Watching this with someone who is seeing it for the first time has been so much fun for me. I hope you realize how much we appreciate you for this Salvo. It’s been wonderful. Thank you!!❤😊
To answer some of your questions... - Yes, Les Mis is HUGE all around the world. It has played in over 50 countries and been translated into 22 languages. Many of the Valjeans in this encore were in the original productions in their respective countries. It has been running in London since 1985 (only closed down because of covid and is back on stage now) and there has been 3 productions on Broadway. - Miss Saigon? Oh boy, continuing on with the Boublil and Schönberg shows. Thankfully the filmed version from a few years is the full show and also includes a special encore so you'll get some performances from the orignal cast as well - including Lea Salonga who played Eponine in this. - Back to Les Mis and a few story related things: quite a bit of context is missing in this because a few songs were cut or shortened in this concert. - Valjean brings the unconcious Marius from the barricades into the sewers where he passes out for a bit. This is where Thénardier finds them when looking through all the bodies for valuables (as he sings in Dog Eats Dogs) and he steals a ring that Marius is wearing - his family ring! - Valjean wakes up and carries Marius out of the sewers where they meet Javert, who lets them go so Valjean can take Marius to the hospital to recover. - This leading to Javert's white/black, good/evil worldview crumbeling down around him and as he sings "a world that cannot hold", so he commits suicide by throwing himself into the river. - Marius is recovering (in the show he has his arm in a sling during this part) and suffers heavily from survivors guilt (Empty Chairs at Empty Tables) as well as being troubled by not knowing who saved him. - Cosette finds out where he is and encourages him in his recovery. - Valjean has a conversation with Marius (Valjeans confession) where he tells Marius of his past and to take care of Cosette because Valjean has to leave. - Cosette and Marius get married and the Thénardiers pretend to be invited guests and somehow get in to have a little talk with Marius. They tell him that his new father-in-law in a murderer and a thief because they saw him carrying a dead body from the barricades and shows him the ring - Marius' ring! leading to Marius finally finding out Valjean was the one who saved him. - So he gets Cosette and takes her to Valjeans deathbed. - The ghosts of Fantine and Eponine guides Valjean into the afterlife - Fantine because he took care of her daughter and Eponine because he took care of Marius. - So yeah, it's one of those shows where very few characters actually survive. It's only Marius, Cosette and the Thénardiers that are alive at the end of the show. I could go into even more detail than this, but I've already been rabling on too long. I'm glad you enjoyed the show and I would definitely recommend looking up a few of the missing parts like "Valjeans Confession"
If you want to fill in all the gaps, there is a complete symphonic version - audio only - that has all the cut scenes or sung dialogue scenes. It’s long but really lovely.
@@AstraIrae On the upside it has the full show (even a lot of stuff that has since been cut from the show since this cast recording is from 1988). And it has stellar performances from Philip Quast (Javert) and Michael Ball (Marius), who are in the 10th anniversary too. It also features a strong performance from Anthony Warlow as Enjolras. The rest of the performances are okay in most cases - but Gary Morris as Valjean has always be very dividing among fans of the show.
You have done a marvelous job of filling in gaps!!! Thank you, but I enjoyed reading the original book. Sometimes it gave TOO MANY details, but mostly added depth of understanding of why people did what they did!!
Context that is left out of this section: after the "Heart full of Love" reprise, Valjean confides in Marius, telling him something of his past as an explanation as to why he's leaving. After the Thenardier's sing the song that this version keeps, Monsieur Thenardier confronts Marius, accusing Valjean of robbing the bodies of the students at the barricades and producing a ring taken from the "body" Valjean was carrying as evidence. Marius, recognizing the ring as his own, puts 2 and 2 together and realizes that Valjean was the mysterious benefactor that saved him from the barricade, which is why Marius and Cosette show up at Valjean's deathbed to thank him for his intervention.
I was 12 yrs old, walking by my parents bedroom and stopped dead in my tracks at Lea Salonga's voice coming out of the TV. I was entirely hooked and sat down on their bed and watched the remainder of this concert airing on a PBS special. For my birthday my mother got me the t-shirt and VHS tape of this concert as well as tickets to see the show live. Thus began an obsession with musicals to this day, though this concert will forever be my favorite. Thank you for opening your mind to a new media and sending me on a trip down memory lane. Who was your favorite character at the end? Do you have a favorite song?
The line “To love another person is to see thee face of God.” Fantine and Valjean loved Cosette, but Eponine also loved Marius unrequited and wanted the best for him. True love though unrequited. That gets me.
Sorry I’m commenting so much, but I had another thought. It’s also really fitting that Eponine is one of Valjean’s angels. Even though he didn’t know her, she led Cosette to love and security, which was his goal at the end of his life. It’s fitting that she comes in unexpected, as always with her.
The thing about Fantine, Eponine and Valjean is that they all exhibited the greatest love of all - the love that is sacrificial. It's giving yourself totally to the other, even giving your life for them. It's not about you, it's about the person you truly care about. That's why this musical resonates so much with many people. The very best of humanity embodied in the love and sacrifice shown by these three. A contrast to today's "me and only me matters" view that has, unfortunately, become de rigueur in "modern" society.
Fun fact, Takashi Kaga, who was the Japanese ValJean was also chairman Kaga on Iron Chef. Miss Saigon will be a very different experience since it is the complete show. It was shot on stage but in a way that makes it look more cinematic than most proshot productions that are clearly on stage
Well THANK YOU. You just made an oldie very happy. Im 65. I was in Les Mis...another life. Another world. I wasnt in the 10th Anniversary Concert with my fellow ex company members as i had 2 broken ribs...fell off horse ....but saw it all from just by stage off left🤣🤣 it was chaos, so many people and so few loos🙄😱 Our company's Javert all those years ago ...80 something was Phil Quast...the Javert you justsaw...it was his first UK job...he was well known in Australia, but not here. Cameron Mackintosh...the greatest Musical Producer... Google him. Was so impressed with him in Oz that he brought him to the UK. This huge handsome Aussie with the voice of a God and the nicest bloke ever..great straight actor too....at his happiest fishing 🤣🤣.hes 65 now...like me ...we got old😱😭🤣 That was theDream Cast...the 25thAnniversary wasnt a patch on the 10th. Thanks again watching along here in London and seeing your reaction was priceless. Musical theatre is tough...you cant just blag it ..theres nowhere to hide🤣🤣🤣you often play lots of small parts at once ....lots to learn. Glad you enjoyed it ....the film....🙄🙄im saying nothing except. ..Russell Crowe was greatas Javert except for one thing HE CANT SING MUSICAL THEATRE IT WAS ....😱..😅 its weird actually...reading the comments ....people seem to be far more knowledgeable about Les Mis.....The Glums🤣🤣...than any actor ive ever known...to whom it was just work. Interesting.
I don’t know how many times I’ve watched your reaction to this. It is so fantastic. The part where Fantine and Eponine visit Valjean on his deathbed - he saved/cared for their loves (Cosette and Marius) - is so gorgeous. It is all about love.
Especially since you enjoyed the encore with the extra 17 Valjeans so much, I think you should really check out 4 Valjeans singing bring him home from the 25th anniversary concert. It's Colm Wilkinson (this Valjean), Alfie Boe (the Valjean from the 25th Anniversary and personally my favourite), John Owen-Jones (the Valjean from the 25th anni touring production), and Simon Bowman (the Valjean from the London cast at that time). That version truly raises you to new hemispheres, it's freaking breathtaking!!!
I agree. The encore from the 25th Anniversary Concert is stunning! The actual concert is almost as good as the 10th Anniversary Concert - many truly stellar performances (Alfie Boe, Ramin Karimloo, Carrie Hope Fletcher) with one exception which was a bit jarring. Still, it's worth a watch, if only for the encore.
I always get chills when Eponine joins in, and again when Do You Hear the People Sing starts up so quietly. This was amazing, thank you so much for reacting to this! I can't wait for Miss Saigon!
You just witnessed the best musical, and recorded tribute EVER!! Go watch it live! No other cast can do what this group did, but it’s still a PERFECT show!!
Les Mis is the greatest peice of musical theatre ever written. It's a truly worldwide phenomenon. Thanks for your thoughtful series if videos. I enjoyed every minute.
I don't know how many times I've seen this, I still bawl like a baby at the end. Well, several times through the whole show, but there's something about having that many voices, and when the orchestra drops away at the end of the final encore, it is magical.
Every single time I hear either One Day More or the final number, I SOB - this time was no exception, so you can imagine how much of a mess I was at the end of this video haha. I'm so happy that you've enjoyed this - my inner 15-year-old-self (Valjean understudy in the school production) is jumping for joy 🙂
Fun fact: în 2012 musical movie, the one with High Jackman playing Valjean, guess what, Colm Wilkinson is playing the bishop (and he appears In the scene of Valjean's death, to greet him and to receive him in Heaven.)
If you've ever struggled in life, you can relate to this show in one form or another. This show resonates very close to my heart and reminds me of many situations I've overcome in my life. Such a great time hanging out with you and seeing your reactions.
I’d rather see one great show like this live than any 10 movies! …and this one holds a special place in my heart. The last time I saw this 10th anniversary show, my father took his last breath during the 17 Valjean’s singing the closing number, I was right by his side. Thank you for posting this show and sharing your reaction, hopefully you’ve decided to watch this live in the theater.
Judy Kuhn, who played Cosette, who you said had a classical voice, did the singing voice of Pocahontas in that movie. I always say that "To love another person is to see the face of God" is the best line from any song, ever. There's also a 25th Anniversary concert, with Lea Salonga as Fantine, and Nick Jonas as Marius (he had performed the role on the London stage). Samantha Barks, who played Eponine, played the role in the movie.
Loved rewatching this 10th anniversary concert with some one seeing it for the first time, the power of emotion all the away through, its a roller coaster that you never want to end...thank you for sharing... looking forward to your thoughts on Miss Saigon
I remember seeing this concert broadcast on PBS throughout 1996 as part of its membership drive. For your upper tier pledge of financial support of your local PBS station, you would be sent a copy of the concert when it came out on home video in 1998. Btw, this concert recording still has not come out on Blu-ray, even though it was filmed with HD cameras.
Yep, got my VHS copy via Los Angeles' PBS station in 1996. Sadly that tape's been lost in various moves, but I do remember watching the show on TV. My cousin would start fan-girling whenever Michael Maguire came on, either on the pledge drive or as Enjolras. Good times. :)
This is exactly how I was introduced to Les Miserables! I was up late nursing my new born son. In those days we only had 4 TV channels, so PBS was it that night. When my surprise daughter was born in 2006, we named her Cosette.
I grew up with musical theatre and my earliest memory is watching this concert on VHS. I knew every word to Les Mis by the time I was 6 and as an adult am still involved in theatre where everyone knows Les Mis. So it has been amazing to see someone come into it knowing nothing and experience it for the first time. I really recommend watching a full version of it so you can get the full story and staging but these really are some of the best singers that cannot be beaten.
I think I speak for most (if not all) of us when I say how excited I am for your total appreciation for this production and your appropriate reactions to the performances. Yes, a tremendous amount of planning and cooperation had to go into this anniversary concert and the result is EPIC down to the final medley with all the international Valjeans. Thank you so much for sharing your sincere and admiring reaction. I hope this stirs your desire to watch stage musicals even more and seek out opportunities to see live theater musicals often too. It is one of my FAVORITE things.
I agree! I've seen this in various theaters about 8 times and going again in Chicago at the end of February. Although I still prefer the original staging from when I first saw it (they've updated it recently), it is still a must see on stage!
@@bethscott8027 I almost don't want to know, but... what have they done to it? My favorite musical, saw it on Broadway in the 90s... what have they done to it?
@@mrkelsoThey made it more elaborate. Some things were improved (Empty Chairs at Empty Tables), but I prefer the minimalism of the original staging. The loss of the roundtable stage is a huge loss, IMO.
This concert is known as "The Dream Cast" as the producers and writers chose who they felt were the ideal for the different parts. Many originated their parts but others were either replacements or originated the part when Les Miz moved from London to Broadway. It was 10 years after the original London production so they all in good voice, even though a few looked a bit "long in the tooth" to play students. Michael Maguire (Enjolras) only did Les Miz on stage before finishing his law degree. Alun Armstrong (Thenardier) is well known for British TV and did a great show called "Old Dogs" that streamed here in the US. Fun fact: the man who originated Valjean in Japan, Takeshi Kaga, is best known in the US as "Chairman Kaga" who was the host of the original Iron Chef. Also, the five English speaking Valjeans from the finale played the prisoners in the original scene as they sang "Look Down"
I saw this in Boston 30 years ago with this exact cast. Literally everyone was crying during the final scene. This was the first musical I ever saw and it was definitely not the last. I ended up seeing it 3 times along with Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon. These are the greatest 3 musicals of all time, but Les Miserables was my favorite of all.
Woo I know I am late to this video but oh man it had been years since I saw this concert. I love it so much and I love seeing people watch it for the first time. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, it's one of my favorites. Few things! I highly encourage you read the original novel (If you can get the uncut version even better) It's a long read, but if you got caught up in this story let me tell you the book is even more amazing. Colm Wilconson (Valjean) was the original. He is such an amazing singer and no one can beat his performance. Michael Ball (Marius) also eventually played Valjean and is also amazing In general this is the best cast (Thus why it's called the dream cast) I admit I've always loved Philip Quast as Javert. He has such intensity and while it's not as fleshed out as the book, it is equally as enthralling. Funny note for me, I think it's pretty hilarious just how Tall Quast is compared to the others when you see them lined up. That alone makes Javert a very intimidating person. I loved watching you react to one of my favorite musicals of all time. Definitely hoping to see more. :_
They cut out so much that "unable to face Cosette, Valjean decides he must disappear" just doesn't cover. When Marius is thanking Valjean for giving him permission to marry Cosette, Valjean reveals the truth of his past to him. "Beggars At the Feast" is sung when the Thenadiers show up at the wedding to blackmail Marius, accusing Valjean of being a murderer because Thenadier saw Valjean carrying Marius' wounded body through the sewer. He produces a "souvenir" from that night which turns out to be Marius' ring. Upon seeing it, Marius realizes it was Valjean who saved him and brought him to Cosette. He punches Thenadier, leaves the wedding with Cosette to find Valjean, and then the Thenadiers sing "Beggars At the Feast."
Ahh, my favorite part of this concert is the international finale! I'm so glad you experienced this, and I promise that when you get to see the play live on stage it is so much more intense and moving.
Loved watching you watch this. Les Miz has been my favorite musical for many years. Saw it in person three times I believe. There are certain scenes where so many people in the audience are crying and sobbing, including the end. It would be worth it to see the actual "play," because the spinning stage and actual props and barricade make it all make sense. I hope you get to see it although this concert version is good too.
Really proud of you for sticking with this incredible concert and learning the wonderful story of Les Miserables. Hope you go and read the book now. Will LOVE watching more reactions to MORE musical theater productions. Suggestions: Cabaret, Grand Hotel, Oklahoma, West Side Story, Rent, Hamilton, Mame, the list goes on and on.
Salvo, Les Mis is my favorite show. I had SUCH a great time watching with you. This is the concert that got me into Les Mis at 7 years old in 1995. I have seen it live twice and it still isn’t enough. This concert features the greatest performers in the world. Thank you for this, Brother!
A part they missed was that the Thenardiers started talking about when they found Valjean in the sewers "killing" a boy in the sewers. The one Thenardier took the ring from. Marius saw the ring on his finger and put the pieces together - that Valjean is the one that saved him. And that's why Cosette and Marius came running in. And why did Valjean run away from Cosette? He has no idea Javert is dead and he's back on the run and didn't want to involve her.
I've so loved watching this again but through your eyes, someone who hasn't seen it before. I've loved it since I was 11 years old. My music teacher used to play a phrase for me to guess the character and song from this musical every time I walked into music class. Love Philip Quast as Javert (actually met him and he's so lovely), Colm and Ruthie and Lea are all incredible too!!!! Haven't watched this for a long time but gave binged watched your videos of it and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It's so emotive and sad and inspirational all at the same time..... This is why I love musicals and welcome to this world!!! :-)
I participated on a production that was basically highlights. A Gala concert, but we actually were acting all the scenes as well. Most of us read the book before we started rehearsing and believe me, if you thought there was a lot of drama on this play, there is a lot of crying when you read the book especially at the end, it took me about 30 minutes to finish the last two pages when Val Jean was alone and dying, because tears were not allowing me to keep reading. Ha! Read the book y’all! 😊
You really need to see the movie for more contex although the singing is nowhere near as good. Also there is another anniversary special that is much better
Such a joy to watch it with you and seeing someone watch it for the first time. I've watched Les Miz on DVD, UA-cam hundreds of times.. and have seen live performances about 4 times. Always so good and so moving. It's such a joy seeing someone being moved by some of the songs and the music.
This was the version I grew up watching, though the first version I ever (partially) saw was a local high school production. I remember falling asleep when all the pretty women were picking flowers. (Or so I thought. I was ten.) This was incredible, and I am SO glad you enjoyed it. The 2012 version is incredible in its own way and gives more visual context.
I've been a Les Miserables fan for 30 years but it was so much fun getting to watch it again through the eyes of someone seeing it for the first time. You really got invested into the story and characters. Thanks for posting these!
Oh, one part they didn’t show in this concert was Cosette and Marius’s wedding. At the end, Valjean wants God to take him and what you were seeing was like the “ghosts” of Epinine and Fantine...also in the show you see the “ghosts” of Marius’s friends he lost at the barricade. The finale and bows were spectacular at the live shows. I hope you get to see it yourself soon.
@@catherinedorney6092 I just sadly didn’t love Nick Jonas as Marius, and I really wanted to because I think he’s fabulous, and he played Gavroche on the West End when he was younger. I assumed they wanted to bring in a younger crowd, maybe, but I would not have used him for the concert. I will, however, say that Alfie Boe is STUNNING as Valjean. It’s a different style than Colm, for sure, but his voice took my breath away.
This was the 10th Anniversary. The 25th Anniversary is very different yet the same. It is just as awesome. I love this story and how it’s delivered. Fun watching with your fresh eyes!!
The 25th anniversary concert is also amazing and brings in so many past actors and children’s acting groups from around the world ❤ thank you for this it was memorable to watch someone go through this for the first time
You know, about an hour ago I woke up with a Les Mis song stuck in my head and immediately thought to myself "I bet SalvoG is gonna post the last part today", sort of half joking. I just opened UA-cam and here you are! Can't wait to watch this. And I'm very excited to see you react to more musicals. I found your channel because of the first Les Mis reaction and I absolutely love seeing people who were previously (mostly) unfamiliar with musicals react to them. As a lifelong musical fan it's been an absolute joy to see you react to this.
Even if you don’t want to check out the 25th anniversary show you should watch the end it’s epic. By the way it’s a better representation of the actual musical than the 10th concert which skipped a bit
I don't remember what other shows you've decided to watch besides MISS SAIGON, but the original broadway cast of INTO THE WOODS should definitely be included as well as SWEENEY TODD with Angela Lansbury. And I would highly recommend that you watch the 25th anniversary concert of LES MISERABLES as well. I think overall people will say the 10th anniversary cast is vocally stronger, there are great performances in the 25th anniversary, it is a more complete concert of the show (not as much cut out), and it is more interesting visually.
An incredible reaction....thank you sir! It had been quite some time since watching this concert, even though I do own the DVD, and seeing it again and watching your reaction has been a real treat!
I have seen this so many times, and sadly, there always comes a point where you don’t have that fresh feeling about it anymore, even if you still love it a lot, but watching this with you gave me back some of that freshness, and I loved it! Thank you for watching and filming this!! Can’t wait for Miss Saigon 🥺
I do recommend watching the 25th anniversary concert as well. it has the higher quality you wanted throughout this show. Available on Vudu, amazon, and youtube.
Les Mis was the first broadway show I ever saw or listened too. It changed my life. Made me love musical theatre. Second show I saw was Miss Saigon. You’re in for a treat. It’s so fun seeing someone experience it for the first time. You should check out “Rent” once you get thru your other shows.
And each of those Valjeans were/are their countries' "Broadway stars", the top in their field. It's just too much, isn't it? If you only ever get to one live musical production, I hope you are lucky enough for it to be this show. Thank you again for sharing with us your discovery of and, I believe, joy and love of musical theatre. ♥
There are clips of Frances Ruffelle singing "On My Own" that is just incredible. She and Leah have different interpretations, but they are both fantastic in the role. Also, as an FYI, Frances Ruffelle had a guest role in the old series "The Equalizer" with Edward Woodward. The best version of McCall. Ever.
I loved, loved, LOVED your reactions to this! I’m so glad you’re doing musical theater! I cannot wait until Come From Away! I will be watching Miss Saigon!
I think I already said this, but thank you for reacting to this. This was my first experience with an opera or professional play, I watched "Do you hear the people sing" in German class and was so moved by it that it lead to my mom and I both falling in love with the music and getting the VHS tape for this. It has been about four years since I lost her and you reacting to this has brought back all those memories for me, I can never thank you enough for that. Seeing you react to this was a wonderful trip down memory lane as well as a great experience in it own right. I appreciate and now can stand in more awe after hearing and seeing how you reacted to some of the singing, I kind of took it for granted and didn't fully weigh how great those voices were until you pointed it out so thank you. I find it funny that the one song I heard of this lead to me watching the entire concert over and over again, watching multiple movies that have been made, and reading the book just craving more of the story. I can't wait for other reactions like this one. I will probably always rank this play as my all time favorite, but I want to find more that I might like through your reactions, and get more that grab my interest.
If you watch it again, you see that some of the international ValJeans were the prisoners in the very first scene. I recognized 2 or 3 of them. After the show finale and after bows, there were speeches by producer/director/writer, etc. Then they announced the international ValJeans to lead into the encore.
It's been wondering being on this journey with you as you discover the musical LES MISERABLES! I know MISS SAIGON is on your list and I *beg* of you to watch the Manila production from 2000. It's the only good quality recording of the full show starring Lea Salonga. (The revival was filmed, but Lea isn't in it. And I think there is a video of the original Broadway show near the very end of the run in January 2001. That does have Lea in it, but as I recall the quality is very poor.)
Just to add a few points...yes Les Miserables is HUGE. And I don't just mean the musical. The book was an international best seller. It is one of the (if not THE) most adapted novels ever. It has been in movies since the days of silent films. Worldwide. If after 10 years the anniversary show had 17 Valjeans...I wonder how many the 40th could have in 2025 Anyway...so some details not shown 1. Javert was looking for Thenardier near the sewers. Thenardier was aware of it and was trying to kill two birds with one stone. Get Javert off his trail and get even with Valjean. 2. Valjean put the address where Cosette and he lived so Marius would find her. Marius's grandfather, so grateful to have him back home, arranges all the details for them to wed. 3. Valjean gives Cosette a 580,000 franc dowrey. Then tells Marius he's an ex con in hiding for breaking parole. And that Marius must order him to stop seeing Cosette. 4. Marius was in a coma and then convalescing for about 3 months. He thinks Valjean killed Javert. 5. When Thenardier shows up and tries to sell him secrets it goes something like this: T- Your father in law is a convict M- Yeah. I know. He told me. T- He's a murderer too. M-Yes. I know. I heard him kill Inspector Javert T- No. Javert killed himself. Read it in the paper. I mean some man I found him dragging through the sewers. (Cue Marius's AH-HA moment) Finally Javert doesn't sing the final number not because he offed himself. But because where love redeemed Fantine (motherly love), and Eponine (unrequited love & sacrificing herself), it destroyed Javert. The simple charitable love of Valjean flew in the face of everything he believed. The message being that justice without mercy leads to a breakdown in the system.
Ive been so many times to see live productions of this since 1985... At least 40 times...needless to say l adore it.... and its still running to full houses around the world..m
I’m just lying here showing my 9 year old clips of Les Mis as we’re snuggling down to sleep. It’s been part of my life almost for my entire life, and I wanted to pass it along to him. Well, he got bored and fell asleep, and I just kept going. Then, I stumble across THIS! It was the reaction I wanted my son to have lol. (Bless him. He’s only 9. He’ll come around!) What a joy to watch you see it for the first time. I binged the whole thing (it’s 4am now) and found myself answering your questions and talking to you like a friend. I discovered this musical at age 14 at theater camp. I’m about to be 52. I’ve seen it 18 times in four different countries, and I was lucky enough to see both Colm and Michael Ball on the West End. “Sharing” this with you was a true pleasure on my part. I have 9 kids, and most of them love Les Mis. I hope the 9 year old will one day as well. I’ll probably watch this whole thing again one day because it was just so fun. Thank you!!!! And remember the truth that once was spoken: To love another person is to see the face of God.
It has been exciting to binge-watch this and see someone meet and fall in love with grand-scale musical theater. I'm sure I speak for everyone watching your reaction that we are grateful for the chance to accompany you on this experience and observe your life brighten and expand. So just a little hint as to where and why a play suddenly breaks into song: When the emotion in a character or a scene gets too intense, that is where a musical number ensues. The idea is that emotions hard to contain are expressed in musicals as song. Songs are randomly placed, but used for dramatic effect.
Such a joy watching this with you. Please please please if you’re going to watch another version please skip the 25th anniversary and go straight to the 2019 London Staged concert. It is much better than the 25th anniversary, and you get more of the story. Well worth a watch - as a die hard Les Mis fan, I love seeing other people discover the musical. And if you’re looking for another musical to watch, check out Come From Away. Superb!
Thank you so much SalvoG for uploading and reacting to this. I know you’re working on two other show reactions right now, but can you please add the 25th anniversary of phantom of the opera to your list of reactions? I gotta say watching this and your reactions has been incredible and I look forward to what’s coming and you’ve inspired me and have me a great idea to find a theater group, kind of like a singles group, but for theater and musical lovers and try to meet with others that share my passion of musicals and musical theater. So thank you so much for that. Love the channel and the reactions and can’t wait for more.
I really hope you've had the chance to see the full musical (sets and all) since you posted this, it takes the whole experience to the next level. So highly recommended!!
Les Mis was the first musical I ever saw - decades ago. Ruined me for musicals because it was so good. Still gives me chills. If you ever get the chance to see it live in the theater, go.
It’s been a pleasure to stumble across your reactions discovering Les Mis. Even with the poor audio/video quality, short of the live show, this performance is probably my favorite rendition for sheer musical talent on display. Regarding the movie, they cast famous actors who can sing, rather than casting for singing ability first. I think some of the director’s choices were missteps (especially for Javert), but I’m a longtime fan with opinions about the show- I think you’d be fine and enjoy it. While this staging does jump past some important plot points, in fairness, the musical manages to cover the full plot of the book (even the abridged version is still something like 400 pages long). Political protesters around the world sing “Do you hear the people sing”- you can find examples of protestors singing it in Hong Kong, and in Wisconsin back in 2010 when public unions were broken. Trump even played it at the announcement for his 2024 presidential run (not sure he quite gets its message, but clearly, it has appeal to both sides of the political aisle). Hugo himself saw the novel as a call to action, writing: “…Humankind's wounds, those huge sores that litter the world, do not stop at the blue and red lines drawn on maps. Wherever men go in ignorance or despair, wherever women sell themselves for bread, wherever children lack a book to learn from or a warm hearth, Les Misérables knocks at the door and says: "open up, I am here for you.”" I hope you have the chance to see the live show someday, it’s really something.
Hello! I have absolutely loved watching you experience this for the first time! It was the first musical I ever saw at 11 years old, and remains my absolute favourite today! (40 now!) So looking forward to seeing you experience Miss Saigon as well, third or... fourth? I went to see! Since you are delving further into this wonderful world of theatre can I strongly suggest Billy Elliot and The Phantom of the Opera as well? Both very different, but marvelous productions and available to stream (theatre productions not the films obviously!)
I took my teenage kids to watch this in Houston, Texas over twenty years ago and we’ve been hooked ever since. Back home in the U.K. it’ll be coming to my little Town this Summer so hopefully I’ll get to see it again
I thoroughly enjoyed watching these reaction videos. Les Mis is my favorite show. I've seen it 3 times and i cried every time. I've also watched both anniversary concerts (10th and 25th) several times. Lea Salonga, who played Eponine in this one, plays Fantine in the 25th anniversary one! Also, I've been enjoying your Pentatonix playlist. Lea Salonga sings with Pentatonix on Christmas in our Hearts, which came out a month ago. You should definitely see Les Mis on stage! It's amazing!!
A fun little fact: The Japanese Valjean is the original Iron Chef chairman! Another little fun fact: a few of the english speaking Valjeans were part of the chain gang at the very beginning. I know Ireland and UK for sure. Anyway for future watching I say either do another Les Mis concert or the the Phantom 25th concert. You need to hear Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo together!
I really enjoyed this series! It was fun watching someone experience this epic concert for the first time. I've watched this convert dozens and dozens of times over the years and just love it so much. Cheers!
Great fun. Love this play. I saw it four times in the 90's. I've seen this concert on CD a few times too. Fantastic music and singers. So fun to watch with you, such great memories. I haven't been to the theater in a thousand years, lol. I used to go in San Francisco quite a bit. Made it to New York twice and saw many shows there too. You made a grown man cry, lol. I find this play and music deeply moving. Highly recommend the book, Victor Hugo is legend and the book is a great classic. Allow some time, it's pretty long. Oh and be prepared Eponine is a totally different character in the book, character wise.
It’s been amazing to be here with you while you get to watch for the first time. I have the DVD and I watch it often. I hope you loved it as much as I do. Thank you.
I'm so happy that you have enjoyed this musical, it's one of my favs. I can't wait for you to start Miss Saigon, it's an amazing musical! I got to see it when it first premiered in Toronto and it is such a good story! :D
If you enjoyed this, please watch the 25th Concert that was recorded at the O2....it had more of the trappings of the actual stage musical (sets, props, on stage action, etc.). Plus the return of the original London cast. Really wonderful.
Watching this with someone who is seeing it for the first time has been so much fun for me. I hope you realize how much we appreciate you for this Salvo. It’s been wonderful. Thank you!!❤😊
Completely agree.
Thank you so much! So glad this brings you all joy as much as it does for me.
💯 agree, so much pleasure as we all see this together as if for the first time. Thank you Salvo
I hope he has had a chance to see it live by now!
Les Miz. My favorite musical ever. Where they introduce you to 57 characters, kill off 53 of them, and make you love it anyway
Lol😂😂😂
To answer some of your questions...
- Yes, Les Mis is HUGE all around the world. It has played in over 50 countries and been translated into 22 languages. Many of the Valjeans in this encore were in the original productions in their respective countries. It has been running in London since 1985 (only closed down because of covid and is back on stage now) and there has been 3 productions on Broadway.
- Miss Saigon? Oh boy, continuing on with the Boublil and Schönberg shows. Thankfully the filmed version from a few years is the full show and also includes a special encore so you'll get some performances from the orignal cast as well - including Lea Salonga who played Eponine in this.
- Back to Les Mis and a few story related things: quite a bit of context is missing in this because a few songs were cut or shortened in this concert.
- Valjean brings the unconcious Marius from the barricades into the sewers where he passes out for a bit. This is where Thénardier finds them when looking through all the bodies for valuables (as he sings in Dog Eats Dogs) and he steals a ring that Marius is wearing - his family ring!
- Valjean wakes up and carries Marius out of the sewers where they meet Javert, who lets them go so Valjean can take Marius to the hospital to recover.
- This leading to Javert's white/black, good/evil worldview crumbeling down around him and as he sings "a world that cannot hold", so he commits suicide by throwing himself into the river.
- Marius is recovering (in the show he has his arm in a sling during this part) and suffers heavily from survivors guilt (Empty Chairs at Empty Tables) as well as being troubled by not knowing who saved him.
- Cosette finds out where he is and encourages him in his recovery.
- Valjean has a conversation with Marius (Valjeans confession) where he tells Marius of his past and to take care of Cosette because Valjean has to leave.
- Cosette and Marius get married and the Thénardiers pretend to be invited guests and somehow get in to have a little talk with Marius. They tell him that his new father-in-law in a murderer and a thief because they saw him carrying a dead body from the barricades and shows him the ring - Marius' ring! leading to Marius finally finding out Valjean was the one who saved him.
- So he gets Cosette and takes her to Valjeans deathbed.
- The ghosts of Fantine and Eponine guides Valjean into the afterlife - Fantine because he took care of her daughter and Eponine because he took care of Marius.
- So yeah, it's one of those shows where very few characters actually survive. It's only Marius, Cosette and the Thénardiers that are alive at the end of the show.
I could go into even more detail than this, but I've already been rabling on too long. I'm glad you enjoyed the show and I would definitely recommend looking up a few of the missing parts like "Valjeans Confession"
"it's one of those shows where very few characters actually survive"
Yes, this is from Victor Hugo after all.
If you want to fill in all the gaps, there is a complete symphonic version - audio only - that has all the cut scenes or sung dialogue scenes. It’s long but really lovely.
Also at the end Javert is the only one who doesn't sing in the finale because he committed suicide.
@@AstraIrae On the upside it has the full show (even a lot of stuff that has since been cut from the show since this cast recording is from 1988). And it has stellar performances from Philip Quast (Javert) and Michael Ball (Marius), who are in the 10th anniversary too. It also features a strong performance from Anthony Warlow as Enjolras. The rest of the performances are okay in most cases - but Gary Morris as Valjean has always be very dividing among fans of the show.
You have done a marvelous job of filling in gaps!!! Thank you, but I enjoyed reading the original book. Sometimes it gave TOO MANY details, but mostly added depth of understanding of why people did what they did!!
Have to admit, it was kinda fun watching your head explode at the end! 😊
Context that is left out of this section: after the "Heart full of Love" reprise, Valjean confides in Marius, telling him something of his past as an explanation as to why he's leaving. After the Thenardier's sing the song that this version keeps, Monsieur Thenardier confronts Marius, accusing Valjean of robbing the bodies of the students at the barricades and producing a ring taken from the "body" Valjean was carrying as evidence. Marius, recognizing the ring as his own, puts 2 and 2 together and realizes that Valjean was the mysterious benefactor that saved him from the barricade, which is why Marius and Cosette show up at Valjean's deathbed to thank him for his intervention.
I was 12 yrs old, walking by my parents bedroom and stopped dead in my tracks at Lea Salonga's voice coming out of the TV. I was entirely hooked and sat down on their bed and watched the remainder of this concert airing on a PBS special. For my birthday my mother got me the t-shirt and VHS tape of this concert as well as tickets to see the show live. Thus began an obsession with musicals to this day, though this concert will forever be my favorite. Thank you for opening your mind to a new media and sending me on a trip down memory lane.
Who was your favorite character at the end? Do you have a favorite song?
The line “To love another person is to see thee face of God.” Fantine and Valjean loved Cosette, but Eponine also loved Marius unrequited and wanted the best for him. True love though unrequited. That gets me.
Sorry I’m commenting so much, but I had another thought. It’s also really fitting that Eponine is one of Valjean’s angels. Even though he didn’t know her, she led Cosette to love and security, which was his goal at the end of his life. It’s fitting that she comes in unexpected, as always with her.
The thing about Fantine, Eponine and Valjean is that they all exhibited the greatest love of all - the love that is sacrificial. It's giving yourself totally to the other, even giving your life for them. It's not about you, it's about the person you truly care about. That's why this musical resonates so much with many people. The very best of humanity embodied in the love and sacrifice shown by these three. A contrast to today's "me and only me matters" view that has, unfortunately, become de rigueur in "modern" society.
Ivewaited 40 years and finally have tickets for next month 🎉🎉🎉
Fun fact, Takashi Kaga, who was the Japanese ValJean was also chairman Kaga on Iron Chef.
Miss Saigon will be a very different experience since it is the complete show. It was shot on stage but in a way that makes it look more cinematic than most proshot productions that are clearly on stage
Also the Irish and UK Valjeans were part of the chain gang at the very beginning
@@MadameChristie And Canadian, Australian, and American. They were the 5 convicts.
Allez Cuisine!
It doesn’t matter how many times I watch this, I always sob like a baby.
The duet between Cosette and Eponine never, ever, ever fails to give me chills
You mean Fantine and Eponine? Yes, I love that, too!
Well THANK YOU. You just made an oldie very happy. Im 65. I was in Les Mis...another life. Another world. I wasnt in the 10th Anniversary Concert with my fellow ex company members as i had 2 broken ribs...fell off horse ....but saw it all from just by stage off left🤣🤣 it was chaos, so many people and so few loos🙄😱
Our company's Javert all those years ago ...80 something was Phil Quast...the Javert you justsaw...it was his first UK job...he was well known in Australia, but not here. Cameron Mackintosh...the greatest Musical Producer... Google him. Was so impressed with him in Oz that he brought him to the UK. This huge handsome Aussie with the voice of a God and the nicest bloke ever..great straight actor too....at his happiest fishing 🤣🤣.hes 65 now...like me ...we got old😱😭🤣
That was theDream Cast...the 25thAnniversary wasnt a patch on the 10th.
Thanks again watching along here in London and seeing your reaction was priceless. Musical theatre is tough...you cant just blag it ..theres nowhere to hide🤣🤣🤣you often play lots of small parts at once ....lots to learn. Glad you enjoyed it ....the film....🙄🙄im saying nothing except. ..Russell Crowe was greatas Javert except for one thing HE CANT SING MUSICAL THEATRE IT WAS ....😱..😅 its weird actually...reading the comments ....people seem to be far more knowledgeable about Les Mis.....The Glums🤣🤣...than any actor ive ever known...to whom it was just work. Interesting.
Love to read about your experience! :)
I don’t know how many times I’ve watched your reaction to this. It is so fantastic. The part where Fantine and Eponine visit Valjean on his deathbed - he saved/cared for their loves (Cosette and Marius) - is so gorgeous. It is all about love.
Especially since you enjoyed the encore with the extra 17 Valjeans so much, I think you should really check out 4 Valjeans singing bring him home from the 25th anniversary concert. It's Colm Wilkinson (this Valjean), Alfie Boe (the Valjean from the 25th Anniversary and personally my favourite), John Owen-Jones (the Valjean from the 25th anni touring production), and Simon Bowman (the Valjean from the London cast at that time). That version truly raises you to new hemispheres, it's freaking breathtaking!!!
I agree. The encore from the 25th Anniversary Concert is stunning! The actual concert is almost as good as the 10th Anniversary Concert - many truly stellar performances (Alfie Boe, Ramin Karimloo, Carrie Hope Fletcher) with one exception which was a bit jarring. Still, it's worth a watch, if only for the encore.
@@ilsaruthen5478 Carrie Hope Fletcher wasn't in the 25th anniversary.
@@jixer1956 Mea Culpa! You're right. She was in the 2019 Staged Concert with Michael Ball & Alfie Boe.
Yes watch the valjeans
You have to watch the 25th anniversary of Les Mis. You should also watch the 25th anniversary of Phantom of the Opera
I always get chills when Eponine joins in, and again when Do You Hear the People Sing starts up so quietly. This was amazing, thank you so much for reacting to this! I can't wait for Miss Saigon!
You just witnessed the best musical, and recorded tribute EVER!! Go watch it live! No other cast can do what this group did, but it’s still a PERFECT show!!
Les Mis has played in 53 countries. It is one of the the longest running and most successful musicals of all time
Les Mis is the greatest peice of musical theatre ever written. It's a truly worldwide phenomenon. Thanks for your thoughtful series if videos. I enjoyed every minute.
Wonderful finale to a great series.
Chess in Concert. Evita. Miss Saigon. Into the Woods. Phantom of the Opera. Check em all out.
I don't know how many times I've seen this, I still bawl like a baby at the end. Well, several times through the whole show, but there's something about having that many voices, and when the orchestra drops away at the end of the final encore, it is magical.
Every single time I hear either One Day More or the final number, I SOB - this time was no exception, so you can imagine how much of a mess I was at the end of this video haha.
I'm so happy that you've enjoyed this - my inner 15-year-old-self (Valjean understudy in the school production) is jumping for joy 🙂
Fun fact: în 2012 musical movie, the one with High Jackman playing Valjean, guess what, Colm Wilkinson is playing the bishop (and he appears In the scene of Valjean's death, to greet him and to receive him in Heaven.)
It's was great to see Lea singing at the End.
I love pop music-Rock, Pop, Folk, Blues…, but there is something so special about hearing trained voices singing beautifully composed music!
If you've ever struggled in life, you can relate to this show in one form or another. This show resonates very close to my heart and reminds me of many situations I've overcome in my life. Such a great time hanging out with you and seeing your reactions.
I’d rather see one great show like this live than any 10 movies! …and this one holds a special place in my heart. The last time I saw this 10th anniversary show, my father took his last breath during the 17 Valjean’s singing the closing number, I was right by his side.
Thank you for posting this show and sharing your reaction, hopefully you’ve decided to watch this live in the theater.
Judy Kuhn, who played Cosette, who you said had a classical voice, did the singing voice of Pocahontas in that movie.
I always say that "To love another person is to see the face of God" is the best line from any song, ever.
There's also a 25th Anniversary concert, with Lea Salonga as Fantine, and Nick Jonas as Marius (he had performed the role on the London stage). Samantha Barks, who played Eponine, played the role in the movie.
There only one Eponie and that Lea Salonga and nobody comes close
Loved rewatching this 10th anniversary concert with some one seeing it for the first time, the power of emotion all the away through, its a roller coaster that you never want to end...thank you for sharing... looking forward to your thoughts on Miss Saigon
Also fun fact, if you watch the movie that came out a few years ago with Hugh Jackman. The priest is played by this Valjean, Colm Wilkinson. 😸
I remember seeing this concert broadcast on PBS throughout 1996 as part of its membership drive. For your upper tier pledge of financial support of your local PBS station, you would be sent a copy of the concert when it came out on home video in 1998. Btw, this concert recording still has not come out on Blu-ray, even though it was filmed with HD cameras.
Yep, got my VHS copy via Los Angeles' PBS station in 1996. Sadly that tape's been lost in various moves, but I do remember watching the show on TV. My cousin would start fan-girling whenever Michael Maguire came on, either on the pledge drive or as Enjolras. Good times. :)
This is exactly how I was introduced to Les Miserables! I was up late nursing my new born son. In those days we only had 4 TV channels, so PBS was it that night. When my surprise daughter was born in 2006, we named her Cosette.
I grew up with musical theatre and my earliest memory is watching this concert on VHS. I knew every word to Les Mis by the time I was 6 and as an adult am still involved in theatre where everyone knows Les Mis. So it has been amazing to see someone come into it knowing nothing and experience it for the first time. I really recommend watching a full version of it so you can get the full story and staging but these really are some of the best singers that cannot be beaten.
I think I speak for most (if not all) of us when I say how excited I am for your total appreciation for this production and your appropriate reactions to the performances. Yes, a tremendous amount of planning and cooperation had to go into this anniversary concert and the result is EPIC down to the final medley with all the international Valjeans. Thank you so much for sharing your sincere and admiring reaction. I hope this stirs your desire to watch stage musicals even more and seek out opportunities to see live theater musicals often too. It is one of my FAVORITE things.
SalvoG, you SIMPLY MUST go to see a live performance of this!!! So much was lost in this format!!!
I agree! I've seen this in various theaters about 8 times and going again in Chicago at the end of February. Although I still prefer the original staging from when I first saw it (they've updated it recently), it is still a must see on stage!
@@bethscott8027 I almost don't want to know, but... what have they done to it? My favorite musical, saw it on Broadway in the 90s... what have they done to it?
@Mark Kelso just some of the staging. No more roundtable in the stage, updated tech. Still wonderful.
@@mrkelsoThey made it more elaborate. Some things were improved (Empty Chairs at Empty Tables), but I prefer the minimalism of the original staging. The loss of the roundtable stage is a huge loss, IMO.
This concert is known as "The Dream Cast" as the producers and writers chose who they felt were the ideal for the different parts. Many originated their parts but others were either replacements or originated the part when Les Miz moved from London to Broadway. It was 10 years after the original London production so they all in good voice, even though a few looked a bit "long in the tooth" to play students. Michael Maguire (Enjolras) only did Les Miz on stage before finishing his law degree. Alun Armstrong (Thenardier) is well known for British TV and did a great show called "Old Dogs" that streamed here in the US.
Fun fact: the man who originated Valjean in Japan, Takeshi Kaga, is best known in the US as "Chairman Kaga" who was the host of the original Iron Chef. Also, the five English speaking Valjeans from the finale played the prisoners in the original scene as they sang "Look Down"
I can understand Lea Salonga said this is her favorite. Great, great, and great
I saw this in Boston 30 years ago with this exact cast. Literally everyone was crying during the final scene. This was the first musical I ever saw and it was definitely not the last. I ended up seeing it 3 times along with Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon. These are the greatest 3 musicals of all time, but Les Miserables was my favorite of all.
Woo I know I am late to this video but oh man it had been years since I saw this concert. I love it so much and I love seeing people watch it for the first time. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, it's one of my favorites.
Few things!
I highly encourage you read the original novel (If you can get the uncut version even better) It's a long read, but if you got caught up in this story let me tell you the book is even more amazing.
Colm Wilconson (Valjean) was the original. He is such an amazing singer and no one can beat his performance. Michael Ball (Marius) also eventually played Valjean and is also amazing
In general this is the best cast (Thus why it's called the dream cast) I admit I've always loved Philip Quast as Javert. He has such intensity and while it's not as fleshed out as the book, it is equally as enthralling.
Funny note for me, I think it's pretty hilarious just how Tall Quast is compared to the others when you see them lined up. That alone makes Javert a very intimidating person.
I loved watching you react to one of my favorite musicals of all time. Definitely hoping to see more. :_
They cut out so much that "unable to face Cosette, Valjean decides he must disappear" just doesn't cover. When Marius is thanking Valjean for giving him permission to marry Cosette, Valjean reveals the truth of his past to him. "Beggars At the Feast" is sung when the Thenadiers show up at the wedding to blackmail Marius, accusing Valjean of being a murderer because Thenadier saw Valjean carrying Marius' wounded body through the sewer. He produces a "souvenir" from that night which turns out to be Marius' ring. Upon seeing it, Marius realizes it was Valjean who saved him and brought him to Cosette. He punches Thenadier, leaves the wedding with Cosette to find Valjean, and then the Thenadiers sing "Beggars At the Feast."
Ahh, my favorite part of this concert is the international finale!
I'm so glad you experienced this, and I promise that when you get to see the play live on stage it is so much more intense and moving.
Loved watching you watch this. Les Miz has been my favorite musical for many years. Saw it in person three times I believe. There are certain scenes where so many people in the audience are crying and sobbing, including the end. It would be worth it to see the actual "play," because the spinning stage and actual props and barricade make it all make sense. I hope you get to see it although this concert version is good too.
Really proud of you for sticking with this incredible concert and learning the wonderful story of Les Miserables. Hope you go and read the book now. Will LOVE watching more reactions to MORE musical theater productions. Suggestions: Cabaret, Grand Hotel, Oklahoma, West Side Story, Rent, Hamilton, Mame, the list goes on and on.
Salvo, Les Mis is my favorite show. I had SUCH a great time watching with you. This is the concert that got me into Les Mis at 7 years old in 1995. I have seen it live twice and it still isn’t enough. This concert features the greatest performers in the world. Thank you for this, Brother!
A part they missed was that the Thenardiers started talking about when they found Valjean in the sewers "killing" a boy in the sewers. The one Thenardier took the ring from. Marius saw the ring on his finger and put the pieces together - that Valjean is the one that saved him. And that's why Cosette and Marius came running in. And why did Valjean run away from Cosette? He has no idea Javert is dead and he's back on the run and didn't want to involve her.
Oh, and Marius punches Tenardier
I've so loved watching this again but through your eyes, someone who hasn't seen it before. I've loved it since I was 11 years old. My music teacher used to play a phrase for me to guess the character and song from this musical every time I walked into music class. Love Philip Quast as Javert (actually met him and he's so lovely), Colm and Ruthie and Lea are all incredible too!!!! Haven't watched this for a long time but gave binged watched your videos of it and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It's so emotive and sad and inspirational all at the same time..... This is why I love musicals and welcome to this world!!! :-)
I participated on a production that was basically highlights. A Gala concert, but we actually were acting all the scenes as well.
Most of us read the book before we started rehearsing and believe me, if you thought there was a lot of drama on this play, there is a lot of crying when you read the book especially at the end, it took me about 30 minutes to finish the last two pages when Val Jean was alone and dying, because tears were not allowing me to keep reading. Ha!
Read the book y’all! 😊
Yes, the ending of the book is very very very difficult.
You really need to see the movie for more contex although the singing is nowhere near as good. Also there is another anniversary special that is much better
@@rosemariediamond5948 except Marius in it is out of his depth compared to the other performers imo.
Such a joy to watch it with you and seeing someone watch it for the first time. I've watched Les Miz on DVD, UA-cam hundreds of times.. and have seen live performances about 4 times. Always so good and so moving. It's such a joy seeing someone being moved by some of the songs and the music.
This was the version I grew up watching, though the first version I ever (partially) saw was a local high school production. I remember falling asleep when all the pretty women were picking flowers. (Or so I thought. I was ten.)
This was incredible, and I am SO glad you enjoyed it. The 2012 version is incredible in its own way and gives more visual context.
I've been a Les Miserables fan for 30 years but it was so much fun getting to watch it again through the eyes of someone seeing it for the first time. You really got invested into the story and characters. Thanks for posting these!
To love another person is to see the face of GOD, is one of my favorite lines of all time
Oh, one part they didn’t show in this concert was Cosette and Marius’s wedding. At the end, Valjean wants God to take him and what you were seeing was like the “ghosts” of Epinine and Fantine...also in the show you see the “ghosts” of Marius’s friends he lost at the barricade. The finale and bows were spectacular at the live shows. I hope you get to see it yourself soon.
The 25th anniversary is stunning as well with lea doing the part of fantine
And that one has all the parts omitted from this. The continuity is better.
@@DialovesBono ❤️❤️
@@catherinedorney6092 I just sadly didn’t love Nick Jonas as Marius, and I really wanted to because I think he’s fabulous, and he played Gavroche on the West End when he was younger. I assumed they wanted to bring in a younger crowd, maybe, but I would not have used him for the concert. I will, however, say that Alfie Boe is STUNNING as Valjean. It’s a different style than Colm, for sure, but his voice took my breath away.
@@DialovesBono I agree with you 100% and I love Colm hes the OG but Alfie's voice stole my heart ❤️❤️
This was the 10th Anniversary. The 25th Anniversary is very different yet the same. It is just as awesome. I love this story and how it’s delivered. Fun watching with your fresh eyes!!
The 25th anniversary concert is also amazing and brings in so many past actors and children’s acting groups from around the world ❤ thank you for this it was memorable to watch someone go through this for the first time
You know, about an hour ago I woke up with a Les Mis song stuck in my head and immediately thought to myself "I bet SalvoG is gonna post the last part today", sort of half joking. I just opened UA-cam and here you are! Can't wait to watch this. And I'm very excited to see you react to more musicals. I found your channel because of the first Les Mis reaction and I absolutely love seeing people who were previously (mostly) unfamiliar with musicals react to them. As a lifelong musical fan it's been an absolute joy to see you react to this.
You have to see it live. The music and voices go through your soul and bones.
This was an experience to treasure. Thank you so much, SalvoG.
The ending has me in tears every damn time.
Even if you don’t want to check out the 25th anniversary show you should watch the end it’s epic. By the way it’s a better representation of the actual musical than the 10th concert which skipped a bit
Thank YOU so much! Hope you can see it live; it’s a whole different experience.
I don't remember what other shows you've decided to watch besides MISS SAIGON, but the original broadway cast of INTO THE WOODS should definitely be included as well as SWEENEY TODD with Angela Lansbury. And I would highly recommend that you watch the 25th anniversary concert of LES MISERABLES as well. I think overall people will say the 10th anniversary cast is vocally stronger, there are great performances in the 25th anniversary, it is a more complete concert of the show (not as much cut out), and it is more interesting visually.
Think he said he was also going to watch Come From Away.
An incredible reaction....thank you sir! It had been quite some time since watching this concert, even though I do own the DVD, and seeing it again and watching your reaction has been a real treat!
I’m so sad this journey is over! I’ve loved reliving this concert through your videos (and weeping at the finale all over again)
I have seen this so many times, and sadly, there always comes a point where you don’t have that fresh feeling about it anymore, even if you still love it a lot, but watching this with you gave me back some of that freshness, and I loved it! Thank you for watching and filming this!! Can’t wait for Miss Saigon 🥺
I do recommend watching the 25th anniversary concert as well. it has the higher quality you wanted throughout this show. Available on Vudu, amazon, and youtube.
I look forward to Miss Saigon.
I have seen this three times live, the stage show, every time it comes to Australia I try and go. I love it. This and Phantom of the Opera.
Okay, so your French pronunciation of the names has gotten INFINITELY better!!! I love this series of videos, can't wait for Miss Saigon!!! :)
Les Mis was the first broadway show I ever saw or listened too. It changed my life. Made me love musical theatre. Second show I saw was Miss Saigon. You’re in for a treat. It’s so fun seeing someone experience it for the first time. You should check out “Rent” once you get thru your other shows.
And each of those Valjeans were/are their countries' "Broadway stars", the top in their field. It's just too much, isn't it?
If you only ever get to one live musical production, I hope you are lucky enough for it to be this show. Thank you again for sharing with us your discovery of and, I believe, joy and love of musical theatre. ♥
There are clips of Frances Ruffelle singing "On My Own" that is just incredible. She and Leah have different interpretations, but they are both fantastic in the role. Also, as an FYI, Frances Ruffelle had a guest role in the old series "The Equalizer" with Edward Woodward. The best version of McCall. Ever.
I loved, loved, LOVED your reactions to this! I’m so glad you’re doing musical theater! I cannot wait until Come From Away! I will be watching Miss Saigon!
I think I already said this, but thank you for reacting to this. This was my first experience with an opera or professional play, I watched "Do you hear the people sing" in German class and was so moved by it that it lead to my mom and I both falling in love with the music and getting the VHS tape for this. It has been about four years since I lost her and you reacting to this has brought back all those memories for me, I can never thank you enough for that. Seeing you react to this was a wonderful trip down memory lane as well as a great experience in it own right. I appreciate and now can stand in more awe after hearing and seeing how you reacted to some of the singing, I kind of took it for granted and didn't fully weigh how great those voices were until you pointed it out so thank you. I find it funny that the one song I heard of this lead to me watching the entire concert over and over again, watching multiple movies that have been made, and reading the book just craving more of the story. I can't wait for other reactions like this one. I will probably always rank this play as my all time favorite, but I want to find more that I might like through your reactions, and get more that grab my interest.
If you watch it again, you see that some of the international ValJeans were the prisoners in the very first scene. I recognized 2 or 3 of them.
After the show finale and after bows, there were speeches by producer/director/writer, etc. Then they announced the international ValJeans to lead into the encore.
It's been wondering being on this journey with you as you discover the musical LES MISERABLES! I know MISS SAIGON is on your list and I *beg* of you to watch the Manila production from 2000. It's the only good quality recording of the full show starring Lea Salonga. (The revival was filmed, but Lea isn't in it. And I think there is a video of the original Broadway show near the very end of the run in January 2001. That does have Lea in it, but as I recall the quality is very poor.)
Just to add a few points...yes Les Miserables is HUGE. And I don't just mean the musical. The book was an international best seller. It is one of the (if not THE) most adapted novels ever. It has been in movies since the days of silent films. Worldwide. If after 10 years the anniversary show had 17 Valjeans...I wonder how many the 40th could have in 2025
Anyway...so some details not shown
1. Javert was looking for Thenardier near the sewers. Thenardier was aware of it and was trying to kill two birds with one stone. Get Javert off his trail and get even with Valjean.
2. Valjean put the address where Cosette and he lived so Marius would find her. Marius's grandfather, so grateful to have him back home, arranges all the details for them to wed.
3. Valjean gives Cosette a 580,000 franc dowrey. Then tells Marius he's an ex con in hiding for breaking parole. And that Marius must order him to stop seeing Cosette.
4. Marius was in a coma and then convalescing for about 3 months. He thinks Valjean killed Javert.
5. When Thenardier shows up and tries to sell him secrets it goes something like this:
T- Your father in law is a convict
M- Yeah. I know. He told me.
T- He's a murderer too.
M-Yes. I know. I heard him kill Inspector Javert
T- No. Javert killed himself. Read it in the paper. I mean some man I found him dragging through the sewers.
(Cue Marius's AH-HA moment)
Finally Javert doesn't sing the final number not because he offed himself. But because where love redeemed Fantine (motherly love), and Eponine (unrequited love & sacrificing herself), it destroyed Javert. The simple charitable love of Valjean flew in the face of everything he believed. The message being that justice without mercy leads to a breakdown in the system.
Well done. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Really looking forward to Miss Saigon.
Ive been so many times to see live productions of this since 1985...
At least 40 times...needless to say l adore it.... and its still running to full houses around the world..m
I’m just lying here showing my 9 year old clips of Les Mis as we’re snuggling down to sleep. It’s been part of my life almost for my entire life, and I wanted to pass it along to him. Well, he got bored and fell asleep, and I just kept going. Then, I stumble across THIS! It was the reaction I wanted my son to have lol. (Bless him. He’s only 9. He’ll come around!) What a joy to watch you see it for the first time. I binged the whole thing (it’s 4am now) and found myself answering your questions and talking to you like a friend. I discovered this musical at age 14 at theater camp. I’m about to be 52. I’ve seen it 18 times in four different countries, and I was lucky enough to see both Colm and Michael Ball on the West End. “Sharing” this with you was a true pleasure on my part. I have 9 kids, and most of them love Les Mis. I hope the 9 year old will one day as well. I’ll probably watch this whole thing again one day because it was just so fun. Thank you!!!!
And remember the truth that once was spoken: To love another person is to see the face of God.
It has been exciting to binge-watch this and see someone meet and fall in love with grand-scale musical theater.
I'm sure I speak for everyone watching your reaction that we are grateful for the chance to accompany you on this experience and observe your life brighten and expand.
So just a little hint as to where and why a play suddenly breaks into song:
When the emotion in a character or a scene gets too intense, that is where a musical number ensues. The idea is that emotions hard to contain are expressed in musicals as song. Songs are randomly placed, but used for dramatic effect.
When emotion gets to strong for speech you sing, when it's to strong for song you you dance
- Howard Achmen I believe
Such a joy watching this with you. Please please please if you’re going to watch another version please skip the 25th anniversary and go straight to the 2019 London Staged concert. It is much better than the 25th anniversary, and you get more of the story. Well worth a watch - as a die hard Les Mis fan, I love seeing other people discover the musical. And if you’re looking for another musical to watch, check out Come From Away. Superb!
Thank you so much SalvoG for uploading and reacting to this. I know you’re working on two other show reactions right now, but can you please add the 25th anniversary of phantom of the opera to your list of reactions? I gotta say watching this and your reactions has been incredible and I look forward to what’s coming and you’ve inspired me and have me a great idea to find a theater group, kind of like a singles group, but for theater and musical lovers and try to meet with others that share my passion of musicals and musical theater. So thank you so much for that. Love the channel and the reactions and can’t wait for more.
I really hope you've had the chance to see the full musical (sets and all) since you posted this, it takes the whole experience to the next level. So highly recommended!!
Les Mis was the first musical I ever saw - decades ago. Ruined me for musicals because it was so good. Still gives me chills. If you ever get the chance to see it live in the theater, go.
It’s been a pleasure to stumble across your reactions discovering Les Mis. Even with the poor audio/video quality, short of the live show, this performance is probably my favorite rendition for sheer musical talent on display.
Regarding the movie, they cast famous actors who can sing, rather than casting for singing ability first. I think some of the director’s choices were missteps (especially for Javert), but I’m a longtime fan with opinions about the show- I think you’d be fine and enjoy it.
While this staging does jump past some important plot points, in fairness, the musical manages to cover the full plot of the book (even the abridged version is still something like 400 pages long).
Political protesters around the world sing “Do you hear the people sing”- you can find examples of protestors singing it in Hong Kong, and in Wisconsin back in 2010 when public unions were broken. Trump even played it at the announcement for his 2024 presidential run (not sure he quite gets its message, but clearly, it has appeal to both sides of the political aisle).
Hugo himself saw the novel as a call to action, writing: “…Humankind's wounds, those huge sores that litter the world, do not stop at the blue and red lines drawn on maps. Wherever men go in ignorance or despair, wherever women sell themselves for bread, wherever children lack a book to learn from or a warm hearth, Les Misérables knocks at the door and says: "open up, I am here for you.”"
I hope you have the chance to see the live show someday, it’s really something.
You have made my January with these reactions!! It has been so amazing to watch you watch this for the first time. Thank you ❤
Hello! I have absolutely loved watching you experience this for the first time! It was the first musical I ever saw at 11 years old, and remains my absolute favourite today! (40 now!) So looking forward to seeing you experience Miss Saigon as well, third or... fourth? I went to see! Since you are delving further into this wonderful world of theatre can I strongly suggest Billy Elliot and The Phantom of the Opera as well? Both very different, but marvelous productions and available to stream (theatre productions not the films obviously!)
I took my teenage kids to watch this in Houston, Texas over twenty years ago and we’ve been hooked ever since. Back home in the U.K. it’ll be coming to my little Town this Summer so hopefully I’ll get to see it again
I thoroughly enjoyed watching these reaction videos. Les Mis is my favorite show. I've seen it 3 times and i cried every time. I've also watched both anniversary concerts (10th and 25th) several times. Lea Salonga, who played Eponine in this one, plays Fantine in the 25th anniversary one! Also, I've been enjoying your Pentatonix playlist. Lea Salonga sings with Pentatonix on Christmas in our Hearts, which came out a month ago.
You should definitely see Les Mis on stage! It's amazing!!
A fun little fact: The Japanese Valjean is the original Iron Chef chairman!
Another little fun fact: a few of the english speaking Valjeans were part of the chain gang at the very beginning. I know Ireland and UK for sure.
Anyway for future watching I say either do another Les Mis concert or the the Phantom 25th concert. You need to hear Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo together!
This show and Phantom of the opera are playing all around the world!
You have to watch the movie it’s amazing all live singing
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
I really enjoyed this series! It was fun watching someone experience this epic concert for the first time. I've watched this convert dozens and dozens of times over the years and just love it so much. Cheers!
Thank you so much for reacting to this. Great job!!
Yeah brother. It is emotional. I've cried many times watching this with you even though I've watched it before.
Great fun. Love this play. I saw it four times in the 90's. I've seen this concert on CD a few times too. Fantastic music and singers. So fun to watch with you, such great memories. I haven't been to the theater in a thousand years, lol. I used to go in San Francisco quite a bit. Made it to New York twice and saw many shows there too. You made a grown man cry, lol. I find this play and music deeply moving. Highly recommend the book, Victor Hugo is legend and the book is a great classic. Allow some time, it's pretty long. Oh and be prepared Eponine is a totally different character in the book, character wise.
It’s been amazing to be here with you while you get to watch for the first time. I have the DVD and I watch it often. I hope you loved it as much as I do. Thank you.
I'm so happy that you have enjoyed this musical, it's one of my favs. I can't wait for you to start Miss Saigon, it's an amazing musical! I got to see it when it first premiered in Toronto and it is such a good story! :D
If you enjoyed this, please watch the 25th Concert that was recorded at the O2....it had more of the trappings of the actual stage musical (sets, props, on stage action, etc.). Plus the return of the original London cast. Really wonderful.