Les Miserables!

I couldn't wait a second more to blog about what a good night I had last night. I MADE Brandon take me to Les Mis in Pocatello. (Luckily I convinced Mandi to come too so I didn't have to be the only one excited to go, Thanks Mandi...) All I can say, (actually, for those of you who know me you will realize I can say a lot, and probably will) is HOLY CRAP! It was incredible. Our show consisted of all students and I was blown away by some of the talent. Granted, a few of the parts, while very good, were what you would expect of a good student production. However, the boy, Nathan Allen, who played Jean Val Jean, was the best I had ever seen or heard in that part. He was remarkable. I don't know if I've ever seen talent like that (and I've seen my share of talent) Awestruck is the best word. His voice sounded way too mature to be coming from one so young, but definitely not mature in a bad/annoying way, mature in a perfect/poignant way. Bring Him Home brought me to tears. (I must admit, it had never been one of my favorite Les Mis songs until I heard it last night) As a music person I too often find myself critiquing and setting myself up for a let down. (I know I shouldn't do it. I blame it on my AP music theory) As hard notes would come up I would silently pray, "Please let him hit this". He always did. Nailed it out of the park. Honestly, this kid was fantastic. I even came home and started listening to my Les Mis CD. Sadly, my cd's Val Jean can't even begin to compete with this young boy.
Eponine, Gavroch (the little boy who dies), and Thenardia (please ignore my french spelling, I'm just trying to add one of every vowel and hope I get it right) were also incredible as was Marius. All in all, a tremendous performance. I can't wait to see it again (and you know I will) and hope my mom can come out. For those of you living near, make the trip to see it. It is at the Mystique theater in Pocatello/Chubbuck. It's a little pricey ($18-22) but I belief it is worth it. I love Les Miserables, always have, and it is always so thrilling to see and have it presented so masterfully.
For those of you who aren't show tune/theater geeks like myself, Brandon even admitted to liking it. He started out saying "I guess it was all right" and is now uttering phrases like "It was actually really good" and encouraging his co-workers to go see it. Maybe I will make a thespian out of him yet.. just kidding. I know I could never get him that into it (kind of wouldn't want to either) but I am starting to see a glimmer of hope that I may be able to at least get him to consent on his own free will to accompany me. And maybe, one day, he will take his own initiative and arrange the outing all on his own....I know, probably not, but a girl can dream.
GO SEE IT!!! Better yet, come get me and we'll see it together!