Les Miserables the Musical
Ranked #1,448 in Music, #39,640 overall | Donates to Center for Church Communication
Why I'm making this page about Les Miserables the musical
It was a moving and Spiritual experience. Schonberg is a musical genius, whose work aptly showcases Victor Hugo's wonderful literary masterpiece and makes it come alive in great new way.
The book itself, as I have noted, was a masterpiece of French literature. It was written by Victor Hugo, a former Catholic and deeply spiritual free thinker, who, had he lived in Luther's time might have joined him in the reformation. (for more details read the article in the link list "Victor Hugo's religious beliefs" below*.) Despite it's slight vulgarity in parts, Les Miserables has deep Spiritual significance and meaning, as I will point out shortly.
About the show
- The history of Les Miserables
- On October 8, 1985 Les Misérables by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg opened at the Barbican Theatre, London.
It then moved to the Palace Theater on 4 December 1985. On March 12, 1987, the American version opened at the Broadway Theater.
Since then, Les Misérables has traveled the globe and won many major awards...
For more, click on the blue link above. - IN MORE DETAIL...
- For more detail on the history of the musical from the idea through the first French production and recording through the English translation and all the changes it went through including different lyricists, song additions, and different versions, click the blue link above.
Take a listen
Just one example of the great music in this great show.
What makes this musical unique?
Why do I choose it over other Broadway musicals?
It's actually more like an opera than a Broadway musical, as there is almost no talking. Yet the music is far from operatic, but is catchy and moving. The music and the quick movement of scenery both serve to keep the show moving right along without any lapse and without any loss of understanding what is going on.
But the thing that makes the show really outstanding is Shoenberg's music. Not only are there memorable songs, but they flow right into one another, making the show a complete musical experience. The musical themes are repeated often with different emphases or in different keys. For example much of ValJean's music is also used for Javar but in a minor key. This sets these characters aside as the two main protagonists and marks Valjean as the hero and Javar as the villain. It is a very clever and musical trick which most viewers would probably not even notice, but which nevertheless does add to the beauty of the show, even though we may not know why.
CD's of Les Miserables
THE STORY BRIEFLY: Jean Val-jean is released on parole, after 19 years..
..on the chain gang for stealing a piece of bread and trying to escape.
He must by law display a ticket-of-leave, pegging him as an outcast. Only a saintly Bishop treats him kindly and Val-jean, embittered by years of hardship, repays him by stealing silver. Val-jean is caught and brought back by police, and is astonished when the Bishop lies to the police to save him, also giving him two candlesticks, asking that he use the silver to better himself.--it was, he says a ransom for the soul of val-jean, who in shame repents.8 years later he is a factory owner and the mayor of a city. One of his workers, Fantine, has a secret illegitimate child. When the other women discover this, they cause a ruckus, demanding her dismissal. Val-jean turns the matter over to his foreman, whose advances Fantine has rejected, who in turn fires her.
Desperate for money to pay for medicines for her daughter, Fantine ends up becoming a prostitute. Degraded by her new trade she gets into a fight with a prospective customer. She is about to be take to prison by Javier when "The Mayor" arrives and demands she be taken to a hospital instead.
The Mayor rescues a man pinned down by a cart. Javier is reminded of the abnormal strength of convict 24601 Jean Val-jean, a parole-breaker he has been tracking for years, but who, he says has just been recaptured. Val-jean, unable to see an innocent man go to prison in his place, confesses to the court that he is prisoner 24601 and runs away.
At the hospital Val-jean promises the dying Fantine to find and look after her daughter Cosette. Javier arrives to arrest him, but Val-jean escapes.
Cosette has been lodged for five years with the Thénardiers who run an inn, horribly abusing the little girl, while indulging their own daughter, Eponine. Val-jean pays the Thénardiers to let him take Cosette away and takes her to Paris. But Javert is till on his tail..
Nine years later there is unrest in the city because of the likely demise of the popular leader General La-marque, the only Government official left who shows any feeling for the poor. Among the street-gangs is one led by Thénardier and his wife, which sets upon Jean Val-jean and Cosette. They are rescued by Javier, who fails to recognize Val-jean until after he escapes. The Thénardiers' daughter Eponine, who is secretly in love with the student Marius, reluctantly agrees to help him find Cosette, with whom he has fallen in love. .....
.....a group of idealistic students prepare for the coming revolution.
Upon news of La-marque's death, they, stream out into the streets to whip up popular support. Only Marius is distracted by the thoughts of the mysterious Cosette.
Cosette is consumed by the thoughts of Marius, with whom she has fallen in love. Val-jean refuses to tell her anything of her past. In spite of her own feelings for Marius, Eponine sadly brings him to Cosette and then prevents an attempt by her father's gang to rob Val-jean's house. Val-jean, convinced it was Javier who was lurking outside his house, tells Cosette they must prepare to flee the country. Cosette and Marius part in despair of ever meeting again; Eponine mourns the loss of Marius; and Val-jean looks forward to the security of exile. The Thénardiers, meanwhile, dream of rich pickings underground from the chaos to come.
The students prepare to build the barricade. Marius, noticing that Eponine has joined the insurrection, sends her with a letter to Cosette, which is intercepted by Valerian. Eponine decides to rejoin Marius at the barricade.
The barricade is built and the revolutionaries defy an army warning that they must give up or die. Javier is exposed as a policy spy. Returning to the barricade, Eponine is shot and killed. Val-jean arrives at the barricades in search of Marius. He is given the chance to kill Javier, but instead lets him go.
The students settle down for a night on the barricade. Val-jean prays to God to save Marius from the coming onslaught. The rebels are all killed except Val-jean and Marius, who is injured.
Val-jean escapes into the sewers with the unconscious Marius, meeting Thénardier, who is rubbing the corpses of the rebels. Val-jean emerges into the light only to meet Javier once more. He pleads for time to deliver the young man to a hospital. Javier decides to let him go. His unbending principles of justice having been shattered by Val-jean's own mercy, Javar kills himself by throwing himself into the river.
unaware of the identity of his rescuer, Marius recovers in Cosette's care. Val-jean confesses the truth of his past to Marius and insists that after the young couple are married, he must go away rather than taint the sanctity and safety of their union. At Marius and Cosette's wedding the Thénardiers try to blackmail Marius. Thénardier says Cosette's "father" is a murderer and, as proof, produces a ring which he stole from the corpse in the sewers the night the barricades fell. It is Marius' own ring., and he realizes it was Val-jean who rescued him that night. He and Cosette go to Val-jean, where Cosette learns for the first time of her own history before the old man goes to his eternal salvation, joining the spirits of Fantine, Eponine, and all those who died on the barricades.
Read the book, listen to the story or watch the movie
Get all the details
*Victor Hugo's religious beliefs
- Victor Hugo's faith
- Born a Catholic, Hugo soon reputiated the Catholic Church to become a deeply Spiritual rationalistic diestic free thinker. CLICK ON THE PURPLE LINK TITLE above to learn more.
OR read more on Victor Hugo & his beliefs
Especiallly the last one--his converstions with the spirit world.
Spiritual references and implications in Les Miserables:
- I will start with the obvious. In the opening scene at the prison, one prisoner prays "Dear Jesus, hear my prayer." This is answered by another prisoner saying: "Dear Jesus doesn't care." So we have the conflict between faith and skepticism right from the start.
- Then there is the scene at the home of the priest, where the priest gives Val-jean the silver, telling him to use it to better himself and that he is buying back his soul. This is a beautiful picture of redemption, since silver in the Bible always represents redemption (see Numbers 3:47-50). Val-jean is touched by the fact that the priest said he has a soul, a fact of which he was previously unaware and the realization of which causes him to repent and give his life to God.
- Val-jean's redemption and eternal salvation is shown by his subsequent changed character and acts of kindness.
-
Then there is his heartfelt prayer to God for the dying Marius, "Bring him home."
- Although probably not intended by the author, the fight between the students and the establishment on behalf of the poor could represent the ever going fight between good and evil -- between God and Satan. The death of La Marque should have been the rallying cry, as the death of Christ should be our rallying cry. Unfortunately the people were apathetic as many are today. The only difference is that their fight ended unsuccessfully, whereas as Christians, we know that we will win in the end.
-
Finally, there is Val-Jean's own dying prayer at the end where he prays, "Forgive me all my trespasses and take me to your glory."
- There is also the following somewhat enigmatic statement made by Val-jean:
“To love another person is to see the face of God”
OR as another person wrote on another lens: "I don't think it was meant to literally mean seeing God's Face, but as an analogy. Simply telling us that if you could see God he would look like love, Love is not something you can see either, you can see manifestations of love, physical demonstrations, but love is how we feel and think and you can't see thoughts or feelings. I think Victor is referring to this in what he says. So its a play on words, he is comparing something you can't see to the face of God something we as mere mortals can never see."
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
DO YOU AGREE about this meaning of the quote?
What do you think it means that "To love another person is the seee the face of God"? Do you agree with either of the above statements, or do you have another different interpritation?
Nightcat says:
Yes to give unconditional love to another is to see the face of God. Well said! :)
christopherlee says:
I will say that what Anna said, Jim said is what i like to say.
Anna says:
I say what you say is what I say.
faithfuljim says:
if we truly love someone as God loves (with agape love) we can see God in the person.
mihgasper says:
Not sure what he was meaning of course, but knowing he was very religious and knowing God in Bible doesn't have a face, this is clearly quote about power of love. Maybe 'finding love is finding the ultimate truth, the truth which can't be described'?
Just my two cent really.
Spiritual Implications continued...
8. The ending of the play definitely shows that Val-jean does go to heaven, as Fantine and Eponine appear at the end to take him there. Their appearance back from the dead may be a carryover from Hugo's earlier slight dabbling in spiritualism, but it does serve to cement the reality of life after death, eternal salvation and heaven as the final reward of the true believer.
What about you?
A final Spiritual implication:
9. There is another Spiritual implication which can be drawn throughout the work. Whether it was intended by the author or not we can only guess, but I tend to think that it was as it fits with Hugo's renunciation of Catholicism with it's emphases on works for eternal salvation. The implication I'm speaking of is the conflict between law, as represented by Javar, and grace as represented by Val-jean. St. Paul tells us we receive eternal salvation by grace and not by works. Val-jean's redemption was an act of grace and his life demonstrated grace from then on. Javar, on the other hand represented the law in the strictest sense. He was so fanatical to strictly follow and enforce the law that he just could not deal with Val-jean, the "man of mercy" and grace. In the end, grace did away with law, as it always will. Yet, as Val-jean's life was now far from being lawless, but rather exceeded the demands of the law in that it was a life given to helping others, so grace does not produce lawlessness but rather the fulfillment of the law in the highest sense. (See Galatians 2:16-21, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 8:3-4 & Hebrews 10:15-24.) For more on mercy and grace in salvation
check out these lenses:
Read more on the Spiritual implications of Les Miserables
To Love Another Person: A Spiritual Journey Through Les Miserables
Amazon Price: $13.00 (as of 05/26/2012)
List Price: $14.99
In this invaluable companion and guide to Hugo's masterpiece author John Morrison shares with Les Miz fans the spiritual depth and breadth of this classic novel and popular Broadway musical, which become, through Morrison's work, a reflection on how we, the "miserable ones" of today, are called to plunge deeper into the realities of God's presence and love for all."
Release Date: 12/31/1969
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Blog Posts from Google
- LES MIS Movie Trailer Set for Release May 30!
- Not only did Hugh Jackman and producer Cameron Mackintosh give Les Misérables movie fans a Friday treat with this picture, taken on the Les Mis set, they have also revealed that the first movie teaser trailer will be available next Wednesday, May 30!
- Les Misérables
- Hungary has the least-satisfied population among the 36 countries assessed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's quality-of-life index. They are more educated but have fewer jobs, work longer hours and receive inferior incomes ...
- 'Les Mis쎩rables' by Oakland School for the Arts
- That's how teacher Michael Berry-Berlinski describes "Les Misérables," the popular musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg, which the students of the Oakland School for the Arts will perform Thursday at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Oakland.
- LES MISERABLES…The Epicness Grows!
- In a stroke-of-genius cameo casting, Broadway's original Valjean, Colm Wilkinson will play the Bishop in the upcoming LES MISERABLES movie. When newly paroled Jean Valjean steals silver from the church, the Bishop covers for him by saying the silver ...
Bid on Les Miserables tickets on eBay
OR--The next best thing to being there:
Untill the movie verstion comes out, At least it's available in the concert version.
Les Miserables
Amazon Price: $9.71 (as of 05/26/2012)
List Price: $19.98
Used Price: $8.72
This 25th anniversary concert viersion might be THE BEST THING we fans can hope for UNTILL a full-fledged movie comes along. ..This dream cast (made up of members of both the London and Broadway casts) is SUPERB. For the complete listing, CLICK HERE
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra SOUNDS GREAT, and it can be THRILLING when 200 choristers (dressed in logo T-shirts) rise to their feet for a full-company number such as "One Day More." Also, subtitles provide date and scene information and help move the story along.
Release Date: 02/22/2011
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
OR get it on blue ray
![Les Miserables: The 25th Anniversary Concert [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61Ke2w4k1SL._SL160_.jpg)
Les Miserables: The 25th Anniversary Concert [Blu-ray]
Amazon Price: $18.31 (as of 05/26/2012)
More of Les Miserables on eBay
Reader Feedback
What do you think of Les Miserables?
-
-
Nightcat
May 10, 2012 @ 7:25 pm | delete
- I've always loved the character of Javier the best. He is trying in his own way to be worthy of God. Of course he ends up being Godless and cruel in his frantic efforts to distance himself from his shame of poverty and his mother's work.
I feel only pity for him because he just can't see another way of being. To kill himself at the end, he throws back God's one gift in His face. Which I hope his Creator pitied him for and showd mercy.
I onnce wrote a paper arguing that Javier desrved forgiveness and admission into heaven because he suffered a spiritual sickness and wasn't right in his heart and head. Wonderful lens and Blessed!
-
-
-
melissiaoliver
May 4, 2012 @ 4:34 am | delete
- This has got to be one of the best musicals around; I always class it in a 'trinity' of amazing musicals, along with Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon. I have only been to see it once, but everyone was in floods of tears at the end. Apparently the book is very different; for instance: Eponnine saves Marius from being shot, but he literally just steps over her and doesn't realise she's saved his life. Poor Eponnine :(
-
-
-
brynimagire
Mar 24, 2012 @ 10:28 am | delete
- Interesting lens ! Thanks.
-
-
-
WordCustard
Mar 6, 2012 @ 3:21 am | delete
- You are right, this is a special musical and it is also interesting to see an analysis of the elements of Christianity that run through the novel, sometimes in an uneasy alliance with the hopelessness of people's lives on Earth. It's understandable that it's easier to have unwavering faith if you are one of the wealthy, wearing silks, sitting in your own pew in a church than if you are a worn-out and hungry person wondering why life has turned out so badly.
-
-
-
cffutah
Feb 15, 2012 @ 11:43 pm | delete
- love this movie!
-
- Load More
Featured Lenses
"Les Miserables the musical" is listed here:
EasyHits4U.com - Your Free Traffic Exchange - 1:1 Exchange Ratio, 5-Tier Referral Program. FREE Advertising!
Free website advertising & marketing internet at UseAds.com - Submit & add url & exchange text links + increase traffic online & page rank
by faithfuljim
I am a Seminary graduate, Bible teacher, article writer, Published Christian fiction author and publisher of an inspirational success ezine.
I was bo...
more »
- 60 featured lenses
- Winner of 12 trophies!
- Top lens » Mother's Day Poems for Mom
Explore related pages
Amazon Spotlight: Original Cast
Les Miserables (1987 Original Broadway Cast)
Amazon Price: $19.89 (as of 05/26/2012)
After Les Misérables became a huge hit in London, it moved to Broadway, bringing along two stars from the London production, Colm Wilkinson as the heroic Valjean and Frances Ruffelle as the despondent Eponine. Filling out this 1987 cast are Randy Graff (Fantine), Terrence Mann (Javert), David Bryant (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Michael Maguire (Enjolras), and Leo Burmester and Jennifer Butt (the Thénardiers). Whether you prefer the London cast or this one just might depend on which one you heard first, though minor revisions to the show since its London debut make the Broadway version more familiar to current audiences.
Amazon Spotlight: Dream cast
Les Miserables: The 10th Anniversary Dream Cast in Concert at London's Royal Albert Hall
Amazon Price: $24.89 (as of 05/26/2012)
this 1995 dream cast is superb. Reprising their roles from the original London company are Colm Wilkinson (Valjean), Michael Ball (Marius), and Alun Armstrong (Thenardier). From Broadway come Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Lea Salonga (Eponine), and Michael Maguire (Enjolras); from a later London production comes Ruthie Henshall (Fantine); and from Australia comes Philip Quast (Javert).
Featured Lenses
