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= Les_Mis =
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Introduction
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'Les Misérables' ( , ), colloquially known as 'Les Mis' or 'Les Miz' (
), is a sung-through musical with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg,
lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, and a book by Boublil and
Schönberg, based on the 1862 novel of the same name by Victor Hugo.
Set in early 19th-century France, 'Les Misérables' tells the story of
Jean Valjean, a French convict, and his desire for redemption. After
stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's starving child, Valjean is
imprisoned for 19 years and released in 1815. When a bishop inspires
him with a tremendous act of mercy, Valjean breaks his parole and
starts his life anew and in disguise. He becomes wealthy and adopts an
orphan, Cosette. A police inspector named Javert pursues Valjean over
the decades in a single-minded quest for "justice". The characters are
swept into a revolutionary period in France, where a group of young
idealists attempts to overthrow the government at a street barricade
in Paris.
The French musical premiered in Paris in 1980 with direction by Robert
Hossein. Its English-language adaptation, with lyrics by Herbert
Kretzmer, produced by Cameron Mackintosh and directed by Trevor Nunn
and John Caird, has been running in London since October 1985, making
it the longest-running musical in the West End and the second
longest-running musical in the world after the original off-Broadway
run of 'The Fantasticks'. Many other long-running productions followed
on Broadway and around the world, and a film adaptation was released
in 2012.
Background
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Alain Boublil's initial idea to adapt Victor Hugo's novel into a
musical came while at a performance of the musical 'Oliver!' in
London:
As soon as the Artful Dodger came onstage, Gavroche came to mind. It
was like a blow to the solar plexus. I started seeing all the
characters of Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables'--Valjean, Javert,
Gavroche, Cosette, Marius, and Éponine--in my mind's eye, laughing,
crying, and singing onstage.
He shared the idea with French composer Claude-Michel Schönberg, and
the two developed a rough synopsis and analysis of each character's
mental and emotional state, as well as that of an audience. Schönberg
then began work on the music, while Boublil started writing the text.
According to Boublil, "I [began] work on the words ... after myself
deciding on the subject and title of every song--in collaboration with
my friend, poet Jean-Marc Natel." Two years later, a two-hour demo
tape of Schönberg accompanying himself on the piano and singing every
role was completed. An album of this collaboration was recorded at CTS
Studios in Wembley and was released in 1980, selling 260,000 copies.
The 'Les Misérables' concept album was released in French in 1980. It
starred Maurice Barrier as Jean Valjean, with Jacques Mercier as
Javert, Rose Laurens as Fantine, Yvan Dautin and Marie-France Roussel
as the Thénardiers, Richard Dewitte as Marius, Fabienne Guyon as
Cosette, Marie-France Dufour as Éponine, Michel Sardou as Enjolras,
Schönberg as Courfeyrac and Salvatore Adamo as Combeferre,. The first
stage adaptation was presented at the Palais des Sports in September
of that year with many of the same cast, including Barrier, Laurens,
Dautin, Roussel, and Guyon; Jean Vallée played Javert.
In 1983, about six months after producer Cameron Mackintosh had opened
'Cats' on Broadway, he received a copy of the French concept album
from director Peter Farago. Farago had asked Mackintosh to produce an
English-language version of the show. Initially reluctant, Mackintosh
eventually agreed. In conjunction with the Royal Shakespeare Company
(RSC), Mackintosh assembled a production team to adapt the French
musical for a British audience. After two years in development, the
English-language version, translated by Herbert Kretzmer (lyrics) and
Siobhan Bracke (book), and expanded with additional material by James
Fenton, opened in London in October 1985 at the Barbican Centre, then
the London home of the RSC, before transferring to the West End.
Initial reception; milestones
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Critical reviews for 'Les Misérables' were initially negative. At the
opening of the London production, 'The Sunday Telegraph's' Francis
King described the musical as "a lurid Victorian melodrama produced
with Victorian lavishness", and Michael Ratcliffe of 'The Observer'
considered the show "a witless and synthetic entertainment", while
literary scholars condemned the project for converting classic
literature into a musical. Irving Wardle of 'The Times' dissented,
calling the musical's book was a bold and ingenious abridgement of
Hugo's plot.Public opinion differed from the critical consensus: the
box office received record orders. The three-month engagement sold
out, and reviews improved. The London production has played over
15,000 performances, making it the second longest-running musical in
the world after 'The Fantasticks', the second longest-running West End
show after 'The Mousetrap', and the longest-running musical in the
West End. On 3 October 2010, the show celebrated its 25th anniversary
with three productions running in London: the original production at
the Queen's Theatre; the 25th Anniversary touring production at the
Barbican Centre; and a concert at London's O2 Arena.
The first Broadway production opened on 12 March 1987 and ran until 18
May 2003, closing after 6,680 performances. At the time of its
closing, it was the second-longest-running musical in Broadway
history. As of 2022, it remains the sixth longest-running Broadway
show. The show was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, winning eight,
including Best Musical and Best Original Score.
Subsequently, numerous tours and international and regional
productions have been staged, as well as concert and broadcast
productions. Several recordings have also been made. Broadway revivals
played from 2006 to 2008 and 2014 to 2016. The show placed first in a
BBC Radio 2 listener poll of Britain's "Number One Essential Musicals"
in 2005, receiving more than forty percent of the votes. A film
version directed by Tom Hooper was released at in 2012 to generally
positive reviews; it won three Academy Awards and was nominated for
five more, including Best Picture.
Emblem
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The musical's emblem is a picture of the waif Cosette sweeping the
Thénardiers' inn, usually cropped to a head-and-shoulders portrait,
superimposed on the French flag. The image is modeled on an 1879
illustration of Cosette by Émile Bayard, which appeared in early
French editions of Victor Hugo’s novel.
Prologue
==========
In 1815 France, Jean Valjean, "Prisoner 24601", is released on parole
by guard Javert after 19 years hard labor in prison for stealing bread
("Work Song (Look Down)"). Marked by his yellow ticket of leave ("On
Parole"), Valjean is shunned and cannot find decent work until the
Bishop of Digne offers him shelter. Valjean steals the Bishop's
silver, but the Bishop pretends to have given it to him and also gives
him a pair of silver candlesticks ("Valjean Arrested, Valjean
Forgiven"). Valjean vows to start an honest life ("Valjean's Soliloquy
(What Have I Done?)"). He tears up his ticket, breaking parole.
* "Work Song (Look Down)" - Chain Gang, Jean Valjean, Javert
* "On Parole" - Jean Valjean, Farmer, Laborer, Innkeeper, Innkeeper's
Wife, Bishop
* "Valjean Arrested/Valjean Forgiven" - Bishop, Constables
* "Valjean's Soliloquy (What Have I Done?)" - Jean Valjean
Act I
=======
By 1823, Valjean is living disguised as Monsieur Madeleine, a factory
owner and the mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer. Fantine, a single mother
working at Valjean's factory, is fired after a disagreement with the
lustful foreman and sinks into poverty ("At the End of the Day"; "I
Dreamed a Dream"), selling her locket and hair, and becoming a
prostitute ("Lovely Ladies"). When she fights back against an abusive
customer, Javert, now a police inspector, arrests her. Valjean
intervenes and takes her to a hospital ("Fantine's Arrest").
When Valjean rescues a man pinned by a runaway cart, Javert, who has
pursued him over the years, suspects his true identity. Learning an
innocent man is about to be jailed in his place, Valjean confesses
("Who Am I?"). At the hospital, Fantine dies after Valjean promises to
rescue her daughter Cosette from the thieving Thénardiers, innkeepers
who are paid to raise her ("Fantine's Death (Come to Me)"). Valjean
escapes Javert ("The Confrontation"). In Montfermeil, the Thénardiers
use Cosette as a servant, treating her cruelly, while extorting money
from Fantine ("Castle on a Cloud"; "Master of the House"). Valjean
pays them 1,500 francs to release Cosette ("The Bargain") and takes
her to Paris ("The Waltz of Treachery").
In 1832 Paris, unrest grows with the impending death of the merciful
General Lamarque. Student revolutionaries Marius Pontmercy and
Enjolras prepare for an uprising. The Thénardiers, who have lost their
inn and now lead a gang of street criminals, plot scams. Éponine
befriends the streetwise urchin Gavroche ("Look Down"). She secretly
loves Marius, but he falls instantly for Cosette when he meets her
with Valjean, whom the Thénardiers attempt to rob ("The Robbery").
Valjean is recognized, but he and Cosette escape; Javert vows to
recapture him ("Stars"). Marius persuades Éponine to help him find
Cosette ("Éponine’s Errand").
As Enjolras rallies the students ("The ABC Café/Red and Black"),
Marius pines for Cosette. News of Lamarque’s death sparks plans for
revolution ("Do You Hear the People Sing?"). Cosette confronts Valjean
about his secrets ("In My Life"). Éponine finds Cosette, and Marius
and Cosette confess their love ("A Heart Full of Love"). Thénardier
and his gang arrive to rob Valjean's house but are foiled by Éponine’s
warning ("The Attack on Rue Plumet"). Believing Javert has found him,
Valjean plans to flee with Cosette. On the eve of the 1832 Paris
Uprising, Enjolras exhorts all of Paris to join the revolution.
Éponine acknowledges in anguish that Marius will never love her.
Javert plans to spy on, while the students and rebels steel themselves
for battle ("One Day More").
* "At the End of the Day" - Fantine, Foreman, Jean Valjean, Factory
Workers, Townspeople
* "I Dreamed A Dream" - Fantine
* "Lovely Ladies" - Fantine, Sailors, Old Woman, Pimp, Crone,
Prostitutes
* "Fantine's Arrest" - Bamatabois, Fantine, Javert, Jean Valjean
* "The Runaway Cart" - Fauchevelant, Jean Valjean, Javert
* "Who Am I?" - Jean Valjean
* "Fantine's Death (Come To Me)" - Fantine, Jean Valjean
* "Confrontation" - Jean Valjean, Javert
* "Castle on a Cloud" - Little Cosette, Little Eponine, Madame
Thénardier
* "Master of the House" - Thénardier, Madame Thénardier, Inn Guests
* "The Bargain/Thénardier's Waltz of Treachery" - Jean Valjean, Little
Cosette, Thénardier, Madame Thénardier
* "Look Down" - Gavroche, Marius, Enjolras, Townspeople
* "The Robbery" - Thénardier, Madame Thénardier, Marius, Eponine, Jean
Valjean, Javert, Gavroche
* "Stars" - Javert
* "Eponine's Errand" - Eponine, Marius
* "The ABC Cafe/Red and Black" - Enjolras, Marius, Grantaire,
Gavroche, Students
* "Do You Hear The People Sing?" - Enjolras, Marius, Students
* "In My Life" - Cosette, Marius, Eponine, Jean Valjean
* "A Heart Full of Love" - Marius, Cosette, Eponine
* "The Attack on Rue Plumet" - Thénardier, Eponine, Marius, Cosette,
Jean Valjean, Montparnasse, Claquesous, Babet, Brujon
* "One Day More" - Company
Act II
========
The students build a barricade; Marius discovers that Éponine has
disguised herself as a boy to join the rebels ("Building the
Barricade"). To keep her safe, he sends her to deliver a farewell
letter to Cosette ("On My Own"). Valjean intercepts the letter and
learns about Marius and Cosette's romance. The French army arrives,
demanding surrender ("At the Barricade"). Javert, disguised as a
rebel, is exposed as a spy by young Gavroche ("Little People").
Wounded during the fighting, Éponine dies in Marius’s arms, confessing
her love ("A Little Fall of Rain (Eponine's Death)").
Valjean arrives disguised as a soldier, hoping to protect Marius
("Night of Anguish"). He saves Enjolras from a soldier. Valjean
releases Javert instead of executing him, shaking Javert’s rigid view
of God and justice ("The First Attack"). As dawn approaches, the
students prepare for attack ("Drink with Me"). Valjean prays for
Marius's safety, offering God his own life ("Bring Him Home").
Enjolras realizes the people of Paris have not risen up but resolves
to fight on ("Dawn of Anguish"). The army attacks; Gavroche is killed
("The Second Attack (Death of Gavroche)"), and all the students but
Marius die. Valjean carries a gravely wounded Marius through the
sewers and collapses ("The Final Battle"). Thénardier, looting bodies,
comes upon the unconscious Valjean and Marius, taking a ring from the
latter and fleeing ("Dog Eats Dog"). At the sewer's exit, Valjean
finds Javert waiting; he begs Javert for time to bring Marius to a
doctor. Javert, unable to reconcile Valjean’s mercy with his
worldview, kills himself ("Javert’s Suicide").
Paris mourns the fallen students ("Turning"). Marius grieves his
friends and wonders who saved him ("Empty Chairs at Empty Tables").
Valjean blesses Marius and Cosette’s marriage ("Every Day") but tells
Marius he is an escaped convict and must leave to protect Cosette
("Valjean’s Confession"). At their wedding ("Wedding Chorale"), the
Thénardiers attempt to blackmail Marius, who realizes Valjean carried
him from the barricades ("Beggars at the Feast"). Marius and Cosette
rush to find Valjean.
* "Building the Barricade" - Enjolras, Javert, Grantaire, Marius,
Eponine, Students
* "On My Own" - Eponine
* "At the Barricade" - Enjolras, Marius, Gavroche, Army Officer,
Students
* "Javert at the Barricade" - Javert, Enjolras
* "Little People" - Gavroche, Enjolras, Javert
* "A Little Fall of Rain (Eponine's Death)" - Eponine, Marius
* "Night of Anguish" - Enjolras, Students
* "The First Attack" - Enjolras, Marius, Jean Valjean, Javert,
Students
* "Drink With Me" - Grantaire, Students, Women's Chorus
* "Bring Him Home" - Jean Valjean
* "Dawn of Anguish" - Enjolras
* "The Second Attack (Gavroche's Death)" - Enjolras, Marius, Jean
Valjean, Gavroche, Grantaire, Students
* "The Final Battle" - Army Officer, Enjolras, Students
* "The Sewers/Dog Eats Dog" - Thénardier
* "Javert's Suicide" - Javert
* "Turning" - Townspeople
* "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" - Marius
* "A Heart Full of Love" (reprise) - Marius, Cosette, Jean Valjean
* "Valjean's Confession" - Valjean, Marius
* "The Wedding" - Wedding Guests
* "Beggars at the Feast" - Marius, Thénardier, Madame Thénardier
Epilogue
==========
At a convent, Valjean awaits death. Fantine’s spirit assures him of
forgiveness. Cosette and Marius arrive in time to bid farewell.
Valjean thanks God for seeing Cosette grown and happy ("Valjean’s
Death"). He entrusts her with his past and tells her the truth about
her mother. Guided by the spirits of Fantine and Éponine, who remind
him that "to love another person is to see the face of God", he dies
at peace, joining the souls of the fallen in a hopeful vision of
freedom ("Do You Hear the People Sing?" (reprise)").
* "Valjean's Death" - Valjean, Fantine, Marius, Cosette, Eponine
* "Do You Hear the People Sing?" (reprise) - Company
Original casts
================
Character West End Broadway US tour UK tour Broadway revival
UK tour US tour Broadway revival International tour
!1985 !colspan=2|1987 !1992 !2006 !2009 !2010 !colspan=2|2014
Jean Valjean Colm Wilkinson William Solo Jeff Leyton Alexander
Gemignani John Owen-Jones Lawrence Clayton Ramin Karimloo Simon
Gleeson
Javert Roger Allam Terrence Mann Herndon Lackey Philip Quast Norm
Lewis Earl Carpenter Andrew Varela Will Swenson Hayden Tee
Fantine Patti LuPone Randy Graff Diane Fratantoni Ria Jones Daphne
Rubin-Vega Madalena Alberto Betsy Morgan Caissie Levy Patrice Tipoki
Thénardier Alun Armstrong Leo Burmester Tom Alan Robbins Tony
Timberlake Gary Beach Ashley Artus Michael Kostroff Cliff Saunders
Trevor Ashley
Madame Thénardier Susan Jane Tanner Jennifer Butt Victoria Clark
Louise Plowright Jenny Galloway Lynne Wilmot Shawna Hamic Keala Settle
Lara Mulcahy
Marius Pontmercy Michael Ball David Bryant Hugh Panaro Mike Sterling
Adam Jacobs Gareth Gates Justin Scott Brown Andy Mientus Euan Doidge
Éponine Thénardier Frances Ruffelle Renee Veneziale Meredith Braun
Celia Keenan-Bolger Rosalind James Chasten Harmon Nikki M. James
Kerrie Anne Greenland
Cosette Rebecca Caine Judy Kuhn Tamara Jenkins Sarah Ryan Ali Ewoldt
Katie Hall Jenny Latimer Samantha Hill Emily Langridge
Enjolras David Burt Michael Maguire John Herrera Daniel Coll Aaron
Lazar Jon Robyns Jeremy Hays Kyle Scatliffe Chris Durling
Gavroche Ian Tucker Oliver Spencer Liza Hayden Braden Danner RD Robb
Lantz Landry Andrew Renshaw Adam Booth Laurence Porter Edward Crangle
Brian D'Addario Jacob Levine Austyn Myers Jordi Clark Robert Madge
Josh Caggiano Ethan Paul Khusidman Joshua Colley Gaten Matarazzo
Nicholas Cradock
West End (1985–present)
=========================
*Jean Valjean: Alfie Boe, Simon Bowman, Killian Donnelly, Dudu Fisher,
Simon Gleeson, Peter Jöback, Ramin Karimloo, Peter Karrie, Peter
Lockyer, Robert Marien, John Owen-Jones, Jon Robyns, Stig Rossen, Drew
Sarich, Dave Willetts
*Javert: Michael Ball, David Burt, Earl Carpenter, Clive Carter, Peter
Corry, Hadley Fraser, Ethan Freeman, Bradley Jaden, Norm Lewis,
Michael McCarthy, Tam Mutu, Jérôme Pradon, Philip Quast, Jeremy
Secomb, Hayden Tee, David Thaxton
*Fantine: Madalena Alberto, Joanna Ampil, Gunilla Backman, Sierra
Boggess, Ava Brennan, Allyson Brown, Carmen Cusack, Kerry Ellis,
Carrie Hope Fletcher, Rachelle Ann Go, Carola Häggkvist, Katie Hall,
Ruthie Henshall, Na-Young Jeon, Lucie Jones, Kathleen Rowe McAllen,
Siobhán McCarthy, Claire Moore, Silvie Paladino, Jenna Russell,
Celinde Schoenmaker, Caroline Sheen, Carley Stenson, Rebecca Storm,
Patrice Tipoki
*Marius: Graham Bickley, Simon Bowman, Alistair Brammer, Glenn Carter,
Martin Crewes, Hadley Fraser, Gareth Gates, Nick Jonas, Jon Lee, Tom
Lowe, Adrian Lewis Morgan, Jon Robyns, Martin Smith, Hayden Tee, Jac
Yarrow
*Cosette: Gina Beck, Celia Graham, Katie Hall, Lucie Jones, Camilla
Kerslake, Myrra Malmberg
*Young Cosette: Natalie Paris
*Éponine: Sabrina Aloueche, Joanna Ampil, Samantha Barks, Meredith
Braun, Shonagh Daly, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Linzi Hateley, Danielle
Hope, Laura Michelle Kelly, Alexia Khadime, Eva Noblezada, Silvie
Paladino, Siân Reeves, Lea Salonga, Caroline Sheen, Nancy Sullivan
*Young Éponine: Carrie Hope Fletcher
*Thénardier: Martin Ball, Cameron Blakely, Barry James, Luke Kempner,
Chris Langham, Matt Lucas, Hilton McRae, Peter Polycarpou, Stephen
Tate
*Madame Thénardier: Rosemary Ashe, Tracie Bennett, Vicky Entwistle,
Josefina Gabrielle, Jenny Galloway, Linzi Hateley, Bonnie Langford,
Claire Machin, Claire Moore, Louise Plowright, Jodie Prenger, Gay
Soper, Harriet Thorpe
*Enjolras: Graham Bickley, Killian Donnelly, Bradley Jaden, Ramin
Karimloo, Glyn Kerslake, Jamie Muscato, John Owen-Jones, David
Thaxton, Oliver Thornton
*Gavroche: Jonathan Bailey, James Buckley, James Byng, Chris Fountain,
Daniel Huttlestone, Paul Keating, Robert Madge, Perry Millward, Adam
Searles
Broadway (1987–2003)
======================
*Jean Valjean: Rob Evan, Dudu Fisher, Robert Marien, Gary Morris
*Javert: Anthony Crivello, Robert Cuccioli, Gregg Edelman, Shuler
Hensley, Joseph Mahowald, Michael McCarthy, Chuck Wagner, Robert
Westenberg
*Fantine: Laurie Beechman, Donna Kane, Andrea McArdle, Maureen Moore,
Rachel York, Debbie Gravitte, Catherine Hickland, Paige O'Hara, Melba
Moore, Christy Baron, Juliet Lambert, Alice Ripley, Lauren Kennedy,
Jacquelyn Piro Donovan
*Marius: Chris Diamantopoulos, Eric Kunze, Peter Lockyer, Ricky
Martin, Hugh Panaro, Matthew Porretta, Kevin Kern
*Young Cosette: Lea Michele
*Cosette: Jacquelyn Piro Donovan
*Éponine: Jessica Boevers, Catherine Brunell, Debbie Gibson, Diana
Kaarina, Megan Lawrence, Lea Salonga, Natalie Toro, Sarah Uriarte
Berry, Shanice, Kerry Butler
*Thénardier: Ed Dixon, Nick Wyman
*Madame Thénardier: Betsy Joslyn
*Enjolras: Ron Bohmer, Ben Davis, Joseph Mahowald, Gary Mauer
*Gavroche: Michael Shulman, Jarrod Spector, Jason Tam, Michael
Zeidman, Grant Rosenmeyer, Harrison Chad, Nick Jonas
Broadway revival (2006–2008)
==============================
*Jean Valjean: John Owen-Jones, Drew Sarich
*Javert: Ben Davis, Robert Hunt, Drew Sarich
*Fantine: Judy Kuhn, Lea Salonga
*Éponine: Megan McGinnis
*Thénardier: Chip Zien
*Madame Thénardier: Ann Harada
*Enjolras: Max von Essen
US tour (2010–2013)
=====================
*Jean Valjean: Peter Lockyer
*Enjolras: Jason Forbach
*Gavroche: Joshua Colley, Gaten Matarazzo
Broadway revival (2014–2016)
==============================
*Jean Valjean: Alfie Boe, John Owen-Jones
*Javert: Earl Carpenter, Hayden Tee
*Fantine: Montego Glover, Erika Henningsen, Alison Luff
*Marius: Chris McCarrell
*Thénardier: Gavin Lee
*Enjolras: Jason Forbach
International tour (2014–2016)
================================
*Jean Valjean: John Owen-Jones
*Javert: Earl Carpenter
*Fantine: Rachelle Ann Go
*Éponine: Carrie Hope Fletcher
*Thénardier: Cameron Blakely, Peter Polycarpou
Original: France
==================
After the French concept album was released in 1980, in September of
that year, a stage version directed by veteran French film director
Robert Hossein was produced at the Palais des Sports in Paris. The
show was a success, with 100 performances seen by over 500,000 people.
Most of the cast from the concept album performed in the production.
The cast included Maurice Barrier as Valjean, Jean Vallée as Javert,
Rose Laurens as Fantine, Maryse Cédolin and Sylvie Camacho and
Priscilla Patron as Young Cosette, Marie-France Roussel as Mme.
Thénardier, Yvan Dautin as M. Thénardier, Florence Davis and Fabrice
Ploquin and Cyrille Dupont as Gavroche, Marianne Mille as Éponine,
Gilles Buhlmann as Marius, Christian Ratellin as Enjolras, Fabienne
Guyon as Cosette, René-Louis Baron as Combeferre, Dominique Tirmont as
M. Gillenormand, Anne Forrez as Mlle. Gillenormand, and Claude Reva as
the storyteller.
West End (1985)
=================
The English-language version, with lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and
additional material by James Fenton, was substantially expanded and
reworked from a literal translation by Siobhan Bracke of the original
Paris version, in particular adding a prologue to tell Jean Valjean's
background story. Kretzmer's lyrics are not a direct translation of
the French, a term that Kretzmer refused to use. A third of the
English lyrics were a rough translation, another third were adapted
from the French lyrics and the final third consisted of new material.
The majority is performed in recitative style; the vocalists use
natural speech, not musical metrics.
The first production in English, produced by Cameron Mackintosh and
adapted and directed by Trevor Nunn and John Caird, played in preview
performances beginning on 28 September 1985 and formally opened on 8
October 1985 at the Barbican Centre, London. It was billed in the
programme as "The Royal Shakespeare Company presentation of the
RSC/Cameron Mackintosh production". The set was designed by John
Napier, costumes by Andreane Neofitou and lighting by David Hersey.
Musical supervision and orchestrations were by John Cameron, who had
been involved with the show since Boublil and Schönberg hired him to
orchestrate the original French concept album. Musical staging was by
Kate Flatt with musical direction by Martin Koch.
The original London cast included Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean,
Roger Allam as Javert, Ken Caswell as the Bishop of Digne, Patti
LuPone as Fantine, Zoë Hart, Justine McIntyre, Jayne O'Mahony and
Joanne Woodcock as Young Cosette, Danielle Akers, Gillian Brander and
Juliette Caton as Young Éponine, Susan Jane Tanner as Madame
Thénardier, Alun Armstrong as Thénardier, Frances Ruffelle as Éponine,
Rebecca Caine as Cosette, Michael Ball as Marius, David Burt as
Enjolras, Clive Carter as Grantaire/Bamatabois, with Ian Tucker,
Oliver Spencer and Liza Hayden sharing the role of Gavroche.
On 4 December 1985, the show transferred to the Palace Theatre, London
and moved again on 3 April 2004, to the smaller Queen's Theatre, now
called the Sondheim Theatre, with some revisions of staging. The show
celebrated its 10,000th performance on 5 January 2010, and its 30th
anniversary in October 2015. The co-production has generated valuable
income for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The show closed temporarily at the Queen's Theatre on 13 July 2019 to
allow for theatre refurbishments, while 'Les Misérables: The Staged
Concert' was performed at the adjacent Gielgud Theatre for a
four-month run.
2019 updated staging
======================
Using the updated staging developed for the 2009-2010 UK touring
production, the musical began previews at the newly renamed Sondheim
Theatre on 18 December 2019, with opening night on 16 January 2020.
The production is co-directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor with
set and image design by Matt Kinley, lighting by Paule Constable,
sound by Mick Potter and costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine
Rowlands. The first cast for this version included Jon Robyns
(Valjean), Bradley Jaden (Javert), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Fantine),
Shan Ako (Éponine), Lily Kerhoas (Cosette), Harry Apps (Marius),
Gerard Carey (Thénardier), Josefina Gabrielle (Madame Thénardier) and
Ashley Gilmour (Enjolras).
The show was forced to close temporarily from 16 March 2020, as a
result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened on 25 September 2021.
Considered one continuous production despite revisions, 'Les
Misérables' celebrated its 15,000th performance in London on 28
September 2023. A gala performance on 8 October 2025 marked the 40th
anniversary, featuring an all-star cast.
Broadway (1987)
=================
The musical opened as a pre-Broadway tryout at the Kennedy Center's
Opera House in Washington, D.C., on 27 December 1986. It ran for eight
weeks through 14 February 1987.
The musical then premiered on Broadway on 12 March 1987 at The
Broadway Theatre. Wilkinson and Ruffelle reprised their roles from the
London production. The $4.5 million production had a more than $4
million advance sale prior to its New York opening.
The show underwent further tightening, namely with improved sewer
lighting and the incorporation of the Javert suicide scene effect. A
'New York Times' report consisted of the following: "The transfer from
London to the United States has prompted further modifications. 'We
are taking this opportunity to rethink and perfect, to rewrite some
details which probably no one else will see, but which for us are
still long nights of work,' Mr. Boublil says. 'There are things that
nobody had time to do in London, and here we have a wonderful
opportunity to fix a few things. No one will notice, perhaps, but for
us, it will make us so happy if we can better this show. We would like
this to be the final version. Two songs were deleted--the complete
version of Gavroche's song "Little People" and the adult Cosette's "I
Saw Him Once". A short section at the beginning of "In My Life"
replaced "I Saw Him Once". The lyrics in Javert's "Stars" were
changed. It now ended with the line, "This I swear by the stars!",
while the London production and cast recording ended with the repeated
line, "Keeping watch in the night".
The original Broadway cast included Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, David
Bryant as Marius, Judy Kuhn as Cosette, Michael Maguire as Enjolras,
Frances Ruffelle as Éponine, Braden Danner as Gavroche, Donna Vivino
as Young Cosette, Jennifer Butt as Madame Thénardier, Leo Burmester as
Thénardier, Randy Graff as Fantine, Terrence Mann as Javert, and
Chrissie McDonald as Young Éponine.
Other members of the original Broadway cast included Anthony Crivello
(Grantaire/Bamatabois), Kevin Marcum (Brujon), John Dewar (Joly), Paul
Harman (Combeferre/Foreman), Joseph Kolinski (Feuilly), Alex
Santoriello (Montparnasse/Labourer), Jesse Corti (Courfeyrac/Farmer),
Susan Goodman (Old Woman/Innkeeper's Wife), John Norman
(Prouvaire/Pimp), Norman Large (Bishop/Lesgles), Marcus Lovett
(Babet/Constable), Cindy Benson (Old Woman), Steve Shocket
(Claquesous/Fauchevelant/Constable/Pimp), Marcie Shaw, Jane Bodle,
Joanna Glushak, Ann Crumb (Factory Girl), Kelli James, and Gretchen
Kingsley-Weihe. Michael Hinton was the original drummer and credited
on the cast album.
The musical ran at the Broadway Theatre through 10 October 1990, when
it moved to the Imperial Theatre. It was scheduled to close on 15
March 2003, but the closing was postponed by a surge in public
interest. According to an article in 'The Scotsman', "Sales picked up
last October, when Sir Cameron made the announcement that the show
would be closing on March 15th... its closure postponed to May 18th
because of an unexpected increase in business." After 6,680
performances in sixteen years, when it closed on 18 May 2003, it was
the second-longest-running Broadway musical after 'Cats'. It was
surpassed by 'The Phantom of the Opera' in 2006.
This Broadway production of 'Les Misérables' and its advertising in
New York City is a recurring theme in 'American Psycho'. The reviewer
for the 'Financial Times' wrote that 'Les Misérables' is "the book's
hilarious main cultural compass-point".
Australia (1987)
==================
A production opened in Australia at the Theatre Royal, Sydney on 27
November 1987. The cast featured Normie Rowe as Valjean, Philip Quast
as Javert, Anthony Warlow as Enjolras, Debra Byrne as Fantine, Simon
Burke as Marius, Marina Prior as Cosette, Jodie Gillies as Eponine,
Barry Langrish as Thénardier, and Robyn Arthur as Madame Thénardier.
Rob Guest later took over the role of Valjean. The production closed
on 17 August 1991.
Toronto (1989)
================
The first Canadian production of 'Les Misérables' began performances
at the Royal Alexandra Theatre on 15 March 1989. The cast was headed
by Michael Burgess as Jean Valjean, with Thomas Goerz as Javert and
Louise Pitre as Fantine. After 14 months, the production toured other
Canadian cities, including Vancouver, before returning to Toronto
where it played another year, before finally closing on 5 July 1992.
Broadway (2006–2008)
======================
Only three years after the original run closed, 'Les Misérables' began
a return to Broadway on 9 November 2006 at the Broadhurst Theatre for
a limited run that was subsequently made open-ended.
Using the set, costumes, performers, and other resources from the
recently finished third US national touring production, the production
was only slightly altered. Minor changes included colourful
projections blended into its existing lighting design, and a
proscenium that extended out into the first two boxes on either side
of the stage.
Some cuts made to the show's prologue during its original Broadway run
were restored, lyrics for Gavroche's death scene (known in the revival
as "Ten Little Bullets") cut during the development of the original
London production were restored, and much of the show was
re-orchestrated by Christopher Jahnke, introducing a snare and
timpani-heavy sound played by a 14-member band, a reduction of about 8
musicians from the original production's 22 musician orchestration.
The original 2006 Broadway revival cast included Alexander Gemignani
as Jean Valjean, Norm Lewis as Javert, Daphne Rubin-Vega as Fantine,
Celia Keenan-Bolger as Éponine, Aaron Lazar as Enjolras, Adam Jacobs
as Marius, Ali Ewoldt as Cosette, Gary Beach as Thénardier, Jenny
Galloway as Madame Thénardier, Drew Sarich as Grantaire, Brian
D'Addario, Jacob Levine, Skye Rainforth and Austyn Myers as Gavroche,
and Tess Adams, Kylie Liya Goldstein and Carly Rose Sonenclar as Young
Cosette/Young Éponine.
The revival closed on 6 January 2008 after 17 previews and 463
performances.
Toronto (2013–2014)
=====================
A production starring Canadian Ramin Karimloo was mounted at the
Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. Co-directed by Lawrence Connor
and James Powell, the production was based on the 2009 UK touring
production. Previews began on 27 September 2013 with the opening night
on 9 October. Preparatory to a Broadway transfer, Toronto performances
ended on 2 February 2014. In addition to Karimloo as Jean Valjean,
Carpenter reprised the role of Javert. Other cast members included
Genevieve Leclerc as Fantine, Samantha Hill as Cosette, Melissa O'Neil
as Éponine, Perry Sherman as Marius, Cliff Saunders as Monsieur
Thénardier, Lisa Horner as Madame Thénardier, and Mark Uhre as
Enjolras. The roles of young Cosette and young Éponine were shared by
Ella Ballentine, Saara Chaudry and Madison Oldroyd. Gavroche was
shared by David Gregory Black and Aiden GlennRead. Colm Wilkinson, who
originated the role of Jean Valjean, portrayed the Bishop of Digne in
a one-day performance symbolically handing the torch (along with the
candlesticks) to Karimloo.
Broadway (2014)
=================
The 2013 Toronto production moved to Broadway in March 2014 with
previews beginning 1 March 2014 at the Imperial Theatre and an
official opening on 23 March 2014. The creative team again was
directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, with set design by Matt
Kinley, costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowlands, lighting
by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter and projections by Fifty-Nine
Productions. Cameron Mackintosh once again produced the show. On 22
October 2013, it was announced that Ramin Karimloo, Will Swenson,
Caissie Levy, and Nikki M. James would be headlining the revival cast
as Jean Valjean, Javert, Fantine, and Éponine respectively. Andy
Mientus and Samantha Hill also starred as Marius and Cosette
respectively. Angeli Negron and McKayla Twiggs share the role of Young
Cosette. The production closed on 4 September 2016, after 1,026
performances over two-and-a-half years. The revival recouped its
entire initial investment and grossed $109 million.
The 2014 Broadway revival was nominated for 3 Tony Awards: Best
Revival of a Musical, Best Leading Actor in a Musical for Karimloo,
and Best Sound Design for Potter.
US national tours
===================
The show had three national touring companies of the original Broadway
production in the US, all of which shared the Broadway producer and
manager, creative teams, as well nearly identical sets, costumes, and
lighting. While the touring production and the New York production
were running simultaneously, the staff, cast members, crew, and
musicians of the two productions interchanged often, which contributed
to keeping both companies of the show in form. When the New York
production closed in 2003, the Third National Tour continued for
another three years, and enjoyed the influx of many members from the
original and subsequent New York companies.
The First National Tour opened at Boston's Shubert Theatre on 12
December 1987, and continued to play major cities until late 1991. The
Second National Tour (called "The Fantine Company") opened at Los
Angeles' Shubert Theatre on 1 June 1988. The production played for
fourteen months then transferred to San Francisco's Curran Theatre
where it enjoyed a similar run. The Third National Tour of 'Les
Misérables' (called "The Marius Company") was one of the longest
running American touring musical productions. Opening on 28 November
1988, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center in Florida, and closing
on 23 July 2006, at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri, the tour
ran for seventeen years and 7,061 performances. The tour played in 145
cities in 43 states. The same touring company also frequently
performed in Canada, made a 1994 diversion to Singapore, and another
diversion in 2002 to be the first Western musical production to visit
China, opening in Shanghai's Grand Theatre for a three-week
engagement.
All US productions (including Broadway and its revival) were visually
identical in scale and design but the third national tour was notable
for its portability without sacrificing the Broadway-caliber
experience. Thanks to innovative touring techniques borrowed from the
pop/rock concert industry, the 4.5 million dollar production was
adaptable to smaller and larger venues and traveled complete in all of
8 semi tractor trailers. It was set up and ready to go in less than 24
hours and broken down and packed up in about 16 hours. This allowed it
to reach many cities and venues in its acclaimed, original Broadway
form.
A new national tour began on 21 September 2017 at the Providence
Performing Arts Centre (PPAC). It starred Nick Cartell as Valjean,
Josh Davis as Javert, Melissa Mitchell as Fantine, J. Anthony Crane as
Thénardier, Allison Guinn as Madame Thénardier, Joshua Grosso as
Marius, Phoenix Best as Éponine, Matt Shingledecker as Enjolras and
Jillian Butler as Cosette. The roles of young Cosette and Éponine were
shared by Zoe Glick and Sophie Knapp, while the role of Gavroche was
shared by Jordan Cole and Julian Lerner. It uses much of the staging
and technical work of the 2014 Broadway revival.
Another tour launched on 7 October 2022 at the State Theatre,
Cleveland, with Nick Cartell as Jean Valjean, Preston Truman Boyd as
Javert, Haley Dortch as Fantine, Matt Crowle as Thénardier, Christina
Rose Hall as Madame Thénardier, Addie Morales as Cosette, Gregory Lee
Rodriguez as Marius, Christine Heesun Hwang as Éponine, Devin Archer
as Enjolras, and Randy Jeter as Bishop of Digne. This tour has grown
to a North American tour.
1992–1993 tour
================
The first tour of the UK and Ireland opened at the Palace Theatre,
Manchester 14 April 1992 with Jeff Leyton (Jean Valjean), Philip Quast
(Javert), Ria Jones (Fantine), Meredith Braun (Éponine), Mike Sterling
(Marius), Tony Timberlake (Thénardier), Louise Plowright (Mdme
Thénardier), Sarah Ryan (Cosette) and Daniel Coll (Enjolras). The
production then moved on to the Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland,
opening 30 June 1993, and then to Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland,
opening 23 September 1993.
1997–2000 tour
================
In 1997 a second tour began at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, running
from 6 May until 14 June, the cast featured: Stig Rossen (Jean
Valjean), Michael McCarthy (Javert), Julia Worsley (Fantine), Gemma
Sandy (Éponine), Norman Bowman (Marius), Cameron Blakely (Thénardier),
Cathy Breeze (Mdme Thénardier), Rebecca Vere (Cosette) and Mark
O'Malley (Enjolras). The tour then continued as detailed in the table
below:
Venue Date Cast details
Birmingham Hippodrome 19 June 1997 to 4 October 1997 The cast
remained unchanged from the Plymouth run of the show
Opera House, Manchester 9 October 1997 to 20 December 1997 Peter
Corry later played Javert
Bristol Hippodrome 29 December 1997 to 28 March 1998
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 1 April 1998 to 6 June 1998
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford 25 June 1998 to 5 September 1998 John
Owen-Jones (Jean Valjean) left the cast two weeks before the end of
the show's run at the Alhambra
Edinburgh Playhouse 16 September 1998 to 12 December 1998 Jeff Leyton
(Jean Valjean), Peter Corry (Javert), Carmen Cusack (Fantine) and Alex
Sharpe (Éponine)
Liverpool Empire Theatre 16 December 1998 to 20 February 1999
Point Theatre, Dublin 25 February 1999 to 29 May 1999 Colm Wilkinson
(Jean Valjean), Michael McCarthy (Javert), Carmen Cusack (Fantine),
Alex Sharpe (Éponine), Matt Rawle (Marius), John Kavanagh
(Thénardier), Anita Reeves (Mdme Thénardier), Poppy Tierney (Cosette)
and David Bardsley (Enjolras)
Sheffield Arena 21 May 1999 to 19 June 1999
Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 2 July 1999 to 9 October 1999
Telewask Arena, Newcastle 15 October 1999 to 13 November 1999 Jeff
Leyton (Jean Valjean), Martin Fisher (Javert), Ria Jones (Fantine),
Alex Sharpe (Éponine), Adrian Lewis-Morgan (Marius), Jimmy Johnson
(Thénardier), Cathy Breeze (Madame Thénardier), Amanda Leigh-Smith
(Cosette) and Loren Greeting (Enjolras)
Bristol Hippodrome 17 November 1999 to 29 January 2000
Palace Theatre, Manchester 2 February 2000 to 25 March 2000
25th anniversary UK and US tours
==================================
A tour to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the show began
performances on 12 December 2009, at the Wales Millennium Centre in
Cardiff. Differences from the original production included a new set,
new costumes, new direction and alterations to the original
orchestrations. The scenery was inspired by the paintings of Victor
Hugo. Locations have included Manchester, Norwich, Birmingham, and
Edinburgh. The tour also played a special engagement in Paris. From
September through October, the show returned to the Barbican Centre,
London, site of the original 1985 production. The tour cast featured
John Owen-Jones as Valjean, Earl Carpenter as Javert, Gareth Gates as
Marius, Ashley Artus as Thénardier, Lynne Wilmot as Madame Thénardier,
Madalena Alberto as Fantine, Rosalind James as Éponine, Jon Robyns as
Enjolras and Katie Hall as Cosette (with Samara Clarke as Young
Cosette). The tour ended on 2 October 2010, at the Barbican Theatre.
In the fall of 2010, the tour moved to the US with a new company
presented by Broadway Across America to celebrate the 25th anniversary
of the show opening on Broadway. The tour opened on 19 November 2010
at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, starring Lawrence
Clayton as Valjean, Andrew Varela as Javert, Betsy Morgan as Fantine,
Jenny Latimer as Cosette, Justin Scott Brown as Marius, Chasten Harmon
as Éponine, Michael Kostroff as Thénardier and Shawna Hamic as Madame
Thénardier. It ran until 11 August 2013, closing at the Smith Center
for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. The tour's final cast included
Peter Lockyer as Valjean, Varela as Javert, Genevieve Leclerc as
Fantine, Lauren Wiley as Cosette, Devin Ilaw as Marius, Briana
Carlson-Goodman as Éponine, Timothy Gulan as Thénardier, Shawna Hamic
as Madame Thénardier, Jason Forbach as Enjolras, Ava Della Pietra and
Erin Cearlock alternating as Little Cosette and Young Éponine. In 2011
it was reported that the tour was one of six US national tours
grossing over $1,000,000 per week.
2018–2023 tour
================
A UK and Ireland tour similar to the 25th anniversary production began
at the Curve, Leicester on 3 November 2018, starring Killian Donnelly
(Jean Valjean), Nic Greenshields (Javert), Katie Hall (Fantine), Tegan
Bannister (Éponine), Bronwen Hanson (Cosette), Harry Apps (Marius),
Martin Ball (Thénardier), Sophie-Louise Dann (Madame Thénardier) and
Will Richardson (Enjolras).
After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour resumed
performances on 23 November 2021 at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow.
2014–2016 Australian and international tour
=============================================
In mid-2013, a new Australian tour was announced, with Simon Gleeson
as Valjean, Hayden Tee as Javert, Patrice Tipoki as Fantine, Trevor
Ashley and Lara Mulcahy as the Thénardiers, Kerrie Anne Greenland as
Éponine, Emily Langridge as Cosette, Euan Doidge as Marius and Chris
Durling as Enjolras and Nicholas Cradock as Gavroche. The production
opened on 4 July at Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne. Additional stops
for the Australian tour included the Crown Theatre in Perth, the
Capitol Theatre in Sydney, and the Lyric Theatre QPAC in Brisbane. The
Australian revival production transferred to Manila, Philippines in
March 2016, becoming an international tour.
The Australian tour continued with an international tour beginning in
Manila, Philippines, at the Theatre at Solaire from March 2016 until 1
May 2016, and proceeded to the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore from May
2016. It then played at the Dubai Opera in Dubai, United Arab
Emirates, from November 2016.
The Manila and Singapore productions featured Gleeson as Valjean, Earl
Carpenter as Javert, Helen Walsh as Madame Thénardier, Cameron Blakely
as Thénardier, Kerrie Anne Greenland as Éponine, Emily Langridge as
Cosette, Chris Durling as Enjolras, and Paul Wilkins as Marius.
Rachelle Ann Go played the role of Fantine in the Manila production,
and Tipoki reprised the role in Singapore. The Dubai production
featured Owen-Jones as Valjean, Tee as Javert, Tipoki as Fantine,
Peter Polycarpou as Thénardier, Jodie Prenger as Madame Thénardier,
Carrie Hope Fletcher as Éponine, Alistair Brammer as Enjolras, Emily
Langridge as Cosette, and Paul Wilkins as Marius.
10th anniversary concert (1995)
=================================
On 8 October 1995, the show celebrated the tenth anniversary of the
West End production with a concert at the Royal Albert Hall. This 10th
Anniversary Concert was nearly "complete", missing only a handful of
scenes, including "The Death of Gavroche", "The Robbery" and the
confrontation between Marius and the Thénardiers at the wedding feast.
Sir Cameron Mackintosh hand-selected the cast, which became known as
the 'Les Misérables Dream Cast', assembled from around the world, and
engaged the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert concluded with
seventeen Valjeans from various international productions singing, "Do
You Hear the People Sing?" in their native languages. The concert cast
included Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, Philip Quast as Javert, Paul
Monaghan as the Bishop of Digne, Ruthie Henshall as Fantine, Hannah
Chick as Young Cosette, Jenny Galloway as Madame Thénardier, Alun
Armstrong as Thénardier, Adam Searles as Gavroche, Michael Maguire as
Enjolras, Ball as Marius, Judy Kuhn as Cosette, Lea Salonga as
Éponine, and Anthony Crivello as Grantaire. The concert was staged by
Ken Caswell and conducted by David Charles Abell.
25th anniversary concert (2010)
=================================
The 25th Anniversary Concert of the West End production was held at
The O2 in North Greenwich, South East London, United Kingdom, on
Sunday, 3 October 2010 at 1:30 pm and 7:00 pm. It featured Alfie Boe
as Jean Valjean, Norm Lewis as Javert, Lea Salonga as Fantine, Nick
Jonas as Marius, Katie Hall as Cosette, Jenny Galloway as Madame
Thénardier, Ramin Karimloo as Enjolras, Samantha Barks as Éponine,
Matt Lucas as Thénardier, Mia Jenkins as Young Cosette, Rob Madge as
Gavroche, Hadley Fraser as Grantaire, Earl Carpenter as the Bishop of
Digne, and Cameron Blakely as Bamatabois. Casts of the current London,
international tour, original 1985 London, and several school
productions took part, comprising an ensemble of three hundred
performers and musicians. The concert was directed by Laurence Connor
& James Powell and conducted by David Charles Abell.
''The All-Star Staged Concert'' (2019–2021)
=============================================
From 10 August to 2 December 2019, the musical was performed as a
staged concert version at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End during
the refurbishment of the adjacent Sondheim Theatre. Featuring a cast
and orchestra of over 65, it starred Ball (Javert), Boe as (Valjean;
Owen-Jones at some performances), Fletcher (Fantine), Lucas and Katy
Secombe (Thénardiers) Rob Houchen (Marius), Bradley Jaden (Enjolras),
Ako (Éponine), Kerhoas (Cosette), and Carpenter (Bamatabois). Simon
Bowman played the Bishop of Digne for eight days after which Carpenter
took over the role alongside his other two parts. The final concert
was filmed and broadcast live to cinemas on 2 December and has since
been released on home video and as an album. The concert returned for
a run at the Sondheim Theatre from 5 December 2020. Due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, the audience were socially distanced and capacity
was limited to 50%. Under local COVID restrictions, the show was
suspended on 16 December 2020 after 10 performances (Boe played
Valjean for eight, and Owen-Jones twice). It reopened on 20 May 2021
and ran until 5 September with Robyns as Valjean, Jaden as Javert,
Lucie Jones as Fantine, Carey and Gabrielle as the Thénardiers, Ako as
Éponine, Apps as Marius, Jamie Muscato as Enjolras, Charlie Burn as
Cosette, Carpenter as the Bishop of Digne, Blakely as
Bamatabois/Babet, and at certain performances Dean Chisnall as
Valjean.
''The Arena Spectacular World Tour'' (2024–present)
=====================================================
A concert production began a world tour on 19 September 2024, starting
in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The tour utilizes guest performers at
some stops. Performers who have starred in the production include
Alfie Boe, Killian Donnelly, Peter Jöback and Gerónimo Rauch in the
role of Valjean, and Michael Ball, Bradley Jaden, Hayden Tee and
Jeremy Secomb in the role of Javert. Also in the cast have been Katie
Hall, Lucie Jones and Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine; Gavin Lee, Luke
Kempner and Matt Lucas as Thénardier; Bonnie Langford, Marina Prior
and Linzi Hateley as Madame Thénardier; Secomb, Earl Carpenter and
Tommy Körberg as the Bishop of Digne; Nathania Ong as Éponine; and Jac
Yarrow as Marius. London reviews of the production were favourable.
International productions
======================================================================
The show has been produced in at least 42 countries and translated
into at least 23 languages: English, French (re-translated from the
English version), Croatian (three versions), German (Austria and
Germany), Spanish (six versions: two from Spain, two from Mexico, one
from Argentina, and one from Venezuela), Japanese, Hebrew, Hungarian,
Icelandic, Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk), Polish, Swedish (in Sweden
and in Finland), Dutch (Netherlands and Belgium), Danish, Finnish,
Brazilian Portuguese, Estonian, Czech, Mauritian Creole, Basque,
Catalan and Korean. Including singles and promos, there have been over
seventy official recordings from worldwide productions.
The first full production in the European mainland was in Oslo, Norway
at Det Norske Teatret and opened on 17 March 1988. The production was
in Norwegian and starred singer/actor Øystein Wiik as Jean Valjean,
Paul Åge Johannessen as Javert, Øivind Blunck as Thénardier, Kari
Gjærum as Fantine, Amund Enger as Enjolras and Guri Schanke as
Éponine. The production was a box office hit, with approximately 10%
of Norway's entire population seeing the show in the first 6 months.
Øystein Wiik went on to star as Jean Valjean in productions in Vienna
and London in 1989-1990.
The stage show, which had changed so significantly since its Parisian
conception as a stadium concert in 1980, was translated back into the
language of Victor Hugo for its French world première in Montreal,
Quebec, Canada, in 1991. Five shows a week were in French, and three
per week were in English.
In 1998, a concert version in English was produced in Malta, at the
Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta. This production was staged
by a company called Act React and featured Ray Mangion as Jean
Valjean, Roger Tirazona as Javert, Julie James as Fantine, Leila Benn
Harris as Éponine, Claire Debono as Cosette, Fabrizio Faniello as
Marius, Lawrence Gray as Enjolras, Rennie Vella as Thenardier, Doreen
Galea as Madame Thenardier, Dean Zammit as Gavroche and Hannah
Schembri as Little Cosette.
North American productions
============================
In September 2008, a mini-tour produced by Atlanta's Theater of the
Stars played Eisenhower Hall at the United States Military Academy, in
West Point, New York; the Filene Center at the Wolf Trap National Park
for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia; Kansas City Starlight
Theatre; and the Fox Theater in Atlanta. The set featured original
pictures painted by Victor Hugo. Robert Evan reprised the role of
Valjean. Also featured were Nikki Renee Daniels as Fantine and Robert
Hunt as Javert, both reprising their roles from the Broadway revival.
Fred Hanson directed the production. The creative team included Matt
Kinley as Scenic Designer, Ken Billington as Lighting Designer, Peter
Fitzgerald and Erich Bechtel as Sound Designers, Zachary Borovay as
Projection Designer, and Dan Riddle as musical director and Conductor.
In 2008, the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia staged a small
venue "black box" version of the play. Signature received Mackintosh's
special permission for the production: "One of the great pleasures of
being involved with the creation of 'Les Misérables' is seeing this
marvelous musical being done in a completely different and original
way." The production officially opened on 14 December 2008 (after
previews from 2 December), and ran through 22 February 2009.
A 2014 production at the Dallas Theater Center modernized the staging
with a setting in the modern-day United States. The concept was
thought to be a refreshing stylistic change and effective as a
commentary on modern inequality. The unauthorized depart from the
authors' libretto and score, however, was controversial.
In Panama, 'Les Misérables' was staged in 2014 in Spanish at the
National Theatre of Panama for a short, sold-out run, directed by
Aaron Zebede.
School edition
================
The school edition cuts a considerable amount of material from the
original show. It is divided into thirty scenes and, although no
critical scenes or songs have been removed, it runs 25-30 minutes
shorter than the official version making the total running time about
2.5 hours. "What Have I Done?", "Valjean's Soliloquy", "Stars", "A
Little Fall of Rain", "Turning", and "Castle on a Cloud" lose a verse
each. During "Fantine's Arrest", Bamatabois loses two verses. The song
"Fantine's Death/Confrontation" is edited, and the counterpoint duel
between Javert and Valjean is cut, as well as a verse by Fantine. "Dog
Eats Dog" by Thénardier is truncated. "Beggars at the Feast", is
shortened, with Thénardier losing a verse, and the song before it,
"Wedding Chorale", is removed entirely, although the rest of the
wedding remains in place. Also, the drinker's introduction to "Master
of the House" is cut.
English
=========
The following recordings of 'Les Misérables' are available in English
* Recorded in 1985, the Original London Cast features a song titled "I
Saw Him Once", sung by Cosette, which was later incorporated into the
first part of "In My Life". The album has sold 887,000 copies in the
US . It charted at
*The Original Broadway Cast recording was produced in 1987. As with
its predecessor, it is incomplete, leaving out songs or parts that are
more important narratively than musically (e.g., "Fantine's Arrest",
"The Runaway Cart", "The Final Battle"). The album has sold 1,596,000
copies in the US .
* Recorded in 1988 and released in 1989, the Complete Symphonic
Recording features the entire score. The Czech Revival Recording is
the only other album, in any language, to feature the entire score;
the four 2003 Japanese recordings feature the entire score after the
cuts first made on Broadway at the end of 2000. It employs an
international cast featuring performers from the major early
productions of the musical. Produced by David Caddick and conducted by
Martin Koch, it won the Best Musical Cast Show Album Grammy Award in
1990. The cast includes Gary Morris as Valjean, Quast as Javert, Byrne
as Fantine, Gay Soper as Madame Thénardier, Barry James as Monsieur
Thénardier, Kaho Shimada as Éponine, Ross McCall as Gavroche, Ball as
Marius, Warlow as Enjolras, Martin Smith as Bamatabois, Tracy Shayne
as Cosette, Caswell as the Bishop of Digne, Kenny D'Aquila as
Grantaire, and Marissa Dunlop as Young Cosette.
* The 10th Anniversary "Dream Cast" recording was a live recording of
a concert version performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 1995. The
concert's encores are included. The songs vital to the plot are
included, but others, such as "At the Barricade", were left out.
* Recorded live at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, the 25th
Anniversary recording featured new arrangements and orchestrations.
* The 25th Anniversary Concert was recorded live at the O2 Arena in
2010. It was shown in select US theaters via NCM Fathom Events. DVD
and Blu-ray versions were released in the United States in 2011 to
promote the film adaptation.
* The 2019 staged concert production was recorded in 2019 and
subsequently released.
Original West End production
==============================
Year Award Category Nominee Result
1985 rowspan="4" | Laurence Olivier Award colspan="2" | Best New
Musical
rowspan="2" | Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Colm
Wilkinson
Alun Armstrong
Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Patti LuPone
Original Broadway production
==============================
Year Award Category Nominee Result
1987 rowspan="12" | Tony Award colspan="2" | Best Musical
Best Book of a Musical Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg
Best Original Score Claude-Michel Schönberg (music) and Herbert
Kretzmer & Alain Boublil (lyrics)
rowspan="2" | Best Actor in a Musical Colm Wilkinson
Terrence Mann
Best Featured Actor in a Musical Michael Maguire
rowspan="2" | Best Featured Actress in a Musical Frances Ruffelle
Judy Kuhn
Best Direction of a Musical Trevor Nunn and John Caird
Best Scenic Design John Napier
Best Costume Design Andreane Neofitou
Best Lighting Design David Hersey
rowspan="7" | Drama Desk Award colspan="2" | Outstanding Musical
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Colm Wilkinson
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Michael Maguire
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Judy Kuhn
Outstanding Orchestrations John Cameron
Outstanding Music Claude-Michel Schönberg
Outstanding Set Design John Napier
New York Drama Critics' Circle Award colspan="2" | Best Musical
2013 Toronto revival
======================
Year Award Category Nominee Result
2014 rowspan="11" | Dora Award colspan="2" | Outstanding Production
rowspan="3"| Outstanding Male Performance Ramin Karimloo
Mark Uhre
Aiden Glenn
Outstanding Female Performance Melissa O'Neil
Outstanding Direction Laurence Connor and James Powell
Outstanding Scenic Design Matt Kinley
Outstanding Costume Design Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland
Outstanding Lighting Design Paule Constable
Outstanding Choreography James Dodgson
Outstanding Ensemble Entire ensemble
2014 Broadway revival
=======================
Year Award Category Nominee Result
2014 rowspan="3" | Tony Award colspan="2" | Best Revival of a Musical
Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Ramin Karimloo
Best Sound Design of a Musical Mick Potter
Drama Desk Award colspan="2" | Outstanding Revival of a Musical
2014 Australian revival
=========================
Year Award Category Nominee Result
2014 rowspan="8" | Green Room Awards colspan="2" | Production
rowspan="2" | Actor in a Leading Role Simon Gleeson
Hayden Tee
Direction James Powell and Laurence Connor
Musical Direction Geoffrey Castles
Design (Lighting) Paule Constable
Design (Sound) Mick Potter
Design (Set and Costume) Matt Kinley (Set and Image Design)
2015 rowspan="12" | Helpmann Awards colspan="2" | Best Musical
rowspan="2" | Best Male Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Simon
Gleeson
Hayden Tee
rowspan="2" | Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical
Trevor Ashley
Chris Durling
Best Female Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Patrice Tipoki
Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical Kerrie Anne
Greenland
Best Direction of a Musical Laurence Connor and James Powell
Best Choreography in a Musical Michael Ashcroft and Geoffrey Garratt
Best Lighting Design Paule Constable
Best Scenic Design Matt Kinley
Best Sound Design Mick Potter
See also
======================================================================
* 'Les Misérables'
* 'Les Misérables' (British TV series)
* Lists of musicals
* Adaptations of 'Les Misérables'
References
======================================================================
*
[
https://web.archive.org/web/20161018211010/https://www.boxofficetheatre.com/blog/les-miserables-review/
Les Miserables Reviews] Box Office Theatre Ltd. Retrieved 12 July 2016
External links
======================================================================
*
*
*
* [
http://www.broadwaylesmis.com/ An Archive of Performers from the
Original Broadway Run of 'Les Misérables']
* [
http://www.londonmusicalsonline.com/londonlesmis/ An Archive of
Performers from the London Run of 'Les Misérables']
License
=========
All content on Gopherpedia comes from Wikipedia, and is licensed under CC-BY-SA
License URL:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Original Article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Mis
