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Les Misérables - Student Edition

 

Set in France during the early 1800s, "Les Mis" explores the  world of second chances through the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean.  Presented with the opportunity to start over, Valjean changes not only his name but his appearance, values, and attitudes, completely altering his outlook on life. The show focuses on social ills of the time and the unrelenting brutality of the penal system, exemplified by the character of Javert.  But the writer, French librettist Jean-Marc Natel, allows Valjean's change of heart to drive the action. In his musical soliloquy, “What Have I Done?” Valjean reevaluates his life. He asks himself why he “became a thief in the night, became a dog on the run.” Deciding to heed the advice of the bishop who had shown him leniency and taught him the virtues of love, he resolves, “Another story must begin!” and tears up his yellow ticket-of-leave, symbolizing his new beginning. Where will his new story lead him?

The story, with a remarkable musical score by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Shönberg, is told through breathtaking solos and ensemble pieces. Radiantly expressive visuals, with powerful music and language fleshing out larger-than-life characters, lend additional expression to the musical.  The creators chose to have the text sung, as in opera, rather than being both spoken and sung, as in traditional musicals. Without spoken dialogue, the music and lyrics alone are allowed to generate great emotional power, while choreography, such as that of “The Inkeeper's Song” and staged crowd scenes (the battle at the barricade) add further dimension and energy to the contrasting moods and situations, transporting us realistically to the France of the early nineteenth century.  The moving themes, intriguing character development and overarching story of redemption through good deeds contribute to the success of “Les Miserables,” a musical that will leave you breathless.