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Peter Lockyer (Val Jean). Courtesy Photo SHN |
HEADLINES
LES MISERABLES - THE IMPOSTER - FAREWELL MY QUEEN
LES MISERABLES
STUNNING MASSIVE TOURING SHOW
OPENS LES MIS AT THE ORPHEUM THEATRE
The musical is based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les
Miserables. Having seen many versions of the musical, this one is ‘Hands Down
perfect!” The story, as you probably are familiar with, has won 50 or more
international theatre awards. And it won the 1987 Tony Award for Best Musical.
Now comes along this exciting musical new version. The most successful
musical in theatre history! Get your hankies out – cause you’re gonna need them
when you hear “Bring Him Home” – “I Dreamed a Dream” – “In My Life” and “One
More Day.” That’s just a sample of the greatest heart breaking songs that I
have ever heard. By the way – the sound system was just perfect. Heard every
word.
For comedy relief, there is the outrageous “Master of the
House” and “Beggars at the Feast”.
Both songs will have you bent over with laughter.
The sets are miraculous and the lighting is just superb.
Peter Lockyer (Jean Valjean) is the best Valjean that I have ever, ever heard.
His voice is superb. He is nothing less then sublime!
Les Miserables sweeps us thru three turbulent decades of 19th
Century France. It’s chock full of romance, passion, suspense and humanity.
It’s also the story of one man, the fugitive Jean Valjean, who is pitted
against the cruel and self-righteous police Inspector Javert (Andrew Varela),
who also has an amazing powerful voice.
Believe me – “This is one fantastically Hypnotic musical!”
“It’s riveting from the word “Go!”
NOW PLAYING AT THE ORPHEUM THEATRE
RATING: Four glasses of Champagne!!!! (highest rating) -
-trademarked-
FLICKER BITS
THE IMPOSTER –
STRANGE TRUE STORY
It’s 1994 in Texas. And a 13-year old boy has gone missing.
It’s been three years later now, when the family gets a call from Spanish
authorities. They inform the boy’s parents that the son was seen loitering
around town.
This boy was taken across the Atlantic Ocean to his
family. Now comes the fun. The boy speaks with a French Accent. Remember he was
born in Texas. You’d think that he would have a Southern tinge to his voice.
Not only that. The boy who claims to be their son now has different color eyes.
But never mind that. The family takes him back into the household. Are they up
to something? -- Yes, I think so.
This is made in documentary style. And it appears to be made
with the real people who surely are not fooled into thinking that this young
man was really their son. We find out later, that he has pulled off many
similar capers in other countries. I’m not sure that he is a Con artist – or
that he is just lonely.
There are plenty of undocumented stories in this well
executed film. Here is another puzzle. The Boy is supposed to be around 17 or
18 now. The con kid is 23 years old. Sure he looks like he could be a
Teen-ager, but not if you get a close-up of him.
The ending is even more mysterious. The family (The
Barclays) also, seems a little bit strange. Even after they kick their supposed
Son out of the house. Then they really get strange.
All in all, I’m guessing that the real Son was killed when
he was only 13 or 14. No one has ever discovered the body. Also – there appears
to be a connection to some drugs. What a surprise. You may will be mesmerized by
this moving Docu – Drama.
OPENS AT LANDMARK THEATRES ON AUGUST 3rd.
RATING: THREE BOXES OF POPCORN. – trademarked-
FAREWELL MY QUEEN
The movie was adapted from Chantal Thomas’ novel. It’s
gorgeous to look at all the Palace Intrigue in France. The performances are
solidly affecting. There is even a brief moment of Lesbian love between “The
Queen” and one of the hangers on at the Palace.
The action takes place over several days. It begins with
July 14th 1789. Sidonie Laborde (Seydoux) is a member (servant) of
the household at Versailles. She reads faithfully every day to Marie Antoinette
(Kruger).
The Queen seems to have a sizzling erotic tremor every time she
gets near a woman. Her favorite is Babrielle de Polignac (Ledoyen) who is famed
for being a court opportunist.
As you know – the Nobles flee the Palace. It becomes a
haunted house. Well, of course, who would want to stay in a Palace where your
name is on a list of people to behead? Heck, I would leave too.
The backstage drama is the most intriguing. Romain Winding’s
fantastic photography is partly shot in the real Palace. It’s a rich show to
watch. Yes, we’ve seen many movies where Queens lose their heads. But somehow,
this film reveals a lot of History that we only thought that we knew. It’s rich
and moving! I wouldn’t mind walking down the gilded stairways of the Palace.
I’m still waiting for the invite.
Now Playing at Landmark Theatres
RATING: Three Boxes of Popcorn!!! –trademarked-
ENHANCED STORIES: beyondchron.org.