Added: 1 year ago
From: scullen08
Views: 55,770
Sort by time | Sort by thread (beta)

Link to this comment:

Share to:

All Comments (215)

Sign In or Sign Up now to post a comment!
  • @scullen08 I love this song he's so good as Javert and Gavroches bit is funny =)

  • Comment removed

  • This I swear by the staaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa­aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa­aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa­aars! AWESOME!

  • Comment removed

  • He is brilliant for God's sake!

  • I think anyone who has to follow Quast has it pretty rough, neverless this guy did amazing. Both men are just brilliant.

  • norm weve been working together for one year me as a front of house and you on stage , and thanks for what u gave me !!!! you re probably the best javers ever but you re as well an amazing man , I ve really enjoyed all our partys together , for your birthday , your leaving party or any time at the phenix , thanks for being so close from us and really , we miss u , even after 3 weeks !!!!!!!!!!!!!! really , come back soon to see us at the queens!!!!!!!!!

  • wow he is great, i also like that he did the sign of the Cross at 2:27 nice touch.

  • yep, gaveroche is a pimp

  • The wink at the end made me smile :)

  • It's weird, everything about the 25th anniversary version seems overdone. This was hard to get through. Phillip Quast all the way.

  • King Triton is Javert lol sweet

  • He's the best Javert, in my opinion.

  • @thePANDASgirl13 Agreed.

  • Comment removed

  • This song is so powerful, Norm performs it magnificantly.The last note is EPIC

  • Norm Lewis is better than the amish dweeb in the 10th anniversary one

  • maravilloso

    

  • Comment removed

  • He is good. BUT, Phillip Quast is AWESOME. Unfortunately this man never be better than Quast..

  • wonderful voice...although I feel the accompaniment let him down. Don't get me wrong..I'm not slagging off the orchestra...but it seems to lack the "epicness" for lack of a better word, that the 10th anniversary rendition had and (whilst I prefer Quast myself) it has nothing to do with his voice.

    But yeah :) Brilliant voice...lacking in the sideburns department ¬.¬ haha

  • I am in love.

  • ending was flawless

  • My favorite Javert ever. Norm Lewis portrays Javert perfectly and makes you believe everything Javert says and does. He is fabulous

  • Anyway, I think the 25th Anniversary Concert is pretty good. Norm Lewis (Javert) & Ramin Karimloo (Enjolras) stole the show for me. My only real disappointments are Cosette & Marius. This portrayal of Cosette is a little to giggly for my taste. And I don't think Nick Jonas is the right guy for Marius. His voice is overpowered by the other actors and actresses.

  • Doesn't anyone else think Gavroche is absolutely adorable?

  • I have to say I was disappointed by pretty much the whole show. In my mind the 10th anniversary show is a superior performance the whole way through...

  • @JacobLA I have to agree that the 10th Anniversay Concert is a far superior performance. But it's unfair to compare the two since the cast of the 10th Anniversary is simply superb. No one can compare to Colm Wilkinson, Philip Quast, Michael Ball, & Alun Armstrong. But if we always use that as our standard, we'll be disappointed of the other performances. That's what happened to me when I watched the musical here in my city. I didn't really enjoy it cause my standard is way too high.

  • @jesly16 I hear ya, I was just hoping that they might find a few people for the 25th that were somehow better or just as good.

    When I saw the play live I assumed that they couldn't equal the 10th in singing quality so I enjoyed it because my expectations were in the right place :)

  • @JacobLA I know what you mean. They could have made some improvements, especially to Marius & Cosette. Those 2 characters are my main disappointments. I like Ramin Karimloo (Enjorlas) and he's the only actor that really stand out to me.

    I wished someone warned me about my expectations when I watched the musical live. The only thing I remember is the character of Enjolras, cause I've watched the actor who played the part before in Miss Saigon. Oh well...

  • Met him at the stage door last night he's the nicest guy u could ever wish to meet best javert ever gutted he's leaving him and alfie would b amazing

  • for fuck sake!!! historic anachronisms ?? what a racist and profoundly pretentious comment.....we might as well start questioning whether a Police captain or whatever  he is would be singing arias... they never had microphones in 1815 either ...........its a MUSICAL dammit and this man is incredible

  • @Royalbrettania Hope that wasn't aimed at me. I was answering a question. I agree this man is incredible, I believe i've made that point several times >.>

  • @scullen08 no not you at all !!! you are my hero for generously uploading this !! I just did not feel like responding directly to what i think is a troll ....somehow the phrase "historic anachronism"" got me a little peeved !

  • @scullen08 So, what do you think about the performance?

  • @nooyawkfun I loved his version of Stars. In a way... I believe and 'get' his Javert more then Quast's. But his Javert's Suicide was a bit shouty for my liking.

  • @scullen08 Sorry, mine was a joke. It was NY-wiseguy humor. You said you made that point "several times".

  • @scullen08 I must wholeheartedly disagree--this Javert is completely wooden and passionless...

    Quast's seemed genuinely conflicted, in "Stars" and "Javert's Suicide" you can hear him wrestling furiously, between his idea that the law is infalliable and what eh's come to see and learn and know of Valjean.

    This Javert just seems too closed off, unwilling to open the sores Quast's laid bare for the audience to see and feel with him...

    I cannot empathize with such a wooden, flat Javert.

  • @Royalbrettania Please calm down. I agree the "historical anachronisms" are too much for a musical, but this is just a comment on possible historical fact. Once people allow themselves to let go and simply enjoy the music, I think they will be much more in tuned with the art rather the science of it all. And I also love Lewis.

  • @ayamekai1 ok calm now....:)

  • @Royalbrettania Just calm yourself. My comment wasn't pretentious or racist. You, however, with your profanity sound very childish and not very smart. I'm not saying you are either of these things, but you are coming off as both. The singing and microphones are "fourth wall" elements, thus they aren't expected to be and don't have to be historically accurate. All I did was ask, out of curiosity, was ask if it made sense, a discussion that was civil until you entered into it.

  • @joiles01 They did colorblind casting. I'm an actor, and I've been in shows set in the south during jim crow laws with black people playing 'white roles', as have I seen women play men's roles, like Richard the third (which, to be honest, is like the 'ultimate' male role. In modern/contemporary theatre, almost everything is color/gender blind. Unless you're doing something that has to specifically do with race or gender,the two are no longer important in theatre.

  • @Royalbrettania He's a police inspector. Hence, Inspector Javert...hello? I think they had mic's in 1815. The corporations were, as now, hiding the technology. What the history books say about Marconi? Total rubbish.

  • Javert is a profound, ideal antagonist, a man with the highest sense of justice but no concept of mercy. Quast brings out the merciless severity. With Lewis you see the sense of justice.

  • @RoyalGrigsby Very nicely put. I also think it's important to come here and value the profound performance of Lewis, even when one does it as a means of appreciating Quast more.

  • "Trust Gavroche, have no fear, you can always find me- here." Cheeky little...

  • Just historically speaking, at the time when Les Mis was set, would a black person be allowed the role of officer in France? Just curious, I honestly don't know.

  • @joiles01 Well... apparently, slavery was legally abolished in 1794, and the book begins in 1815, so it's possible? Then again, slavery wasn't FULLY stamped out until 1848 in France and it's territories. Honestly, you've seen how long it took for equality to set in in the US and so on (take the whole thing with segregation in the South US) so... I think there would have been a popular move.

  • @scullen08 *don't think it

    ... i'm ill and it's showing in my typing, ugh.

  • @joiles01 There is also colourblind casting to take into account as well. Might not be anything to do with the character just the director decided he was the best actor for the part. I have seen him do this live and he is amazing

  • @aranelcalen88 I understand that. And he does have a good voice. I personally prefer Quast, but I'm not going to knock this guy.  It's just things that would create historic anachronisms bug me.

  • @joiles01 I understand your perspective, but I think you are over thinking the history here. This is a musical froom a fictional book, not a documentary, so I don't understand what bugs you, or rather why it bugs you. I love Lewis as Javert and the fact that he's black never occurred to me. Let it go and you'll enjoy it much more I think.

  • @ayamekai1 Fair enough. I still prefer Quast though. ;)

  • @aranelcalen88 I'm very glad he was cast myself ^.^

  • @joiles01 I don't know but the way Javert talks about his family in the confrentation sounds a bit like how black people used to live so maybe it sort makes sense that he could have been black

  • @HorseyWitchOfTheEast In the novel, his mother was a gypsy and it doesn't really speak about his father beyond "galley slave." He had a breaking point where he had to decide whether to defend or attack society. Interesting comparison and contrast, though, and nice food for thought.

  • @joiles01 I never knew most of that. Mainly because I haven't read the book yet

  • @HorseyWitchOfTheEast It's a good read. A long read, though. It comes off as a bit dry, but you have to remember it was translated from French, and translated books often lose a bit. Find yourself a copy with Emile Bayard's art in it. It's really well done, and includes the full image of Cosette you seen with the musical's logo.

  • @joiles01 I'll look for it next time I'm at the library. Thanks for the advice

  • I don't think I'd be able to see a performance wtih him in it. I'd be kicked out for trying to kidnap Lewis and his gorgeous voice

  • If colour is an issue for you shut your damn eyes and enjoy his beautiful voice!! its your issue noone really gives a crap!!!Bravo Javert :)

  • @becomemynewcat I actually saw a black epinine in the traveling broadway show and she was amazing. Didn't even pay attention to it.

  • Wow chills up my spine! Yeah I can see this Javert committing suicide when he's forced to question his convictions!

  • Norm lewis is amazing!!!!

  • I've seen Norm Lewis sing live in The Little Mermaid and his voice is amazing. I would love to see him perform Javert live.

  • I love how he makes the cross at 2:28. Its amazing how well that fits in and feels like something Javert would actually do.

  • Barrack Obama lol

  • @BCHwhs

    Words like that make my brain cry ;_;

  • @BCHwhs

    Cool story, bro.

  • @BCHwhs I think it's hard to care for Fantine since she's on stage so briefly. We know about her sad story, but it's difficult to really get to care about her since she appears, then she's gone. I think that's a problem with Les Mis. Characters come and go too quickly except for Jean Valjean and Javert. I still love the show, I just wish some of them had more time on stage.

  • @lisambofoh If that happened it would be an almost 4 hour show. Maybe if you read the book you would feel a deeper connection.

  • I had a problem with a black Javert because it isn't historically accurate. I also had the same problem with an Asian Fantine and Eponine for the same reason. I'm a history buff, so that stuff bothers me. But this Javert is so awesome I can overlook it. Same for Lea Salonga.

  • @lisambofoh Yeah. Often times shows take a liberty to add diversity to the cast. Some to seem more politically correct, some looking for pure talent regardless of race. I personally feel here it is because they are amazingly talented but I digress.

  • @lisambofoh Historical accuracy to mask racism? Really? The fact that this is a set in Paris, with folks speaking in British accents? How about that accuracy? Thankfully Mr. Cameron and other producers seek talent, and don't allow prejudice to get in the way as you clearly would. You didn't mention Ramin who is Iranian. Or do you only have a 'problem' with skin color and facial features only?

  • @laughsalott36 I'm racist? Where are you going with this? Hoping I'll say black people shouldn't be in shows at all? Is it sexist to say a woman wouldn't work as Jean Valjean?

  • @BCHwhs

    Sorry, mom, I didn't realize I couldn't use humor ;_;

  • It's amazing when Javert sings "He knows his way in the dark, mine is the way of the Lord," since Javert is the one in the end taken by darkness, and Jean Valjean is the one who is actually in the light

  • that "TILL THEN...." gives me goosebumps.....he held that high F with such ease and went to his vibrato without even strain.....excellent job Norm....respect

  • Phillip Quast

    

  • Beautiful... Norm does a great job here in his own right. No need to compare; there is room in Les Miserable for many fantastic renditions and this is one of them. It's ok to like this ... really. You can like it.

  • This was an outstanding performance in its own right. There is room in Les Miserable for many fantastic renditions of a song and this was stellar (pun intended). Enjoy what Norm brings. It's ok to like it ...really.

  • Good. But not as good as Phillip Quast.

  • I wouldn`t recommend this song, Javert from the 10th anniversary is much better than this one. But if i had had to vote i would say a "underrated Javert".

  • Totally underrated. This guy was epic.

  • You should hear him sing this in person...the man has presence and delivery is brilliant....

  • I think Norm Lewis did an AWESOME job with this song!

  • Best version!!!!!

  • Asdfghjkl fangirl <3 Oh, this is so great. Go Lewis!!!!

  • Fantine dies?

    Can't care less!

    Eponine dies?

    Ok, maybe I'm a little mad, but I'll get over it..

    Gavroche dies?

    I WILL MOTHERFUCKING STAB SOMEONE.

  • @SuperKaitie333 Language!

  • @ILOVEMYLITTLEMAX

    Sorry, mother, I didn't realize there were 8 year olds watching les miserables ;_;

  • @SuperKaitie333 jean valjean dies :D you stab someone

  • @SuperKaitie333 I really love your comment LOL

  • @SuperKaitie333 I Have To Agree With You. Gavroche Is The Reason I Watch Half Of Les Mis. He's Just Epic!:)

  • The best Javert!

  • Lewis does damn good "Stars", I must say.  His "till then" and the end is great. Not quite so wild about the rest of his performance in the show.

  • Who was that little kid? He was adorable:)

  • @darcy296 That would be little Gavroche :D

  • Norm Lewis is an INCREDIBLE vocalist and sings this song to perfection, but Philip Quast will always be the definitive voice of Javert.

  • What an annoying, hammy Gavroche. Hate that phony wink.

  • @nooyawkfun

    Hate you >:L

  • @SuperKaitie333 Because you know it's true. hee hee

  • I absolutely ADORE Gavroche's wink at the end of his riff! <3

  • I ADORE HIM SO MUCH. the only thing I don't understand is why he wasn't encouraged to sing the whole song... he clearly has an incredible voice and the speak-singing doesn't do his talent credit!

  • Personally, I don't think anyone can sing this song better than Terrence Mann (yes, including Phillip Quast), but he's pretty damn good.

  • Where. Are. His. Sideburns?!?! Ponytail?! Hat?! Geez, I'm surprised he even has the nightstick and coat.

  • lol he's from sex and the city 2 :)

  • i saw him live in the west end on tuesday and he was incredible!! him and samantha barks stood out by a mile as the best people in the whole show! his voice has such a beautiful tone, i could listen to him for hours

  • this is amazing!

  • Gavroche needed a whole song to himself. Seriously! Why'd they make Little People such a short song in this concert?

  • 3:29 Best Dang Gavroche Line EVER!!!!!

  • best. javert. ever.

  • This video watched by one die hard R&H fan!

  • Okay. Bill Cosby I understand but President Obama? How does he look like him?

    Not all black people look the same! :P

  • WHERE ARE THE SIDEBURNS!!!!!!!!!?????!!!!!!!­!!!!

  • @Broszko15 They were too awesome. He had to hide them so people would stop attacking them and trying to steal them~

  • is this earl carpenter?

  • @jamesthewizard98 Nope, Norm Lewis.

  • @jamesthewizard98 Earl Carpenter is the bishop in this production

  • what a magnificent voice! it's so beautiful!

  • Love love love him....

  • Just Beautiful :')

  • i love this song it's so beautiful!! oh gavroche! :)

  • wow incredible - amazingly controlled voice

  • omfg i love gavrouche!!! his name is robert madge and hes done a LOT of other really really good parts

  • There needs to be a bumper sticker that has Gavorche in that Obama hope thing. That would be hilarious!

  • Gavroche is so cute him and his wink

  • I am actually in love with Gavroche after that song.

  • i was surprised to see a black Javert but he did a good job at i think. but Phillip will always be my favorite.

  • Gavroche's wink is so cute.:D I just want to hug him...:)

  • good job obama

  • good job obama

  • Is that Norm Lewis?

  • 0 people are racist for a change. Awesome.

  • Take a look at the performance of 'Empty Chairs and Empty Tables' by Nick Jonas, then compare it to this performance of Norm Lewis' in the same concert. Notice how close Jonas has to get to the microphone just to be heard, then notice how far away Lewis stands from the mic to keep from overpowering it.

    That's the difference between a singer and a vocal performer.

    Jonas seems like a nice guy, the type of kid you want to have a cheeseburger with. But he's just not cut from the same cloth.

  • @Crash8686 you made me laugh, i'll give you that xD "the type of kid you want to have a cheesburger with"? lol

  • @Crash8686 Or, he's not trained as an operatic singer. Who also is a bass-baritone (which have the loudest voices). I agree that he's not anywhere close to the same league as Lewis, but it's not because of volume.

  • @Crash8686

    Lewis could have been a little closer....his rendition was weak compared to Quast's.

  • @Crash8686 The difference is that Nick Jonas hasn't been trained to sing this powerfully. As a pop singer, he never had to do it. I'm sure if he had some proper training for a few years he could do it.

  • i LOVE gavroche!!! hes so good!!! love his little wink and smile at the end!!! 

  • This guy is good....very good.  Quast still the best!

  • I looove this song!!!

    The lyrics are so awesome!

  • I thoroughly enjoyed Norm's performance especially the "Confrontation." I've watched other performances of Javert, but I keep coming back to Norm's. Superbly done!

  • I honestly cannot understand how people can compare this guy to Philip Quast or even say he's better. It makes me laugh, but sad at the same time. Crazy world.

  • @TheWanderingAngel Its called an opinion. It doesn't negate the greatness of Phillip Quast.

  • My jaw is literally on the floor!

    He is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!

  • You all need to look up Brian Stokes Mitchell as Javert in the Stars Bowl! He is incredible! Way better than this guy. I don't hate Norm Lewis but I would take Philip Quast over him and Stokes over Queast.

  • I expand, not even the authors of Les Mis could have envisioned a more perfect interpreter for his character Javert than what Norm Lewis delivers. I've seen many versions of the play and no one comes even close to the power, presence, pitch, emission, strength and overall command of the scene and situation. Norm Lewis defines the character, HE IS JAVERT!!!!

  • @neimanmario - Philip Quast. That's all I have to say on the matter.

  • This role was written for Norm Lewis him. So far no one else comes close. He IS Javert.

  • @neimanmario ...written for Norm Lewis? I kinda laughed at that.

  • I like Norm Lewis' singing voice, it's really nice. But I like Philip Quast's acting better. Always cool to see different takes on the same songs though.

  • He looks like a young Bill Cosby XD

  • With the Mutton Chops, Norm would be a damn near perfect Javert. Side note, this Gavroche, IS perfect.

  • Saw the special, dug this cat. He can wail. Never heard of Phillip Quasi, checked him out, he has the acting chops and the sideburns, but I must say, this guy takes the ticket in my book.

  • @TheJamesVincent I totally agree this guy has the complete package even the sniffs inbetween lines

    absolutley brilliant

  • I've listened to Phillip Quast's Javre...and I prefer this gent as Javre. There is more character in this man's voice than there is in any of Quast's performance. I'm sorry but these songs need to be song...not spoken, and Quast speaks them in a sing-song manner. This man actually SINGS them. But whatever, to each their own.

  • this guy is pretty EPIC the only thing that i dont like him is that he doesnt have the epic sideburns like Phillip Quast had but he is still kickass

  • ya know at first i really preferred Phillip Quast, but now im thoroughly certain i cant pick between to two, they are both absolutely remarkable

  • Okay I must say that while I think Phillip Quast is awesome, Norm is the best freaking Javert I have ever freaking seen.

  • Marvelous!

  • how, amazing.

  • chocolate power javert!