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 new exciting version of the musical. The most successful musical in theatre history! Get you hankies out – cause you’re gonna need them when you hear “Bring Him Home” – “I Dreamed a Dream” – “In My Life” and “One Day More.” 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 comic 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.

The boy was taken across the Atlantic Ocean and back 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 really 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 be intriqued by this moving Docu – Drama. I was!

NOW PLAYING AT LANDMARK THEATRES

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 during the revolution. Well, of course, who would want to stay in a Palace where your name is on a list of people to beheaded? 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-

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