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| Part of the class - I chose this one because everyone looked so happyyyy |
The background of the review: I watched a recorded stage performance of the play many years ago when i was in my undergrad and have since then forgotten what the story is about. I have not watched the new movie released last year prior to watching your class' play. Therefore, the impression i have is somewhat...primary, unaffected by Hollywood glitz. I did, however, get a copy of the movie the next day from Nabil and watched the first 30 mins so any comparison I make will not involve the movie very much. Also, I will not comment on the singing much because I understand that not everyone is musically inclined so off-tone and off-pitch occurrence are to be expected. Here goes!
The most touching scene: The only scene where I cried was when Valjean was given a gracious and merciful treatment from the bishop. The forgiveness and kindness extended was very moving. I find that the student who played the bishop really portrayed godly love very convincingly, in terms of his singing, pronunciation, facial expression and body language. I believe the make-up brings out the emotions very vividly. I applaud the acting and find the character's demeanour softer and kinder than the bishop from the movie. For this scene, I didnt cry when I watched the movie the next day. Somehow the bishop's face in the movie looks rather hard.
Javert: I find that the student who portrayed Javert had excellent pronunciation, intonation and stress in his lines. His acting was much better than Russell Crowe in the movie. The student's face and actions depicted a really hard, cold and merciless character. It suits the contrast of the unrelenting soldier / villian vs the repented Valjean very clearly. The make-up really made him look terrifying and fear-provoking. Throughout the play, i also wonder if he purposely shaved his head to play the character. If yes, he deserves extra credit. The student's acting left a rather deep imprint within me. Also credit to the person who casted him for the role. It was well-chosen.
Eponine I felt this character is also an excellent choice for the student playing the role. The student was thin and dark-skinned (depicting someone who's gone through the harsh realities of life) as compared to the fair-skinned Cossette who has been living a better, more pampered life with Valjean. The costume with very minimal make-up gives out the impression of a natural street-wanderer. She was the most pitiful and my heart breaks for her. Very well-acted too.
Marius & Eponine: The most enjoyable scenes for me were between Marius and Epinone. The dynamic of their friendship was heart-warmingly displayed. They seem to really enjoy a very real, supportive and close friendship on stage that it would not be difficult to believe if they are actually really best-friends in real life. Of course, i dont know their real friendship off-stage but their teamwork on stage is just marvellous and brilliant. Love their playfulness and sincerity with each other throughout the show.
Enjolras: I felt the student playing this character displayed unmistakable leadership qualities that befits his role in leading the rebellion. Credit goes to both the student who played the character effortlessly and also the person who casted him for this particular role.
Fantine: From the reviews I've read & heard thus far, perhaps no other actress can equal what Anne Hathaway achieved in the movie. However, the student playing this difficult and magnimous character deserves some congratulations. It was a good effort put up. Her singing was good too, clear and loud voice with precise, audible pronunciation. The conflict she shared with the other "factory workers" was well-acted. Other scenes were okay.
The pianist: While this person is often overlooked in a stage performance, I must say i take my hats off him for that live performance throughout the whole play. Not easy at all to play the piano while being alert to all the actors and actresses' scenes and lines and making sure the tempo and pitch is suitable for them. Bravo!
Costume & make-up: Overall the costume and make-up was lovely and well-done. Particularly loved innkeeper's wife's make-up which i think really brings out the era's dressing.
Valjean: Both Nabil and I thought that he could have made use of the big space on stage. He seemed rather static with not much variety of movements. We felt that he was chosen because of his muscular physique. I'm sure he put in effort to memorize the lines but unfortunately the pronunciation weren't clear and thus, distracts the flow of the show (it was a big help that we had the lines on screen, otherwise we might have been lost)
It was a pity that the adult Cossette forgot her lines at the beginning of her appearance.
The real star of the show who stole my heart was Maya as little Cossette. That's real raw talent. I still sigh when i remember her fragility.
That's all for the review. I hope it's helpful for you and encouraging for the students. Your class productions seem to get better and better each year so I must congratulate you for the increasing boldness and confidence to take on the challenges. It's something to be proud of and i hope the department, faculty and university will continue to give more support in your effort. I wish I had classes like this during my time. Oh well...
