If you haven’t made a 100 things I would like to do before I pass from this world to the next list, do make one and make sure seeing this musical one time is on there–KSH.
If you haven’t made a 100 things I would like to do before I pass from this world to the next list, do make one and make sure seeing this musical one time is on there–KSH.
Kendall, you have brought back such memories…. It’s an amazing show. My daughter’s high school produced Les Mis her freshman year. Friends from Dallas came to see the show and were impressed. My eyes still fill with tears and I get goose bumps thinking about it, even though my daughter did not have a lead role. Heck, we cry when we listen to the CD of the international cast. I agree totally this this show is a must see.
And make sure that some numbers above seeing this wonderful musical you list reading the unabridged Victor Hugo novel. It is a life-changing experience. IMHO, no book other than Holy Scripture itself tells such a powerful story of redemption and metanoia.
I’ve neither seen it nor heard most of its music. Maybe one of these days. Perhaps a reaction against people telling me that I MUST see it. When I’m told that, I generally don’t see whatever it is. May not make sense, but there you are.
Dallasite,
I understand. Rarely is anything so hyped able to meet my expectations, so when I do follow the “must see” I am usually disappointed. I haven’t read the book, or seen the musical, but watched the movie (1998 version). It was worth seeing. (Notice the soft sell, keeping expectations realistic.)
In Bret Easton Ellis’ ‘American Psycho,’ the score of Les Mis is protagonist Patrick Bateman’s mental background music. I’d never listened to any of it before; now I see what an appropriate choice it was.
I was blessed to see Les Mis on Broadway back in high school. I’ll never forget how the stage was a giant turntable.
I have the CDs, and I even have the sheet music to a lot of the songs. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve seen it in London, New York and Phoenix, and I couldn’t see it enough. Absolutely, without exception, my favorite musical of all time. The staging alone, is worth the experience; the music is transcendent and sublime; the story of redemption is strengthening.
My favorite as well. It does pop up from time to time at the cafe. This particular clip reunites the original London cast and the original Jean Valjean. 😉
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Awesome. Thanks for reminding us of that Kendall. Here are some favorite quotes from Les Mis by Hugo.
“There is nothing like dream to create the future” Hugo
And a favorite while in snowy Ambridge, PA instead of sunny Charleston:
“Laughter is sunshine; it chases winter from the human face.” Hugo
saw it 9 times in London and NYC. Would see it another 9!
An “across the divide moment!” Absolutely my favorite ever musical … and one I resisted seeing because I got tired of people telling me I “had to” … but now have seen it as often as it plays L.A. and dragged any number of Les Miz unbelievers with me … all of whom have become converts. How can you argue with a show that ends with the line “To love another person is to see the face of God!” Thanks for the You Tube moment, Kendall … a real day brightener!
I echo the setiments of others by agreeing that Les Mis is a definite must see. I saw it three times in London, on separate trips, and once in San Antonio. I too had tears when I saw this clip. Thank you so much for posting it and bringing back such wonderful memories! PS: Was this per chance taped at Royal Albert Hall; while the auditorium was dark, it sure looked like it?
We just returned from seeing a (good) college production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” It, too, has some great music and lyrics by the same composer and playwright. But Les Mis does beat them all. The very best part of this particular stage production is the finale with all the international Jean Valjeans. It is OUTSTANDING. I can’t link like Kendall can but I can give you this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUCZywEwbvo&feature=related
If you have NEVER heard it, be prepared to be emotional. And if you’ve heard it before, I guarantee it will still make you “well up” with tears. And yes, the novel is also great. I had to wait til I was almost 60 to read it; it looked daunting. But this 10th Anniversary Concert (on video) and then the movie of the novel drove me to the original. VAAnglican is right: it IS a powerful story of redemption.
Dallasite – go see it, you won’t regret.
Also, Valjean and the Bishop is a great passage for a sermon on forgiveness. Never fails to stir a congregation!
Yes, I agree #15
Now who in TEC reminds us of Javert?
Memories indeed. During one Lenten season I used the reunion version as a mid-week study on redemption. Unlike our esteemed moderator, my favorite moment is, “Bring Him Home,” a timeless lament of a parent’s love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFbsZu7ZN7A
Seen it. It was terrific. Loved the turning stage!
I saw it in LA when I was in college. The soundtrack was in heavy rotation on my stereo when I was studying for a long time after that.
“On My Own” is one of my favorites.
Some years ago I was blessed to be able to see a Wednesday matinee of Les Mis on Broadway, front row center. I usually don’t like to sit so close, but it was unbelievably magical for this particular show. You feel like you are truly right in the midst of everything, especially with the revolving stage. We had a young girl of about 12 in the group, Lauren, who was in the absolute center seat. When Fantine is down center stage singing a particular song (don’t want to give too much away for those who don’t know the story) as if singing to her daughter, lying on the floor and reaching out…she was reaching right toward Lauren and had locked eyes with her. Magical, magical moment for Lauren, for us and maybe even for the woman playing Fantine.
I, too, had tears by the end of this clip. Thank you, Dr. Harmon, for reminding us.
Wow. I feel like a dunce. I started the movie once and it was so depressing I turned it off.
#17 Home is where the heart is.
Got to see it in Pgh many many moons ago. Thanks for the memories!!!!! And, yes, it is a must see at the top of the 100 things to do in this life list!!!