Why apologize for liking Les Miserables?

[Jyn326]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 4:35am

I've only been on this board for a month now, but I've been noticing a trend. Whenever there is a thread that asks everyone's favorite Broadway song (duet, love, all-time favorite, etc.) those who choose one from Les Mis seem to apologize for it- calling it a cliche as if they're preparing to be attacked by other posters.

I haven't seen any threads where people have been annoyed that someone likes Les Mis, but has this been an issue in the past?

I love Les Miserables and see no reason to be ashamed to admit so. I'm always happy when I see other people who enjoy it as well. So I was just curious as to your thoughts on why people are hesitant to admit they like it.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 4:39am

i will never apologize for LOVING les miz..it is my all time favorite musical..its the show that made me move to NYC and want to become a professional actress. after many auditions, i couldn't get that darn show..but i was starring at another theater close by and if it weren't for Les Miz..i wouldn't have been there either!!

[Jyn326]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 4:48am

I'm glad I'm not the only one, andrew. Thanks for replying.

It's my all-time favorite as well. I know becoming a professional actress/singer isn't in store for me, so my simple dream has always been to just stand on a Broadway stage and sing "On My Own". Even if it's just me with a microphone and a CD player with no one watching. It's a silly little fantasy to others, I'm sure. But that alone would just be so amazing.

and it's so neat to hear that because of Les Mis you were inspired to act and landed a show.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 4:54am

No one should have to apologize for liking Les Miz or any other musical or play that is clearly and definitively in the cannon of great theatre.

No one should have to apologize for what they LIKE, but then again that may not always be true!

Updated On: 1/12/06 at 04:54 AM

[Marquise]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 5:10am

i apologize for liking the jerbz...

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 5:15am

Because it's an automatic defense. Something popular is going to have its poo-poo-ers often JUST BECAUSE IT IS popular. Othertimes, something has just been around so long that people who've loved theatre for a long time, no matter what they actually think of it, are tired of hearing about it.

Me, I love Les Miz, but I understand the apprehensiveness at mentioning it on large theatre boards.

[sharon1]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 5:16am

I love Les Miz

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 7:13am

If you love Les Mis so much why don't you marry it?

[Jyn326]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 7:22pm

Watching the Ellen DeGeneres show and Kanye West is going to be on tomorrow. They showed a clip and he's wearing a Les Miserables shirt. I found that interesting. I guess he's not ashamed to like the show!

And I agree with your take on the subject, LizzieCurry. Thanks for sharing everyone!

[Mother's Younger Brother]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 7:23pm

It's not fashionable on message boards to like mainstream things, no matter what the subject matter.

That being said, Les Mis is my favorite show of all time, and I'm sure as HELL not sorry.

[justagirl2]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 7:52pm

Les Miserables is a goregous, timeless show, and I'll always love it.

It's one of my dreams to perform in it, too...as anyone. I won't be picky. :)

[Phantomerik15]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 9:02pm

Les Mis was the first musical I ever saw (saw it when I was 4) and i always watch the 10th ann. video. It's my second favorite after Phantom.

[gavrochegirl]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 9:04pm

Oh, no one should apologize for liking any musical, whether it's the worst musical or the best musical in the world.

By the way, minor thread-jack: I'm wearing my Les Miz shirt right now.

[Dorothy85]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 9:25pm

I love Les Miz. It's really a great show.
I would NEVER apologize for liking it

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 9:30pm

The only show anyone should apologize for loving is Cats.
Having said that, Les Miz can be a little boring at some points (especially if the cast is not as passionate as the characters they're performing) but when it soars, it really soars. I love the score, Frances Ruffelle's "On My Own" is simply mind-blowing, and One Day More is one of the most energetic Act I finales.

[aspiringactress]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 9:51pm

Also, Les Mis became somwhat shaky when the casts changed, and energy levels fluctuated depending on the preformers. Some view Les Mis as a show which became poorly acted, almost walked through. Personally, I love it and always will. Apologies are for CATS and CATS alone (though really if it means a lot to someone to like it, I try not to argue as the fact that they like it kind of scares me and I'd rather back away slowly, so actually I never HEAR any apologies from CATS lovers)

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 10:17pm

I don't believe that anyone should apologize for liking anything ! Taste is a really subjective matter and nobody has the right to criticize somebody for it. He may disagree with it but he has to respect the other person's opinion !
That said, I also believe that Les Mis is a magical musical masterpiece !

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 10:23pm

"If you love Les Mis so much why don't you marry it?"

I already did. But we got a divorce. Once it became the superior, it left me for A Chorus Line.

[aspiringactress]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 10:25pm

LMAO

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 10:30pm

I think that, unfortunately, if you list something from Les Miserables in response to a "Favorite Song" thread or whatever, there are posters who will assume that that's one of the only musicals that you know. It's the same with Wicked or Rent or Phantom, so people feel inclined to apologize for being cliche.

That said, let no one tell you what you should or shouldn't like.