Tom Hooper to take on Les Miserables

[flickchick85]

Bale was so endearingly off key in Newsies.

I know, with that, combined with the hilarious accent, how could any girl resist! t:

I knew there was no way Anne was gonna pass on this - she's been chomping at the bit to do a big screen musical for a while now, and especially one with Hugh.

 

[danoyse]

I know, with that, combined with the hilarious accent, how could any girl resist! t:

OK, that's it...memory lane time, everyone:

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How adorable was he in that movie? My friend and I had the biggest crush on him back then (and now, quite honestly) so we saw that in the movie theater twice. Both times we were the only people in the theater.

I knew there was no way Anne was gonna pass on this - she's been chomping at the bit to do a big screen musical for a while now, and especially one with Hugh.

Not to mention this moment from the Oscars this year...although she's singing Eponine's song here:

[YT]OlZ9kAz9Wuc[/YT]

 

[narrows101]

That bit with Hugh gets me every time! I think Anne will do great in this (someone at a Broadway MB had a good idea - when Fantine sings "I Dreamed a Dream" have flashbacks to kind of act out the part so you can see her in her better days), can totally see her singing these songs. Unlike some at the IMDB message board, the virtriol and name-calling that is over there is unbelievable. They basically want a retread of the West End musical with Alfie Boe as JVJ - go rent the DVD if that's the case, film is different than stage!

 

[danoyse]

Oh, IMDB...

I loved Alfie Boe's Valjean...but no one outside of theater geeks are going to see that version of Les Miz. That's just how movies work.

 

[Raiden]

I know, with that, combined with the hilarious accent, how could any girl resist! t:

I knew there was no way Anne was gonna pass on this - she's been chomping at the bit to do a big screen musical for a while now, and especially one with Hugh.

I hope Hathaway will play Eponine, so she can get the chance to sing "On My Own". But I'm okay with her as Fantine, so we won't keep associating "I Dream A Dream" with Susan Doyle.

 

[kvz5]

OK, that's it...memory lane time, everyone:

[YT]iaNQ0vnLtDY[/YT]

How adorable was he in that movie? My friend and I had the biggest crush on him back then (and now, quite honestly) so we saw that in the movie theater twice. Both times we were the only people in the theater.

Bale can pretend that this never happened but we will never forget!

Any guesses on who will nab the Eponine role?

 

[danoyse]

I hope Hathaway will play Eponine, so she can get the chance to sing "On My Own". But I'm okay with her as Fantine, so we won't keep associating "I Dream A Dream" with Susan Doyle.

That's Susan Boyle, and I thought she did a great job with that song.

 

[narrows101]

Oh danoyse.... "Who Am I?" anyone?????? Oh please Hugh!!!!

http://www.playbill.com/playblog/2011/10/hugh-jackman-may-give-broadway-a-peek-at-les-miserables

Hugh Jackman May Give Broadway a Peek at Les Miserables

Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman is preparing to bring audiences a night full of song in his upcoming one-man show Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway, which begins performances Oct. 25 at the Broadhurst Theatre.

In addition to songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Irving Berlin, the Gershwins, Peter Allen and a few rock hits, Jackman may also give fans a sneak peek at his future musical project.

The Australian-born actor is set to take on the role of Jean Valjean in the film adaptation of the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical Les Miserables, which will begin shooting this spring.

When Playbill.com asked the star if he might perform a song or two from the musical by Claude-Michel Schonberg, Alain Boublil and Herbert Kretzmer, Jackman, who didn’t want to give too much away, offered a devilish, “Maybe… We’ll see!”

 

[danoyse]

I'll find out in less than in 2 weeks!!!

Seriously. If he sings anything from Les Mis, I'm going to need oxygen.

 

[narrows101]

I'll find out in less than in 2 weeks!!!

Seriously. If he sings anything from Les Mis, I'm going to need oxygen.

Be sure to report since you are going before me - I have this *thing* about going to shows after the "official opening" which is Nov. 10, so I'm going soon after that!

 

[Raiden]

That's Susan Boyle, and I thought she did a great job with that song.

Yeah, but it was almost as if the song was written for her because it was nothing but "I Dream A Dream" whenever her name is mentioned. Anyway, I'm sure Anne Hathaway will do a fantastic job with it, but unfortunately her character Fantine will only show up in the first half of the movie, at least mostly.

Hmm, all these discussions about Les Mis makes me want to dig up my soundtrack CD so I can start listening to it again.

 

[narrows101]

Screenwriter William Nicholson has a webpage, and he takes questions and actually answers them (so feel free to ask one!). Here are the ones on Les Mis:

Posted by Rhys
June 16th 2011
Hi Mr Nicholson, Apparantly you'll be on scripting duties again for a film adaptation of the musical version of Les Miserables. Is this true? And how will you go about adapting it; will you try and keep some of the dialogue or will you do a complete rewrite? I look forward to seeing your efforts (assuming the project goes forward and you are actually on scripting duties!)

William Nicholson responded:
I have been working on the screenplay for Les Miserables, yes. Since the whole idea is to make it close to the musical, with all the songs, it won't of course be a radical rewrite. However, I have been able to develop the story and enhance the characters, in what is already a very powerful piece. Still a long way to go, and many other talents will be at work on the project before it's done.

Posted by Ali
July 14th 2011
I heard you are writing the script for the upcoming musical adaptation of Les Miserables! I am absurdly excited, as I've loved your writing for a long time - including your plays and films - and Les Miserables is one of my all-time favorite stories. Just was curious how you become attached to the project and what you're looking forward to most about adapting it.

William Nicholson responded:
I am doing the screenplay for the film version of the musical, yes. It will still be the musical its fans, and I, love - but even better, we hope. The film company involved is Working Title, who know me well, and asked me to do the job. What am I looking forward to? Clarifying and enhancing the motivations of the main characters, making the plot work more simply and powerfully, and creating a result that equals or surpasses the impact of the stage show without anyone really noticing that anything has been changed.

Posted by Jo
July 17th 2011
Thanks for replying to the inquiries on the Les Miserables film project. I am looking forward to the film version very much. My question - will you retain the sung-through format basically? Or will it be part full songs, part recitatives, and part spoken dialog? If completely sung-through, are you also collaborating with the team of Boublil and Schonberg?

William Nicholson responded:
Les Miserables is the creation of Boublil and Schonberg and naturally they remain in key position throughout. We are planning to introduce some spoken dialogue, so not full sung-through as on stage.

Posted by Sarah
July 26th 2011
For the Les Miserables movie, are the barricades and the revolutionaries going to get screentime? A lot of adaptations of the story tend to cut them out and they're an enormous part of the plot.

William Nicholson responded:
Yes, there'll be a revolution. Just think of all the wonderful songs that happen on the barricades.

http://www.williamnicholson.com/

 

[danoyse]

Be sure to report since you are going before me - I have this *thing* about going to shows after the "official opening" which is Nov. 10, so I'm going soon after that!

And I'm sure it's going to change by the time you get to see it - actually, knowing how off-the-wall Hugh usually gets on stage, it will probably be different every night.

I was actually in the front row at the Imperial tonight to see Billy Elliot with my mom. I was trying to count up how many times I'd been in that theater, and realized I saw both Les Miserables and The Boy From Oz there each 5 times. And I'm not bitter at all that I never had front row seats to either of those shows when they played that theater.

And the Broadhurst, which is where Hugh is doing his new show...is where Les Miz played the last time it was on Broadway (and I saw it there once too ).

 

[narrows101]

And I'm sure it's going to change by the time you get to see it - actually, knowing how off-the-wall Hugh usually gets on stage, it will probably be different every night.

I was actually in the front row at the Imperial tonight to see Billy Elliot with my mom. I was trying to count up how many times I'd been in that theater, and realized I saw both Les Miserables and The Boy From Oz there each 5 times. And I'm not bitter at all that I never had front row seats to either of those shows when they played that theater.

And the Broadhurst, which is where Hugh is doing his new show...is where Les Miz played the last time it was on Broadway (and I saw it there once too ).

I don't care if the ad-libbing changes, which it will, I just want the same "guts" of the show so I know I didn't miss something! Once the official opening happens, isn't the show "locked" where nothing can change (except the ad-libbing of course)?

Back on topic - I do wonder if he singing something from Les Mis or perhaps just belt out "24601" - he's done that in promos for Real Steel.

 

[Pink Ranger]

I hope there's a role in it for Colm Wilkinson, just for old time's sake. He would be good as the Bishop at the beginning who gives Jean Valjean the silverware and candlesticks.

 

[danoyse]

I've heard a rumor that Colm might have a cameo. That would be awesome.

 

[narrows101]

Filming date from a reliable movie info site:

LES MISERABLES - March 5, 2012 - London, UK & Europe; Details Are only Available By Subscription.. STORY: Jean Valjean, released from prison but still relentlessly pursued by police chief Javert who thinks he stole silverware from a church whilst on parole. Assuming a new identity, he makes good until a series of mishaps see him confessing his true identity as a wanted criminal. (Posted: August 9, 2011. Revised: October 19, 2011)

http://www.myentertainmentworld.com/mew/film_production_newlisting.html

 

[narrows101]

Marius is cast:

http://www.deadline.com/2011/11/eddie-redmayne-joins-les-miserables

Eddie Redmayne Joins ‘Les Miserables’
By MIKE FLEMING

EXCLUSIVE: Hot off My Week With Marilyn, Eddie Redmayne has been set to play the role of Marius in Les Miserables, the Tom Hooper-directed musical for Universal Pictures that stars Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert and Anne Hathaway as Fantine. Universal has set the Working Title-produced musical for release in the center of next year’s Oscar race with a December 7, 2012 date. Cameron Mackintosh is producing with Working Title’s Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Debra Hayward. William Nicholson wrote the script and the music is by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil.

Redmayne, whose starring role opposite Michelle Williams in My Week With Marilyn has put him in the Oscar discussion, won a Tony Award for Red and he is preparing to star in Richard II, which is Michael Grandage’s farewell production as artistic director of Donmar Warehouse. Redmayne, who also recently wrapped the Derick Martini-directed Hick alongside Chloe Moretz and Blake Lively, is repped by CAA, manager Gene Parseghian and United Agents in the UK.

 

[Pink Ranger]

Thank god. This puts the Justin Bieber rumours to rest.

 

[danoyse]

Thank god. This puts the Justin Bieber rumours to rest.

I loved the one comment I read who thought he'd make a decent little Cosette.

Seeing Hugh on Broadway tonight. Can't wait!!

 

[flickchick85]

Oh thank god they cast a real actor for Marius. I've always felt like his romantic plots were the weakest points of the show, so it's gonna be a task for the actor playing him to get me invested in him. I think Redmayne's up to that task.

And danoyse, have fun!! You know we'll be expecting a detailed report!

EDIT: Found a clip of Redmayne singing for anyone who's curious. Skip to :50 -

 

[narrows101]

That clip is great!!! And danoyse, you're going tonight???? REPORT!!! I'm going the first time Nov. 13.

And a tweet - did you see them?

marqsish marqsish
@RealHughJackman is killing it tonight! Angela Lansbury & Florence Henderson are reportedly in the audience.​

 

[Pink Ranger]

I loved the one comment I read who thought he'd make a decent little Cosette.

I somehow envision some guy typing that from inside the prison computer lab ...

 

[narrows101]

That clip is great!!! And danoyse, you're going tonight???? REPORT!!! I'm going the first time Nov. 13.

And a tweet - did you see them?

marqsish marqsish
@RealHughJackman is killing it tonight! Angela Lansbury & Florence Henderson are reportedly in the audience.​

Hey, you hit the celebrity jackpot at Hugh's show tonight!

richardmarx Richard Marx
Yes, I'm at Hugh's show. No, I'm not sitting in. I'm watching! Cheering him on. And Angela Lansbury's here...holy ****, right? HJ is on fire

I also read that Candice Bergen was also in the audience.

​

 

[danoyse]

It was crazy! Of course we were up in the mezzanine, so we couldn't see any of them...but it didn't matter. He was referencing them all night, and we heard them yelling back a few times.

He brought a guy up from the audience when he was singing "Fever", and since the guy had done a local production of Oklahoma! he suggested that they bring Florence Henderson (who was in the original production) up to do a whole new version. Then Hugh and the guy from the audience sang "The Farmer and the Cowman" and Hugh left to go sit in that guy's seat and left him up there still singing the song.

He started Act 2 as Peter Allen (I've missed him!!) and made a reference to the Oscar he won for 'The Best That You Can Do' and then started teasingly asking Angela Lansbury if she'd ever won an Oscar. And we heard this resounding "No! Not yet!" from Angela, at which the audience went nuts and Hugh cracked the hell up. Angela Lansbury is too awesome.

He pointed out Richard Marx during Act 2, and warned him not to throw his knickers on stage. Richard yelled back "Be lucky it's not the pants!"

I didn't even know about Candice Bergen until I read it online a few minutes.

He didn't sing anything from Les Miz...but the show was so good I barely noticed. He did mention he was doing it, and I think the woman in front us didn't know about it, because she said 'OH MY GOD!" out loud and started flipping out, which was hysterical.

He was so amazing...that had to be one of the best versions of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" I've ever heard. He performed it with didgeridoo players and Aboriginal singers, and it was beautiful!

He also did this incredible medley from these old movie musicals (and tap danced!). And he did this medley that he did at the Tonys a few years ago:

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That was awesome live. He also did a rap version of The Music Man.

And his "Soliloquy" from Carousel was incredible! Maybe if Les Miz is a hit they can finally make that movie too. The song he did for his wife was so sweet too!

There were a ton of Wolverine jokes too. He said the show got to happen now because the new Wolverine movie ("Wolverine 16" he called it) was delayed again, and showed a clip from the movie and folllowed it with one of his more flamboyant photos from The Boy From Oz and explayed how much that scared movie executives.

Wolverine even made it into the pre-show announcement regarding cell phones: "Remember, he is Wolverine. He knows where you are, and he will find you."

It was great, I want to see it again!