Most people in England are aware of Susan Boyle and her release of 'I Dreamed a Dream'. But do you know where that song is from, and probably some other famous pieces you will know. Well, these songs are from Les Miserablès, 25 years old and has played in over 300 cities!
Les Miserablès is the story of Jean Valjean, a prisoner, and his life. From a prisoner to a thief, to a factory owner to a father and finally to a rescuer of lives. It begins when Jean Valjean is given a year parole from prison, which he breaks and changes his name to Monsieur Madeline, much to police officer Javert's anger. Javert then swears to track down Jean Valjean. Valjean, with some silver given to him by a bishop, becomes mayor of a town and a factory owner with the silver's money. But one of the women, Fantine, who works in his factory has a illegitamate child called Cossete who lives with an Innkeeper and his wife, the Thenardies. When Fontine dies of illness, Jean Valjean rescues Cossete, who falls in love with a student Marius, but Marius' friend Eponine, who is also the Thenardies daughter, is in love with Marius too. Marius is involved with the student rebellion in the French revolution because Les Mis is set in France. But will Marius survive to see Cossete again, and will Jean Valjean escape the clutches of Javert?
Les Mis is based on Victor Hugo's novel, also titled 'Les Miserablès'. It is about the poor of France and the terrible ordeals they must survive. It is a miserable play, with many deaths, even so that 'Les Miserables' even means 'The Unfortunate' and is a cognate of 'The Miserable'. The musical began in 1985 in England, after several runs in France, and was first shown in the Barbican Center. It has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary which was marked with a massive 'Les Mis' concert in London's O2 centre. This celebration cast included Samantha Barkes, finalist in Andrew Lloyd Webbers search for Nancy as Eponine, Alfie Boe, opera baratone as Jean Valjean and Norm Lewis as the evil police officer Javert!
The musical itself is amazing with brilliant singers, great scenery and is overall absolutely BRILLIANT!! So don't just go to see well known shows such as Wicked, Mamma Mia and The Wizard of Oz, go to LES MISERABLÉS and see the best show on Earth. You will find it extremely addictive as some people have seen the show around 5 times!!!! And if you love the spotlight there are spaces for young Cossete and Eponine for children, so go to www.lesmis.com/home to get your tickets for the best musical you will ever see!!
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