in-londons-les-miserables/Quote: >>> What about the Les Miz film, which is finally beginning to rev up?
I had a wonderful meeting myself with [Oscar-winning director] Tom Hooper, and I have to tell you, he’s going to do a brilliant job. We worked on a bit of music at a studio in town just as an opportunity for me to meet him. Jean Valjean looks as if it is going to be done by Hugh Jackman, who will do a great job, and there’s nothing else in the movie that I could play. Enjolras and Marius are the only other male roles, and I think I’m a little old to play those characters now!<<<Jo |
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Post by birchie on Sept 5, 2012 8:51:56 GMT -5
Sue, His audition took a different route - unlike the three-hour session that Hugh did for Hooper, Mackintosh, Schonberg and Boublil. EDIT: I found the interview. Here are the relevant excerpts from the Matt Wolf interview -- www.broadway.com/buzz/157234/opera-star-alfie-boe-on-crossing-over-to-play-jean-valjean-in-londons-les-miserables/Quote: >>> What about the Les Miz film, which is finally beginning to rev up?
I had a wonderful meeting myself with [Oscar-winning director] Tom Hooper, and I have to tell you, he’s going to do a brilliant job. We worked on a bit of music at a studio in town just as an opportunity for me to meet him. Jean Valjean looks as if it is going to be done by Hugh Jackman, who will do a great job, and there’s nothing else in the movie that I could play. Enjolras and Marius are the only other male roles, and I think I’m a little old to play those characters now!<<<Jo Interesting, doesn't sound like he was ever a serious contender. Thanks for the info. |
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Post by mamaleh on Oct 7, 2012 7:26:40 GMT -5
Anybody see Daniel Craig's hosting gig on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE last night? He did a couple of funny accents, and the mustache he wore in one sketch reminded me of A STEADY RAIN, but on the whole I was disappointed. I kept waiting, in vain, to see the comedic chops Hugh had said at the time kept him and ASR director John Crowley laughing hysterically. DC tended to keep his eyes fixed on the TelePromTer, and the writing did him no favors. Most of the bits were crass, stupid and just plain unfunny. The first few shows of the SNL season were much better. Too bad DC got the off-week.
Ellen
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jo
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Post by jo on Oct 7, 2012 7:58:58 GMT -5
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Post by chessie on Oct 8, 2012 14:13:00 GMT -5
DC tended to keep his eyes fixed on the TelePromTer, and the writing did him no favors. Most of the bits were crass, stupid and just plain unfunny. The first few shows of the SNL season were much better. Too bad DC got the off-week. Ellen I agree, Ellen. I thought the writing was pretty lame this time. Many of the sketches seemed to go on far too long, and I wound up fast-forwarding to the end, hoping the next one would be better. SNL has always relied heavily on cue cards because there are often a lot of last-minute changes, and some guest hosts are more adept at using them than others. DC wasn't too subtle about it. I loved last season's finale with Mick Jagger; he was great and the writing was terrific. Carol |
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Post by mamaleh on Nov 16, 2012 9:37:06 GMT -5
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Post by birchie on Nov 16, 2012 12:55:11 GMT -5
Isn't that just ridiculous!!??!! Especially when you think that the proceeds could also be shared with a charity and be a win-win for everyone! Who makes these stupid decisions anyway?!  Sue |
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jo
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Post by jo on Nov 19, 2012 17:58:09 GMT -5
The closest we ever had of seeing a filmed Hugh theatre show was for TBFO/Australia - they were filming it, for purposes of projecting the images on the big screen onstage because the performances were being held in huge arenas ( 10,000-seaters in some cases). I asked the technical guys who were installing the equipment at the Sydney Entertainment Centre if these could be used for a DVD and he said Yes.
But nothing came of it. Sometimes I think it is Hugh himself who nixes the idea ( and not Robert Fox) because he hopes to do the show in other venues in the future? I could be wrong, though ;D
Jo
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Post by Jamie on Nov 19, 2012 18:37:46 GMT -5
A DVD wouldn't stop anyone from beating a well worn path to a theater to see him live if they had a chance to be near where he was performing. In the meantime, the recorded performance could be raking in money either personal or for charity.
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Post by mamaleh on Nov 21, 2012 12:53:00 GMT -5
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Ellen
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) than what the stage musical captured in its entire musical play.
