#ok by the time I finished writing this the whole pitcher of sangria is gone

[themandilorian]

What's up I am five glasses of sangria in and I watched the 2019 Les Mis concert courtesy of this magnificently kind person who posted this link.

AND I HAVE THOUGHTS

First of all, this benefits HUGELY from Nick Jonas not being there. It beats the one at the O2 by that virtue alone. But good lord Michael Ball is a close Jonas replacement. I can write a dissertation on how terrible he is as Javert?! I also think I prefer this smaller setting. There are more movement and blocking in the background too, so a little closer to the actual show, but it's still a concert format.

Random note: it's a cravat NOT A BOW. Why are they all wearing stupid little bows!? Marius has a pastel PINK one?! Who is in charge of that decision?? Please I just wanna talk.

Carrie Hope Fletcher (Fantine): I love her! Her voice is very round and projects so well in a theater setting. Her Fantine is less damsel in distress and more mad at the world and tbh, she's right.

Alfie Boe (Valjean): 11/10 no phoning in. One of the best if not the best bring him home out there.

Shan Ako (Eponine): also a little less sad and more assured. We are very used to Samantha Bark's tragic Eponine and I don't mind this new direction! The new arrangement made on my own a little more pop-sounding too, which is a little jarring at first, but I think it suits her voice perfectly. She and Gavroche also have a little hands clasped moment and it was ADORABLE. I hope every production does this from now on.

Rob Houchen (Marius): an actual noodle. Fandom Marius incarnate. Actually shows up in pastel and a stupid little bow as that one post says. He's pretty great though. Empty chairs was heartbreaking.

Michael Ball (Javert): OOH BOY. Where do I begin? He sounds like he has a cold the whole time?? And this is pretty much like...Javert but make him a Disney villain.

Bradley Jaden (Enjolras): perfectly intense. Extremely dramatic and extra 12/10 brick Enjolras would approve.

(Seriously, I love him unconditionally on principle but he looks so dumb with that damn bow.)

(You cannot convince me that this Enjolras is straight)

Raymond Walsh (Grantaire): ok I am incapable of not loving any version of my trash gremlin but he is ADORABLE. Perfect little annoyance and R+ Gavroche is perfection.

(actual thing that happens on stage. Treat yourself, go watch this now.)

OK if you read this far I know you just wanna know about ExR AND GOD I LOVE THEM. They have a perfect Enjolras trying to herd kittens and Grantaire dangling cat toys everywhere thing going on. LOOK:

(Just wait til we get home mister)

(But babe come back I'm not done making fun of Marius)

(This was SO tender. He had one hand on the small of R's back and the other on his arm. When R stormed off to hug Gavroche my heart broke a bit more)

(only lovers left alive. My soul for a production where they clearly die holding hands. Like what are you afraid of Cameron Mackintosh?)