My Tribute to the World's Favorite Les Misérables
My Tribute to the World's Favorite Les Misérables
![](/wa/tyles/images/BARRICAD.JPG)
Yes, this would be another page expounding on the musical of musicals,
Les Misérables. It is by far my personal favorite, not only because of
the wonderful music but also the spectacular sets, rich plot, and
inherent message of hope. OK, so that sounds infinitely cheesy, but it's
all true, promise. First, let me say that watching PBS's concertized version
is somewhat of a mixed blessing. While you will get the best of the music
by far, you'll miss out on the grand sets experienced in a live production
as well as, well, the live action. (duh) So really the best thing to do is
to see it live once before you watch the PBS version, because frankly the
concert is just blow-your-socks-off fantastic when it comes to the music.
You can't beat the selection of the best of the best that gathered to do
the tenth anniversary, and they totally knock down any average touring
group. So you will probably hear a real difference in quality between the
PBS take and a live production, which is why I say go see a live one
first so that for the first time you can get the whole experience. Then
watch and adore the voices in the concert version for what they are--
gorgeous. Colm Wilkinson does his ovation-grabbing original Valjean, while
Ruthie Henshaw (of Godspell renown) pulls heartstrings with her
portrayal of destitute Fantine. Michael Ball plays Marius with flair, but
he is strikingly overshadowed by spunky Eponine, spectacularly played by
Lea Salonga, my
personal favorite Les Miz-er of all time. I don't quite remember who
played Cosette, Enjolras, or the Thenardiers, but that doesn't mean they did
a shoddy job, just means I have limited brain cells. Someday I'll check my
CD case and get their names on here. Yes, I did splurge and get the double
CD set of the tenth anniversary concert. Yes, it was worth it, and I'd
recommend it. Anyway, let's get on with the page.
Les Misérables Links
OK, I'm going to cop out and give you all just one good link, to the
AltaVista search engine page of links. So click
here
to get to a bunch of good links. If you get something other than Les Miz links,
please, please, let me know immediately! Thanks.
My small Lea Salonga page.
This page is still in process, so I'd appreciate feedback and suggestions
on what you'd like to see here.
Back to the Main Page
Email: tyles@u.washington.edu