i'm a silly little thing who loves a showtune
Éponine | Costume Comparison (Queen’s Theatre)
Samantha Barks (‘10-‘11) vs. Alexia Khadime (‘11-‘12)
A question.
Am I right in remembering Alexia Khadime’s hair as Eponine to be a very fashionably trimmed bob/pageboyish haircut and if so How Is That Remotely Period Appropriate?!
I went to look at my brochure again and I just discovered this, but Alexia just has a very different look from past Eponines in general… She wears a long sleeved shirt with ruffles in the front, instead of the usual sleeveless top. The sleeves cover her arms and the shirt is relatively clean so she doesn’t look as “dirty”, except she’s suddenly really covered in dirt and blood during A Little Fall of Rain. And of course the wig, which doesn’t make a lot of sense because she’s supposed to hide her hair inside the hat in Act II so that she can pretend to be a boy.
I’ll see if I can find photos for a comparison!
Edit: click!
Les Misérables - In My Life/A Heart Full Of Love
(6th February 2012, London)Cosette - Helen Owen (second understudy)
Valjean - Christopher Key (alternate)
Marius - Craig Mather
Eponine - Alexia Khadime
Christopher Key is the only Valjean I’ve seen at Queen’s, but can I hazard to say that he is one of my favourites? His acting is just spot on, he’s very dedicated to this role (really impressed with On Parole and the Sewers in particular), even though his voice sometimes breaks a little at “flight” and other high notes, it’s improved I think. It’s also age-appropriate for Valjean, Queen’s has some younger actors taking over the role lately and sometimes the voice gets too high or too… bright? for such an old man, I mean. I’m really confused why Ramin does only six shows a week, but I’m glad it gave me a chance to see Chris Key.
Alexia’s voice is just as… Alexia as ever, there’s really nothing to complain about her singing, just her acting mostly. I heard she’s gotten better? Also her voice just reminds me so much of Frances Ruffelle! It’s so distinct and distinguishes her from any of the the Cosettes. I can see why she did well in Wicked, it’s a very dramatic voice but sometimes it doesn’t work well in more intimate sets like in Les Mis.
Craig and Helen sound good! Really happy I got to hear this audio, I do love the current cast and understudies.
