LES MIS original staging

mkmswain
#1LES MIS original staging
Posted: 1/16/19 at 9:16am

Are you disappointed that London is planning to ditch the original LES MIS staging? Or do you like the updated touring version?
 

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Frances-Ruffelle-Speaks-Out-On-LES-MISERABLES-London-Changes-Fans-Start-Petition-To-Save-Original-Staging-20190109

ArtfulAmy17
#2LES MIS original staging
Posted: 1/18/19 at 3:02pm

I'm sorely disappointed that the original staging is being scrapped. I posted on the thread in the Broadway forum as well, it's just a shame it had to end this way, almost like a divorce, between Mackintosh and the RSC while Mackintosh gets to keep the equivalent of the house and essentially the baby. The original staging and team (especially Trevor Nunn, John Caird, John Napier, David Hersey, etc.) deserve better treatment than the current unfortunate situation, at least a statement should be made to honor their work and impact.


I saw the new staging on Broadway a couple of years ago and I enjoyed the performances, but not so much the presentation. The new staging didn't fully offend me, but it referenced the original in its blocking and costumes so closely that the absence of John Napier's revolving set with the massive barricade halves was strongly felt and I really missed it. In the new production, some of the lighting choices I didn't like as it appeared to dilute and muddy the action on the stage, and the almost florescent teal color in many of the projections is very harsh and clashed with the earthier tones of the set. Most of all what bothered me was the lack of the plot-enhancing date/setting projections (like 1815, Toulon, or Paris, 10 Years Later) which the original staging employs. Ironically the original staging uses the most important projections of all while the biggest fuss about the new staging is about the use of projections (although the ones for the runaway cart scene on the transition to the sewers are pretty neat).

I'm okay with the new staging touring and doing sit-downs globally which it has done for the past decade, but to replace the original iconic staging and continually attended fixture of the West End, is an insult to fans and the original team. Being the last-standing and longest-running production of the original staging has made the West End show all the more unique and precious, and to have it completely gone from the world in favor of a staging that pales in comparison that can be seen globally anyway is such a sad thought.

Updated On: 1/18/19 at 03:02 PM


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