I was just wondering if anyone went to see David Shannon's first show last night? I am a huge Drew Sarich fan and was at his last show on Saturday night, so am just interested to know what people's initial thoughts on David are? I imagine he plays JVJ quite differently to Drew?

he was rather average.. not the best not the worst. Drew is a lot lot better

David Shannon has just started his performance as Valjean now and it's wrong that we compare him with Drew and judge him, Drew who had been playing it from last year over one year and on BW too.

Drew had also many not good comments at first, he looked too young and looked a different character from an orthodox Valjean.
But Drew has grown up as Valjean in the end on stage.

true but david didnt really bring anything of him to the role.. its like a combination of avergae valjeans... im sure he will get better...

I'm sure he will get better when he settles into the role. And I'm not trying to unfairly compare him, or cause any offence. I was just after a few opinions on what he is like in the role so far. I'm going again on 28th November, so will see what I think myself.

Lets hope the cast is a bit more enthusiastic now they have a new VJ, I went with some friends to drew's last performance and were quite dissapointed with the show. I've seen it before but for some reason te whole show just lacked energy. Drew was awesome though!!

Now you see, I'm a huge Drew fan, think he was phenomenal as JVJ, and also I won't be able to get back to Queens to see Les Mis until probably February or March anyway at the earliest.
But I'm willing to give David a chance. Its his first week and does need to settle into the role, so I'll give him a break. I honestly can't imagine he'll be anywhere near as good as Drew but I'll be interested to see David later on in his contract.

An odd voice here. I am rather glad that Drew left. I am afraid i hated his JVJ very much.
I haven't seen the new guy, but from my perspective he can't be worse than Drew, who was in my opinion the worst ever JVJ i have seen in my 7 years of theatergoing (and YouTube).

I wish Fantine had left too.

I agree Drew was awesome but have to disagree with the rest of the cast lacking energy (in my opinion). I distinctly remember sitting there in both the matinee and evening performances and being in awe of David Thaxton's performance. Normally he is brilliant but Saturday he seemed to have upped his game even more! He showed such passion and energy! Grantaire and Brujon also stood out for me. Obviously as it was Drew's last day they would all be feeling gutted but they are such professionals and never let it show. There was the odd lovely gesture (Jon shaking hands with Drew when he tells him about his past) that they sneaked in but no one was noticeably any less brilliant than usual as far as i am concerned. It was a very emotional day for everyone involved and i thought they carried it off with grace and dignity and great professionalism.

I have to agree with the review above. I think the current cast are brilliant. There are one of two exeptions, but they're my personal opinion. All in all, they are an extremely talented cast, and I thought the show on Saturday was amazing. I too thought that David Thaxton was incredible on Saturday, as was Woody as Grantaire. I certainly didn't se a lack of energy from anyone. It must have been a difficult show for them all, and you could see certain parts of it where some of them were visibly upset. But as I was too, I found that endearing and completely understandable. Drew is a Legend and I am going to miss him very much. They were great professionals on Saturday and I hope they stay together as a cast for a long time to come.

[quote name='SimplyTheatre' date='Nov 12 2008, 10:29 PM' post='53052']
An odd voice here. I am rather glad that Drew left. I am afraid i hated his JVJ very much.
I haven't seen the new guy, but from my perspective he can't be worse than Drew, who was in my opinion the worst ever JVJ i have seen in my 7 years of theatergoing (and YouTube).

I wish Fantine had left too.

/quote]

I agree Joanna was a far better Fantine but Allyson Brown has definitely improved from when i previously saw her in September.
Her acting in some of the scenes is outstanding for example when Javert goes to arrest her. I prefer Joanna singing I dreamed a dream but that is just personal preference on my part.
As for Drew i am genuinely gob smacked that you feel that way. For me he is the perfect JVJ. His compassion and strength and determination to protect Cosette whatever the cost really come through. His voice is by far the best i have heard from a JVJ and his diction is perfect. They took a risk making him JVJ what with him being young but it more than paid off in my opinion. His version of Bring him home gives me goose bumps everytime i hear it. He has such a rich tone to his voice and it really suits the part. I am convinced i have seen the best JVJ of all time.

Hmm. I saw Drew a few months back and I can't say he totally moved me. I like some of his acting choices and others I hated. His voice was powerful but at times, again, it just left me unmoved.

I've seen most (say 90 percent) of Valjeans since the show opened including Colm Wilkinson in his original run and in his (far weaker) return to the role years later. Drew wouldn't make it into my top 5 I'm afraid but he wasn't terrible. I can't even put my finger on what I didn't warm to about his Valjean it just left me a bit cold.

Having said that, I've seen David Shannon in pretty much every major role he's performed in and I *really* can't see how he'' be miraculously consistent in Les Mis. Shannon has a very clear, powerful voice but his acting has a tendency to get sloppy and he seems to struggle with staying on key at times. I've cringed at some notes he's belted out. He doesn't take kindly to ANY kind of criticism either (and I don't mean from fans).

I saw the show last night for the first time and enjoyed it.

I only knew three songs in advance - I Dreamed A Dream, On My Own and Bring Him Home, and unfortunately two of them were pretty disappointing on the night.

Both 'Fantine' and 'Eponine' struggled in their songs and seemed to be really stretching for the big notes which they just about landed on. Not particularly comfortable listening and a bit of a letdown. I thought the latter was excellent in the rest of her performance and she acted the song well, but vocals not quite up to scratch - or didn't meet my expectations at least.

Bring Him Home was better though, particularly the reprise at the end which was rather beautiful.

OK so everyone has a different opinion on Valjens.

Drew was amazing because he brought a lot of Drew to the role. So did Si Bowman. A lot of them was in the role from day one. With David, i didnt get anything from David into the role. Does that make sense? He wasnt a cold Valjean but at the same time he wasnt warm. It was all a bit avergae which will do for first time les missers. On opening night he didnt get a standing ovation when he came down for his bow.

Very special mention to David Thaxton who was just breath taking. Just before do you hear the people sing, he held that last note "they will come when we caaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllllllllllll" for so long and with such POWER, i thought the roof of the theatre was going to blow off. Jaw dropping. I wanted to clap but now the dorection is that the students talk very loudly as soon as he finishes adn then he quietens them down. Hes AWESOME.

. On opening night he didnt get a standing ovation when he came down for his bow.



where were you sitting ? he did i know as i was one of them god, this bored is so eager to dislike new cast members !! give them a break!!!

i was in house seats stalls. actually, they only had a standing ovation at the VERY end when they all came on together for the wave off.

I am just keen to find out what David's interpretation of the role is like, so if anyone has seen him and has any feedback at all - positive or negative - I would really like to hear it. I am going myself on 28th November so will feed back my thoughts after that.

Not giving them a standing ovation doesn't = disliking them. This isn't Broadway, you know.

Hear hear!

I so wanted to like this new JVJ but I just thought he was a little average....true - I hope he gets into the role (and it is certainly a HUGE role!) but I am not sure whether I will go back to see him again soon.

Fantine is dreadful though - am I alone in that view? I just can't stand how she sings! Nancy Sullivan has to be the absolute star of the show for me - her On My Own was phenomenal!

Fantine is very disappointing, I agree with you. She just has no power to her voice at all, which is such a shame. And I don't find her acting to be very convincing either.
Nancy Sullivan is indeed amazing as Eponine. Last time I saw it, she and Jon Robyns as Marius had me in floods of tears, their A Little Fall Of Rain was the most heartwrenching and emotional piece of musical theatre I have ever seen in my life. Stunning.
I'm a big fan of David Thaxton too, he's an incredible Enjolras.

I'm still yet to see David Shannon as JVJ. Mixed feelings on my expectations.

I also agree, I thinks the cast is just great.

Well I went to see David on Friday night so now feel better able to comment. I had mixed feelings before the show as its only been a few weeks since I saw Drew so I knew it was going to be hard not to compare everything to the way that Drew did it. However, I decided that I would try my best to like David as JVJ and give him a chance. I know he is only 3 weeks in to his contract and he has yet to settle in to the role and put his own mark onto it. However, I have to agree with the people who have described his performance as average. I was really disappointed. His voice isn't as strong as I was expecting it to be. There is no warmth about his JVJ yet and he doesn't portray the anger, strength or that convict edge that previous JVJ's have had. To be honest, there was a lack of stage presence from my point of view. I was just glad that Richard Woodford was playing Javert on Friday night, as he was completely magnificent, so I was able to focus my attention on the Javert songs instead. Hopefully there will be a vast improvement once he has been in the role for a few months and been working with the cast to develop his take on the character, but at the moment it makes it very difficult to want to go and see the show again while he is in it.

I tried to go to the show last week with an open mind. However, I found it really hard as Drew was such an amazing performer, and you can't help but compare everyone else to him. It was bound to be a tough job for anyone taking over from Drew and I was fully aware that it would take time for a new member of the cast to settle into the role. However, David Shannon made me disappointed with my show. That is something I have never felt before and never wish to feel again. The rest of the cast were obviously affected. Even the awesome David Thaxton was off his game that night. It made me realise what a huge impact certain people have on everyone else. I felt the cast lacked energy. I felt in particular Mr Shannon exuded no warmth, or compassion. He had no stage presence. I didn't feel his voice was powerful enough for the role. There were a couple of things I DID quite like about him. One being his interaction with Cosette when he goes to the Inn. The other being at the end when he is dying. His acting skills are obviously one of his stronger points. I hope when I go and see him in January that I can see some improvement in his portrayal of JVJ. At the moment, I feel they have the wrong man for the job.

Hmm... being a big Drew Sarich fan I have been very interested in this thread - I expect I will see David Shannon once he's settled in, just to check it out for myself.

(Not to be overly pedantic [me! god forbid], but Mods, doesn't this belong in the Performers thread?)

Is that a good thing?? Lol. Maybe I read it wrong but the way I saw it was "It was good when he finally died!" Yes I know you didn't mean it that way. At least I think you didn't lol.

I've definitely got to go back soon, if only for David Thaxton as I thought he was phenomenal, and Nancy Sullivan and Jon Robyns who worked so well together that their A Little Fall Of Rain left me in tears, almost shattered emotionally. Not sure about David Shannon, but I'm willing to pass judgement when I finally get back there in the new year. Can't wait!

I saw it this past Tuesday and was surprised to get Jonathan Williams as JVJ. But he was simply amazing and certainly had the warmth people have been saying is missing from Shannon.

I was disappointed with Drew but Williams is back up there with JOJ as a great Valjean. Has anyone seen both Williams and Shannon and can compare their performances?

I went to see Les Miserables for the first time on Saturday afternoon 6th Dec and thoroughly loved it! Does anyone know who played the part of JVJ that afternoon? I thought whoever it was was great =D Personally I thought Eponine (Nancy Sullivan I think?) was also fantastic, her voice was quite distinct from the others!

David gets the award for the most bog standard, lifeless Valjean. Just totally characterless. ok if you havent seen the show before then he is fine but for those who seen the show before, there have been a LOT better Valjeans..

I agree 110% and am glad it's not just me who thinks this. Having seen several different Valjeans in previous years, I was shocked
at how lifeless David's performance was. So much so that I am trying to find out when Jonathan Williams is covering so that I can go and see his take on the role, as I am really not keen to sit through another characterless performance.

You would have seen Jonathan Williams, So glad you enjoyed the show

i know a few people on the show and am getting some dates when John Williams is on so will post them on here...

Would really appreciate it!

Does David Shannon usually do the Saturday matinee? Are there any shows each week that he isn't scheduled to do?

I really didn't like Drew's Valjean, vocally he was great, couldn't fault him, and he is a great actor as well but I wasn't keen on his interpretation as I prefer my Valjeans to be a bit softer at times. To me he was just constantly angry and aggressive, even with Cossette, which really bugged me. Haven't seen David's Valjean yet, but having seen David in many a role over the years, most of the reviews I read so far sound very much like him. He is a very good and competent singer but his acting tends to be quite bland. Am quite looking forward to seeing him but with his track record, it wouldn't surprise me if I'll get to see his understudy instead.

But as Drew himself said, the man has spent 19 years in prison, he's not exactly going to be the most touchy-feely, affectionate kind of guy.
I loved Drew's Valjean. And to be honest I'm not looking forward to seeing David, I'd much prefer Jonathan as the reviews of him are great.

Thanks! I'm so glad to hear that.

When I came back I was trawling through the forums and other places, trying to figure out who I saw. Looking at youtube just showed all the Drew/Colm JVJs, which I knew was not what I saw. If it was Jonathan Williams then I thought he was ace.

Is there any chance that there might be a cast recording release of the current cast, or do they only do that for big/landmark shows/events?

Thanks for all the input! 'Tis good reading and very interesting.

They make a cast recording if they think that by doing so they'll sell enough (extra) copies to cover the cost of making the recording. If there's already a perfectly good recording that's selling well then there's no incentive to replace it.

I think David Shannon usually plays Valjean the Saturday matinee and soiree.
So you might have seen the show with David's Valjean.
I like his voice and his Valjean looks more mature and thoughtful than Drew's.

Dec 1st---7th, David was on leave, Jonathan Williams ( Jonathan/Jon...not John) covered Valjean all that week.
I know that for a fact, he is my son.

hear hear!

I loved Drew's Valjean too. He is an outstanding actor and his singing is flawless. I had to go back to see him perform in Les Mis again and again and I have never done that with any show before, never been back more than once within a year, so that just proves how much I loved him in the show.
I hope he comes back to the West End in the near future.

Its so disappointing that they've replaced Drew with a new, bog-standard Valjean. When I read your reviews on David Shannon initially, I thought it was because he'd just started the role but now, a month into the show, and he's still getting the same reviews, it doesn't seem like he'll grow more into it or get any better. Its also saying something when most people are wanting tickets to see the understudy (who sounds great, by what you've said) instead of him.

I think it'll be a long time before I'm back to see Les Mis again though.

i have to disagree with constantly angry and aggressive comments in relation to Drew!
Having sat very close the to the stage on numerous occasions when he was performing i am only too aware of his facial expressiond and body language and there are lots of examples of when he is anything but angry/aggressive! The compassion he shows when Fantine is arrested and again when she is dying is beautiful, when he goes to pick up Cosette he is very gentle and concerned and very protective of her.

His portrayal of JVJ i would say had animalistic elements and i think this is perfect for this role! having spent 19 years in jail he is going to be angry and find it hard to adapt back into society.

he is very protective of Cosette but i didnt find this came across as agressive in any way.

I've never heard Bring him home sung so beautifully or with such emotion as i did when Drew sang it. I am so hoping he does the international tour next year.

On the David Shannon front, I feel this role demands a high quality of vocal and acting ability which i dont think he has portrayed as yet! i would however love to see Jonathan Williams as i feel he displays both of these in his current role so imagine he would be brilliant as JVJ

Well, I am sorry to disagree with you, I found him constantly angry and aggressive when I saw him. And taking your example, yes he spent 19 years in prison but by the time they are in Paris and Cosette is "grown up" he has spent 17 years back in "society".
Anyway, I haven't criticised his acting nor his singing (which are both great), I just personally didn't like his interpretation of the part. With all of my friends that have seen him Drew's interpretation is quite "Marmitey", some have loved it, others have hated it, I personally simply wasn't very keen. And whilst I might not have studied his facial expressions and body language as closely as you have, this is my personal impression of his characterisation and I have every right to say I didn't like it.

I totally agree you have a right to say what you think and respect your opinion. I simply disagree with it thats all. a good discussion cures all ills i always say

No. It isn't.

You're obviously a fan and Drew made a good Valjean (for some people) but no, his singing was not flawless.

For the more mature Les Mis fans amongst us, we've seen this reaction time and time again. New Valjean comes along, fans love him and defend him to the death........ just gets a bit tiring after a bit.

Drew is a talented performer but he isn't god.

I agree Drew is a talented performer and his Valjean was wonderful and his performance was emotional and I enjoyed it very much too so I understand his enthusiastic fans are missing him.
I wish good luck to Drew and wish the success of his next stage "Rudolf" in Wien next year!

By the way I can't understand why Jonathan Williams couldn't take over the role of Valjean from Drew directly if he is really a good performer like that.
Jonathan has played in Les Miz company from 2003 as from an ensemble to a cover role for many main roles, so maybe he knows about the show and Valjean well, has enough experience and a deep understanding for them.
ttp://www.londonmusicalsonline.com/performer1.php?PerfID=jonwil

Why he has to stay as a cover forever? Because there are always great actors like JOJ and Drew?
Maybe David was chosen from the audition for the role from many other wonderful candidates, and his name is famous in WE and he is a good performer so I'm looking forward to seeing his performance.
And I will cheer for Jonathan too!

Did I say Drew was God?

No. I didn't.

How do you know I'm not a mature Les mis fan, myself? Just because I have found a new Valjean more exciting than someone who played the part 20-odd years ago does not mean that I cannot express my enthusiasm for them.

We all have our own opinions, and I respect that you may not have enjoyed his interpretation of the role quite as much as another Valjean (Colm or JOJ, maybe?!) I think we should all be allowed to view our opinions on here without the fear of being criticised or replied to as if we're stupid, little kids who have never seen a show before.

well said Becky!
i would consider myself fairly mature (32 next week) and have seen a few different JVJ's in my time so feel well educated enough to be able to form an opinion on who I like the best! Everyone obv pictures JVJ differently when they hear the lyrics/read the book but for me Drew is the first performer who I have seen in the role that i been totally convinced by both vocally and visually.
Maybe flawless wasnt the best choice of word for some people but whenever i have seen Drew his voice has been pitch perfect and beautiful.
I dont jump on the band waggon of any new performer who takes on a role, there has to be something special about them and i quite prepared to say if i prefer a previous actor (I can also appreciate the role being played differently by a new performer)e.g for me Philip Quast is the definitive Javert! other people play it brilliantly but he is by far my favourite in this role.
Obv not everyone loves Drew and i respect that but for me he is the best JVJ i have been to see so far..

Did I say that you DID call him God?

No. I didn't.



Again I wasn't referring specifically to you. The general pant wetting that goes on when discussing Drew is not mature and balanced though.

And yes you're right, we should all be allowed to have our opinions on here. I've just voiced mine.

Thanks.

If anyone lives in London and can get there, I would recommend going to see the show tonight, as Jonathan is on as JVJ today.
Also, Keith Higham is apparently on as Javert and I have heard that he was awesome the last time he got to play the role.
If I lived any closer that Scotland, I would be there like a shot!