I've seen Les Miz over 40 times (plus two school editions), but I could never say it's perfection or that nothing will be better...I mean, how open-minded would that be?
"Yesterday is done. See the pretty countryside. Merrily we roll along, roll along- catching at dreams."- Merrily we roll along
"The living was the prize, the ending's not the story."- Elegies, a song cycle
"I am ready to disclaim my opinion, even of yesterday, even of 10 minutes ago, because all opinions are relative. One lives in a field of influences, one is influenced by everyone one meets, everything is an exchange of influences, all opinions are derivative. Once you deal a new deck of cards, you've got a new deck of cards."
— Peter Brook
Well, I think Les Miserables will always be my favorite, but that is becuase it is what brought me to broadway. We played songs from Les Miserables in high school marching band so I borrowed the CSR from a friend and fell in love with it. If it wasn't for that I don't know when I would have ever listened to a broadway show.
The slow motion stuff it weird. I think they used it in Miss Saigon as well... it is odd though, sometimes when I saw it I was like "oh that slow mo looks so stupid", and other times I was like, oh that looks really cool this time. Maybe it just depends on the cast?
I, too, love Les Miz (this is my first time posting - so, please be kind!) - but, I didn't care for it the first time I saw it. Don't hit me yet. The fellow playing Valjean was so-so, Javert was fine as was Eponine - but, Fantine was screechy, Marius bland as was Cosette and even Enjolras. I never thought I'd go back - but, then I caught the 10th anniversary concert on TV and loved it. I decided to try it again and this time Valjean was played by J. Mark McVey. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! He was fantastic! I went as often as I could before it closed that last year because JMM was Valjean. Oh that man can SING! And act and tug at your heart. I am so glad I decided to try it again!
Ugh. I JUST saw the tour yesterday. And I was reminded just HOW MUCH I LOVE it! It's phenomenal! I could sit through it a hundred times and not get tired of it. It's just beautiful. The finale is gorgeous, to eyes and ears.
J Mark McVey is amazing - I think he's my second favorite Valjean!
Oh no! I wanna see the tour!
I doubt it, since the show isn't on Bway anymore ::heart attack:: and since the Tour has been around for 20 years.... The Les Mis Tour should NEVER end!
"I've often said I should put sweets in my chair - they'd spend less time on my a** that way....." ~F.W.B.
Yes, she does! So does everyone else who was in the Paris Revival (yay Juan-Pablo Armitano)...but especially her, for being in the Palais des Sports AND that one.
Les Mis was the show that got me hooked on musicals. It was my first Broadway show in 1988 when I was in high school and it is still my favorite show. Sweeney's great and Sunday in the Park is ok, but Les Mis is a nearly perfect show. And I like Colm. I prefer his Valjean to Gary Morris. Though the best Valjean/Javert team I saw was on tour with Dave Clemmons and Chuck Wagner.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
I was in les mis this summer. Definitely amazing. It's so brilliant how everything is perfect. the storyline is so complex, and if you've ever read the book, you'll know that the play is quite like it. the music corresponds tremendously well.
I've always loved the music to Les Mis but was never a huge fan of the actual show. I always came away feeling that it was a little over the top and way too melodramatic. I've never seen a show where people fall down so much. The music can move me, but I usually come away from the show feeling like someone was trying to suck the tears out of my eyes...