Les Miserables 25 Years Later

In early 1987, in the first year of our marriage, my wife and I saw Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC before it made its way to Broadway. We were fortunate to see it again at The National Theater in DC and later at The Landmark Theater in Richmond.

It’s a longtime favorite of ours. We love the music, the story, the staging. I was even inspired enough to read the book.

So when the chance came around to see the 25th Anniversary tour again at the Kennedy Center, we decided that as we approach our own 25th anniversary, that it would be a nice treat.

The show does not disappoint.

The casting was incredible. Amazing voices. Amazing talents.

When I first heard that the show had been restaged, I was concerned. After all, the turntable was key to the telling of the story. The turntable caused issues in the early U.S. performances, but those details were worked out. I couldn’t imagine not having the turntable as the cast marched through the streets singing “One Day More.”

And, I didn’t have to use my imagination. The sets have been redesigned based on some of Victor Hugo’s own paintings, and the effect is remarkable. Let’s just say if you know the story that the marching scene, the scene traveling through the sewers and Javert’s suicide are worth seeing it.

Les Miserables is a story of redemption, story of courage, a story of love.

It’s a story I could watch time and time again.

According to the official Les Miserables website, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe will star in the film production due out in 2012. I can’t wait.