Les Misérables

Exactly how many times is too many times to see the production of a lifetime? Right now my head is battling with my heart as I contemplateg seeing Les Misérables in Sydney “just one last time” before it leaves for Brisbane in just 5 short weeks. This battle has been fought and won by my heart on previous occasions; I’ve actually seen Les Misérables for “the last time” three times since June.

As a devotee of the original production of Les Misérables, I was a little concerned about the changes Sir Cameron Mackintosh had planned for this new version. I heard rumours of missing songs, the revolving stage no longer being used, a younger cast and a faster score. Would these changes ruin the show I loved so much? Would they leave me with a bad taste in my mouth (perhaps similar to the casting of Russell Crowe in the film version)?

I am happy to report that my fears were unfounded and the new production surpassed my wildest expectations. The new sets are breathtaking, and the addition of the projections on screen made for incredible backdrops, easily immersing you in the streets of Paris, the deck of a convict ship or the underground sewers.    

I wasn’t sure there was a performer alive who could rival the heroes from my many Les Misérables soundtracks. In my mind, Michael Ball is Marius, Philip Quast is Javert, Anthony Warlow is Enjolras and there’d never be a better Valjean than Colm Wilkinson. Yet from the moment Simon Gleeson took to the stage as Jean Valjean on the Melbourne stage my world changed forever. 

While the show is known for bringing audiences to tears, I don’t think I have ever seen an audience as moved by an actor as they were by Simon Gleeson in this show.  His desperation, his passion and that incredible voice made him the star. “Bring Him Home” is a masterpiece in itself. In fact, concerned that I would forget that incredible performance without an Australian soundtrack to buy, I purchased his album “Elements” for that song alone.

The most impactful change for me was the younger casting of the students. Formerly seen as men, this production drove home how young and naïve they were, and the futility of their actions. Marius’ love for Cosette and Eponine’s heartache at her unrequited love for him, they really were just kids. 

 “One Day More” remains my all-time favourite song from a musical and the choreography in this version gave me goose bumps.  My repeated visits gave me different views and a love for characters I previously considered “supporting”.  One of my favourite discoveries was watching the touching relationship between student rebel Grantaire and street urchin Gavroche.  I got so caught up watching them in the last show I saw; I completely neglected to see the major action front of stage.

If you haven’t seen Les Misérables in Sydney, you have just 5 weeks left. After taking friends and family and urging almost everyone else I know to see it, then hearing rave reviews from each and every one of them, I can’t encourage you enough. If you live in Brisbane and Les Misérables is headed your way, go, go and then go again. I might just fly up and join you.

For tickets visit Ticketmaster.

Photos courtesy of the Les Misérables Australia Facebook page.