One Day More

What can be said about the Anglo-French epic musical Les Misérables that has not already been said?  The same route that JCS took- concept album, concert version and eventual stage production.  Even Alfred Hitchcock remarked that it would make a grand musical.  More of a pop opera, with ballads, some rock riffs, and grand opera chorals.  Truly an evening of grand theatre.  Yours truly saw it in spring of 88 while it still was playing at the Broadway Theatre.  It had not been "watered" down and ran three plus hours.  From the opening bars that screamed "epic" I was entranced.  The actor playing Jean Valjean was country singer Gary Morris.  This show was one of the first where lots of actors from the pop/country/other genre wanted to become Broadway stars.   It is the closest to opera a musical theatre fan would get to see.  The villains of the show, the Thenardiers, were deliciously evil and their songs which required some comedy sure did relieve the goings on.  Not a dry eye during Eponine's death and the finale had the audience revved up to a frenzy.  After the show, lots of us waited at the stage door hoping to meet the actors.  Jennifer Butt, aka Mdme. Thenardier, was gracious and funny.  Her real hair was as red as the wig she wore onstage.  Gary Morris was ever the elegant gentleman; tired but willing to sign autographs and take pictures with his adoring fans.  

Les Misérables is truly a human story.  Great songs have come from its score and lots of us can identify with the story, the characters, the songs.  I am proud to say that this is the musical that I introduced to many a third grader.  As I look back, it was amazing to hear the boys singing "Valjean" and the girls singing "Fantine" in the selection Fantine's Death.  And how would I know that a simple graduation gift would prompt two students to pursue theatre!  To Jake and Jeff, continued success in your marvelous careers.