As a small merchant—more specifically, an antiques trader—there is precious little separation of my personal and work lives. Nearly everywhere I go, whether for business or pleasure, I entertain the possibility of finding some irresistible tidbit which I want to bring-back to the shop. Every trip becomes a blend of work and play. And I always leave home with plenty of bubblewrap in two hard-sided suitcases.
This week's trip to New York City is one such example. By day, I am visiting collector-customers who are seeking advice about "deaccessioning" certain pieces. I brought-home a couple of nice items. At night, I am eating Chinese food—since I have yet to find a good Chinese restaurant in Pittsburgh. And tonight we went to see the 40th Anniversary "Arena Concert Tour" of Les Miserables at Radio City Music Hall.
I have seen Les Miserables a half dozen times on Broadway. In fact, my first apartment in New York abutted (and overlooked) the back of the Broadway Theatre, where Les Miserables was then playing. I will always reserve a special place in my heart for the early Les Miserables cast members whom I came to love: Colm Wilkinson, Judy Kuhn, Hugh Panaro, Frances Ruffelle and Natalie Toro. And don't forget Ramin Karimloo.
But Radio City Music Hall is unlike any other venue—anywhere. Any event held in this legendary theatre becomes twice as good. Tonight's event filled the 6,000 seat (sold-out) auditorium with powerful, reverberating sound. In this concert-style staging, three singers were rotated through the leading role. My heart had been set on hearing Alfie Boe sing Jean Valjean. Alas, he was not scheduled to perform tonight. Back in December, when we purchased our tickets (and booked our hotel), casting had not, yet, been announced. But our scheduled cast—Killian Donnelly (Valjean) and Bradley Jaden (Javert)—were both very good. At the end of the performance, Cameron Mackintosh appeared for the curtain call. He introduced the creators, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boubil who stood at their seats to rousing applause. A large handful of guest singers ("from the Les Miz family") were brought out. Together, they reprised several numbers from the show. Patti Lupone, Debbie Gibson and Samantha Barks sang I Dreamed a Dream. Philip Quast was joined by Bradley Jaden, Jeremy Secomb and Jordan Danica to sing Stars. Then Alfie Boe came out (!!!) to sing Bring Him Home, alongside Killian Donnely, Geronimo Rauch, Peter Lockyer and Aaron Tveit (another perennial favorite of mine). Finally, Hugh Panaro (and several more former cast members) came-forward to join-in a rousing encore of One Day More. Even after a three hour performance, the audience did not seem to mind a 30 minute post-concert encore. With some 80 artists on stage (including a full, lush orchestra) the sound was incredible. The evening was a once-in-a-lifetime event for any diehard Les Miserables fan.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.