LES MIZ at SIGNATURE THEATRE

Beng, Aria, my good friend, Pinkie and I went to see "Lez Miz" at Signature Theatre last night (01/03/2009)
We went on the "MizKidz" packet for 4 family tickets, 4 cookies and 4 drinks at intermission for only $125.00. Not bad at all! Better than $76.00 per person or taking a chance on "Rush Tickets"
There was alot of things that I liked....and a few things that I didn't like.
Likes:
1) This is the original lost London version of "Lez Miz". Honestly...Though it was a bit longer, I loved this version.
It showed alot of missing scenes (to me) were crucial to the plot.
a) The meeting of Young Cossette and Valjean in the woods.
b) A short scene with Madame Thenardier spoiling Young Eponine before sending Young Cossette out in the woods for water.
c) Valjean's actually telling the Thenardier's that Fantine has died and his promise to her.
d) The second meeting of The Thénardiers, Valjean and Cossette in Paris that causes Javert to intercept the street brawl between the Thenardier gang, Valjean and Cossette.
e) The reason why Eponine dresses like a boy and her actually meeting of giving the letters to Valjean to give to Cossette. This is where he learns Marius and Cossette love each other by reading her letters.
f) Eponine's side singing monologues about Marius not caring to see her.
g) Valjean revealing to Marius that he is a fugitive and asking him not to tell Cossette.
2) I did like the re-imagining of the surreal set and the dark black, gray and off white costumes (Mostly black leather) and scenary (I loved the "specials" on the chairs hanging from the celling during "Empty Chairs...") . If you don't have that famous turntable set, you might as well go another direction. So, the set is more of "in-the-round"/"thrust setting with several entrances. It's very intimate. So, your concentration is on the plot rather than "spectacle".
3) The voices and acting of Marius, Enjolras, The children: Gavroche and Young Cossette, Older Cossette, the Bishop and the ensemble as a whole.
Dislikes:
1) Though I did like the re-imaging darker side of "Les Miz", the charm and humor were faded into the shadows...Literally! Though she was charming, Older Cossette was lost in the dark side of "Les Miz" Alot of the female characters "sadness" and innocence were lost in the mix.

2) I hated when musicals in this particular opera format go into "speak-song" format. BOUBLIL & SCHÖNBERG wrote some of the most beautiful music in musical theatre history. Come on! Let's hear it sung!

3) Though effective...The death of Javert. He shoots himself in the head? (Huh?) This is not true to the book.
4) The long hair on all the guys. Ughhhh...EVERY MAN was a caveman! In this "Lez Miz" Jaljean, Javert, and EVEN Thenardier had long hair! (Huh?)
5) Honestly, because it's not the Broadway "Specticle", the musical may be too long for kids.
6) Last, but not least...The intermission. When they mean 15 minutes...Signature Theatre MEANS it with a Vengence!!!!!!! They warn the audience in the lobby that they will not seat ANYONE after the second act has been started. Beng, Aria, Pinkie and I had to scruff down our chocolate cookies, guzzle our sodas and run up the stairs (Imagine me with my new hip) with the other upstairs audience. "Whew! They said it's because time is crucial with a union orchestra under a strict contract.

In conclusion...I do plan to see the show AGAIN and AGAIN!!