Most creative *Spoiler?* Javert's...

I'm not sure in understanding your idea of how you want it to look on stage. But the current revival on Broadway does use a projected background and javert falls and goes toward the screen

The simplicity of the stagecraft in the original staging is what made it so magical.

The version I saw in the mid-90s had Javert standing on the edge of a bridge, and then he lets go of the bridge and the bridge flies upward, making it look like he's falling from it. It was pretty effective, although I've never seen a really good depiction of him actually hitting the water. One staging I saw had him standing onstage while the lighting swirled around him, but it didn't really come off. Plus, there's no way to have a sound effect of rushing water and not have it sound like a flushing toilet!

"Based on your description of what you would like to see, it seems to be a pretty close match."

Really? Interesting, I've seen the new version of the tour, but not the new Broadway production. I figured they'd be pretty much the same. I don't recall wires on tour.

"lol how is it a spoiler that Javert dies? the book is from 154 years ago."

Inevitably there always seems to be someone who doesn't know, and then they post to say it was spoiled. So I decided to err on the side of caution.

Updated On: 8/16/16 at 10:09 PM

When I saw the new version on tour, I was never able to see the device that carries Javert because of the lighting. On Broadway, I'm always able to fully see the whole contraption going toward him, going up and carrying him back. Don't know why they can't get the lighting right at the Imperial.

I've only seen it in London last year, and I remember it as stated by Justin D - he was just rolling around with light swirling around him to replicate his fall. Now I really would like to see some of these other variations as described!

Phantom4ever said: "When I saw the new version on tour, I was never able to see the device that carries Javert because of the lighting. On Broadway, I'm always able to fully see the whole contraption going toward him, going up and carrying him back. Don't know why they can't get the lighting right at the Imperial. "

The first few times I saw it, early in the run, I could never see it. The last couple times I went (March maybe?) it was relatively easy to see, and I think it was because there was less smoke and fog on stage. The lighting remained the same, but without all the fog for the lights to bounce off of and hide it, it's pretty clear. They really do need to get back to using the fog machines pretty heavily.