I feel like we all know or have heard of Les Misérables (or you had the pleasure of reading it in your high school english class). And that’s for a reason! It is one of the greatest works of the 19th century. A novel written by Victor Hugo in 1862, it is world renowned. It depicts the story of the volatile and quickly changing landscape of post-revolutionary France. Jean Valjean is one of the miserable, or Wretched Ones, who struggles to redeem himself after life as a convict. Along with many other miserables and their individual stories that inevitably all connect. The broadway show adaptation really brings a different meaning to the story. To see the characters come to life and feel their emotion through song and lighting. It’s pretty magical. This show is known for its high quality sets, costumes and production values. Audience members actually feel like they have been transported to 19th century France sans the rats and smell.
Taking place after the french revolution, the show features a large cast and a beautiful, memorable score including such songs as “I Dreamed a Dream,” “At the End of the Day,” “Who Am I?”, “Master of the House,” “Castle on a Cloud,” and “Bring Him Home.” With lyrics by, Jean-Marc Natel, and Herbert Kretzmer, and score and book by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil, this musical had its beginnings as a concept album debuted in Paris in 1980. Legendary producer Cameron Mackintosh spent two years reworking and improving and the phenomena of Les Mis that you see today opened in the West End of London in 1985. Les Miserables moved to Broadway in 1987 with a budget of over $4.5 million dollars. When it closed on Broadway in 1993, only Cats had a longer Broadway run. The show has been received like no other around the world because of its universal appeal of the story of human struggle and societal change. The show has been translated into 21 languages including four versions of Spanish and two versions of Dutch. This current revival returned to Broadway in 2014 .
Les Mis was made into a movie in 2012 with a stellar cast (although many debate whether Russel Crowe was the best hcoice for Javert…).
The first time I heard “I dreamed a dream”, I cried. It was when I first watched the movie. (Keep in mind I was literally 10 years old, so a little young) At that age I did not know the meaning behind the song nor what Fantine (played by Anne Hathaway) was going through—but the pure emotion and melody made me tear up. It really is that powerful.
Watch as Anne Hathaway gives absolutely every part of her soul to this song (she won an Oscar for her role):
I mean, how could you not feel that sorrow. It practically jumps at you through the screen.
I had heard of Les Miserables, but I had no idea what it was about, or that it was even on broadway. I like how emotional this show seems because it allows for the audience to connect with it quicker/more because they are emotionally invested as well. Again, I love the addition of the videos to highlight exactly what you’re talking about!
I also watched this movie when I was a little too young to understand what a lot of the stories meant for each individual character, and I should really rewatch it via the movie or play version. I do really love a book, movie, or play in which all of the individual characters’ stories connect in some way. Also, I had no idea that the novel the play is based on was written so long ago. It really is a timeless piece.
Les Mis is one of my absolute favorite Broadway shows! My parents introduced it to me when I was younger, and like you, I was so in awe. I love each of the songs like “do you hear the people sing” and “a castle on a cloud”. And the story line is so engaging – think you are right that it is so easy for people to connect to because of the struggles the characters face. When I think about Broadway shows Les Mis has always been and will always be the first one that comes up!