I saw Les Miserables for the sixth time lastThursday. Yeah, that's right, the SIXTH time. (I saw it for the first time at age eight in Denver, Colorado when I had a broken leg encased in a giant full leg cast and crutches.) The funny thing is, I wouldn't even call it the best musical I've seen. Though, I don't know what my favorite is, I've seen a lot of good ones, Lion King, Oliver!, Wicked, In The Heights, Phantom of the Opera, 42nd Street etc, but there is something about Les Mis, that keeps me from turning it down, from saying no, from thinking, "Eh, I've already seen it a bunch of times, I'll pass." Because I've seen it so many times by now.
But this last production was one of the best I've seen. I thought the singers did really well (even if they didn't sound like the original cast recording we grew up listening to); and they compensated for having a small stage my mixing in video for special effects (like when Jean Valjean is taking Marius through the sewers); and I totally embarrassed myself (good thing it's dark) because I couldn't hold back tears at some parts (I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Little Drop of Rain, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables).
Wait, did I just admit that I was crying during Les Mis? Uhhh, yep. I did.
I think it's the swelling melodies that illicit emotions out of people. Maybe I keep coming back because I can't wait to be overcome by emotion? I don't know, but whatever the case is, I will probably keep going back and I'll probably wake up the next day with a sore throat from all the tear control I was attempting the night before.
5 comments:
Okay, first off, I've seen Les Mis 5 times and I cry like a baby every time. Every. Time.
Second, my roommate and I saw that production last December (it started in NJ before going on tour) and I thought it was fantastic! Loved the original staging, and did you know those backdrops were all original drawings by Victor Hugo? So cool.
Finally, please tell me you've heard about the movie-musical Les Mis that's being done by the guy who directed The King's Speech. So far they've cast Hugh Jackman as Valjean, Russell Crowe as Javert, and Anne Hathaway as Fantine. Can't wait.
I'm SO not excited for Anne Hathaway to play Fantine. Hate Anne, love Fantine, she's my favorite- so tragic.
As for crying, I happen to know three men in our ward who will own up to crying during Les Mis in the past few weeks. It happens to everyone with a soul. Own it. Enjoy it. Fantine as an angel at the very end- ooooooh it's so sweet!!!!!!!!!!! Tear!
I saw Les Mis a couple of weeks ago in London (yet another reason why you need to come visit!) and I was holding back tears the whole time. It was kinda awkward. You guys look so beautiful!!
That is a musical I still need to see. I know most of the songs, but I've yet to see the play. So sad!
I cry listening to little drop of rain and bring him home IN MY CAR...ALONE...BELTING EVERY WORD. Infact I think I will listen to it on my way home from work today. (*Fact I almost didn't marry my husband b/c he hates Les Miserables...no seriously.)
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