Les Misérables (Musical)

Overview

• Type: Musical, sung-through
• Music by: Claude-Michel Schönberg
• Lyrics by: Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel
• English adaptation: Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
• Based on: 1862 novel "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo
• Setting: Early 19th-century France
• Main Theme: Redemption and justice

Plot Summary

• Jean Valjean: A French peasant imprisoned for 19 years for stealing bread, released on parole.
• Bishop of Digne: Shows Valjean mercy, inspiring his redemption.
• Valjean's New Life: Breaks parole, assumes new identity, becomes a factory owner and mayor.
• Fantine: Fired unjustly, falls into poverty.
• Inspector Javert: Pursues Valjean relentlessly.
• Youth Revolutionaries: Attempt to overthrow government.
• Cosette: Adopted by Valjean, falls in love with Marius, a revolutionary.
• Eponine: In love with Marius, sacrifices herself for him.
• Conclusion: Valjean dies, reconciled with his past.

Productions

• French Premiere: 1980, Palais des Sports, Paris, directed by Robert Hossein.
• English Premiere: 1985, Barbican Centre, London, longest-running West End musical.
• Broadway Premiere: 1987, ran until 2003, with revivals in 2006 and 2014.
• Global Influence: Productions in multiple countries and languages.

Notable Productions

• 25th Anniversary Concert: 2010, O2 Arena, London.
• 2014 Broadway Revival: Imperial Theatre, New York.

Awards

• Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical.
• Laurence Olivier Awards: Most Popular Show.

Significant Songs

• "I Dreamed a Dream"
• "On My Own"
• "Do You Hear the People Sing?"
• "One Day More"
• "Bring Him Home"

Key Characters

• Jean Valjean: Protagonist seeking redemption.
• Javert: Antagonist, obsessed with justice.
• Fantine: Tragic character, represents suffering and sacrifice.
• Cosette: Daughter of Fantine, represents hope and love.
• Marius: Revolutionary, in love with Cosette.
• Eponine: Unrequited love for Marius, sacrifices her life.
• Thénardiers: Comic relief, represent greed and corruption.

Legacy

• Cultural Impact: Significant influence on musical theatre.
• Film Adaptation: 2012 film won multiple Academy Awards.
• Iconic Imagery: Cosette's face on the French flag.
• Social Themes: Explores justice, love, identity, and societal change.