Les Misérables

In the original Broadway cast of "Les Misérables," Marius Pontmercy was played by actor Michael Ball. He originated the role when the musical premiered in 1987 and received acclaim for his performance, particularly for his rendition of the song "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables." Ball's portrayal contributed significantly to the musical's success and enduring popularity.

In the Original London Cast recording of "Les Misérables," notable performances include Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, who sings "Bring Him Home," and Roger Allam as Javert, who performs "Stars." Other key cast members include Frances Ruffelle as Éponine, singing "On My Own," and Michael Ball as Marius, who delivers "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables." The ensemble also features songs like "One Day More," showcasing various characters throughout the musical.

The original cast of the London production of "Les Misérables," which opened in 1985, featured several notable actors. Colm Wilkinson starred as Jean Valjean, while Michael Ball played Marius Pontmercy. Ruthie Henshall portrayed Fantine, and Frances Ruffelle was cast as Éponine. The production was groundbreaking and helped to solidify the musical's enduring popularity.

"Les Misérables" was performed in Boston during the 1990s as part of its national tour. Specifically, it had a notable run at the Wang Theatre from March 17 to April 12, 1992. The musical returned to Boston multiple times during the decade, with various productions and tours showcasing its enduring popularity.

In 1996, the role of Jean Valjean on Broadway was played by actor and singer Colm Wilkinson. He originated the role in the original London production of "Les Misérables" and reprised it for the Broadway production, earning acclaim for his powerful performance. Wilkinson's portrayal became iconic, and he is often closely associated with the character.

The first stage show of "Les Misérables" premiered in Paris on September 28, 1980. The musical, composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg with a French libretto by Alain Boublil, was based on Victor Hugo's novel of the same name. It later gained international acclaim and has been translated into multiple languages, becoming one of the most popular musicals in theatrical history.

"Les Misérables" has been running in London since it first premiered in the West End at the Palace Theatre on October 8, 1985. As of October 2023, the show has been entertaining audiences for over 38 years, making it one of the longest-running musicals in the history of the West End. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful story and memorable music.

The original cast of the 1990 production of "Les Misérables" included several notable performers. Colm Wilkinson originated the role of Jean Valjean, while Roger Allam played Javert. Other key cast members included Frances Ruffelle as Éponine and Ruthie Henshall as Fantine. This production, based on Victor Hugo's novel, became a significant milestone in musical theater history.

"Les Misérables" has featured numerous notable performers on Broadway since its debut in 1987. Some of the most famous cast members include Colm Wilkinson, who originated the role of Jean Valjean, and Lea Salonga, who played Éponine and later Fantine. Other prominent actors include Ruthie Henshall as Fantine and Aaron Tveit as Enjolras in later productions. The musical has had various revivals and tours, showcasing a diverse array of talent throughout its history.

In "Les Misérables," the phrase "Like birds of prey he had chosen this lonely place to make his nest" symbolizes solitude and the predatory nature of the character being described, likely Javert. It suggests a sense of vigilance and isolation, as the character is portrayed as someone who thrives in a barren environment, akin to a predatory bird that claims a territory. This imagery emphasizes themes of desperation and the harsh realities of life, reflecting the struggles of the characters within the novel.

"On My Own" from Les Misérables is primarily classified as a musical theater ballad. It features elements of pop and classical music, typical of the contemporary musical style. The song conveys deep emotion and longing, showcasing the character Éponine's unrequited love. Its lyrical and melodic structure is characteristic of the dramatic and expressive nature of the musical genre.

Oh, dude, in "Les Miserables," there's this thing called foreshadowing, where the author drops hints about what's gonna go down later in the story. So, like, in Cosette's case, her rough upbringing with the Thenardiers and her eventual rescue by Jean Valjean totally foreshadows the whole theme of redemption and second chances in the novel. It's like the universe saying, "Hey, pay attention, 'cause stuff's about to get real!"

Oh, what a beautiful question! I think I enjoy Les Misérables because it's a story of redemption, love, and resilience. The characters face challenges but still find hope and strength to carry on. The music and performances are so moving, they truly touch my heart.

Jean Valjean was sent to prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's family, an act born out of poverty. His harsh treatment in prison and later struggles to find work and acceptance in society could be seen as reasons for his resentment towards society, but ultimately his transformation into a compassionate and honorable man shows that his hatred was not justifiable.

1. Upholding the law and maintaining order in society.
2. Justice and punishing those who break the law.
3. Loyalty to his duty and principles, even at the expense of personal relationships or empathy.

In the beginning of Les Miserables, Jean Valjean, an ex-convict out on parole, is given shelter by a kind Bishop. Later, when Valjean is caught by the authorities after trying to steal the Bishop's silver, the Bishop lies to the men, telling them the silver had been a gift, and gives Valjean candlesticks as well. Valjean realizes that the world is not devoid of kind people, and is both inspired and shamed by the Bishop, who claims that he has rescued Valjean's soul "for God." In the musical version, Valjean then claims, "I feel my shame inside me like a knife." He also marvels, "What spirit comes to move my life? Is there another way to go?" Thus, the lesson he learns from the Bishop is that there is still the possibility for him to start a new life; that "another story must begin."

The senator's philosophy in Les Miserables was grounded in strict adherence to rules and laws, focusing on order and authority rather than compassion and flexibility. He believed in upholding societal norms regardless of individual circumstances, often at the expense of empathy and understanding for those in need, such as Fantine.

Jean Valjean's physical appearance drastically changes during his trial in the court room. As the prosecution reveals his true identity as a former convict named Madeleine, his hair turns white, revealing his inner turmoil and struggle with his past. This physical transformation reflects the emotional and mental anguish he experiences during this revelation.

Jean Valjean spent 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving children.

"Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo explores themes of injustice, poverty, and social inequality in 19th-century France. The novel depicts the struggles of different social classes and the impact of societal structures on individuals' lives. It offers insights into sociological concepts such as social stratification, crime, and the role of institutions in shaping human behavior.

French pronunciation: [le mizeˈʁaːblə], 'lay miz-ah-rarb'.

This question relates to the story of Les Miserables, a French novel by Victor Hugo, often adapted as a play and sometimes called 'The Bishop's Candlesticks'.

Jean Valjean is a former convict whose faith in humanity is restored when he comes into contact with a kind bishop.

Jean Valjean is bitter and hateful towards society due to injustices meted out to him. When he was unemployed and his wife was starving, he had been forced to steal a loaf of bread, but got caught and imprisoned, and his wife died.

Even after having served time in prison, Jean Valjean cannot get easily integrated into society, and is marked as a criminal, making it difficult for him to find work and shelter. These reasons combine to make him bitter and hateful, until he meets the kind Bishop.

Jean stayed with the Bishop and then stole silver from him. He is caught and brought back to the Bishop, who instead of accusing him, claims that he gave Valjean the silver and that he has, with it, purchased his soul for God. He also tells him that he forgot the candlesticks, which he gives to Valjean before he leaves.

The effect isn't immediate, but this one act of mercy and generosity attributed to God changes his life permanently. Instead of being bitter and resentful about the consistent mistreatment and injustice of his past life, he realizes that he can change and become more than he has been... and even make a difference for others.

Fantine is fired from her job at the factory in "Les Misérables" because her foreman discovers that she has an illegitimate child, Cosette. The foreman dismisses her under pressure from a jealous coworker who resents Fantine for refusing his advances.

Anne Hathaway portrayed Fantine in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables.