Fun fact: In high school, I had an obsession with the musical Les Miserables. Kind of like Heather is with Presidential fun facts now.
Warning: extremely nerdy post about my favorite musical ahead.
So you can imagine that I have been LOVING the PBS airings of the 25th anniversary concert.
Although Lea Solonga playing Fantine instead of Eponine just feels weird (if you don’t know who she is, you probably know her voice…she voiced both Jasmine and Mulan in the Disney movies).
And I also think that a Jonas brother playing Marius is weird.
But that’s not the point. The point is, I am in love with Les Miserables.
Our history:
The first time I ever heard a song from the musical was in French class, when we had to practice our listening skills by filling in the words to “On My Own” as we listened to it. I still can’t find a French recording of the song, no matter how much I search.
If you have it and share it with me, you will be my best friend forever.
My friends Lani and Emily were also obsessed with Les Miserables in high school. To the point that Lani called me “Po” (for Eponine) and I called her “Gavi” (for Gavroche).
Once, we dressed up as those characters for Halloween. Nobody knew who we were supposed to be.
I cannot for the life of me find the photo now, otherwise I would share it.
Emily, Lani and I actually drove to a high school that was 45 minutes away to see their student production of Les Miserables once. For the record, the shortened student version isn’t as good. Probably because they had to cut out like half the content because the show is so long.
If you don’t count the student production, I’ve seen the show on stage twice. Once with my dad and once with (you guessed it) Lani, Emily and Lani’s sister.
We actually bought our tickets for that show the day they went on sale. And then they cancelled the showing we were supposed to see. To make it up to us, the theater gave us sixth row seats for a different day. That was awesome.
You can understand why I tried to read the book in high school. I didn’t finish. That thing is LONG.
That’s why I put “Read Les Miserables” on my 101 in 1001 list. I started on Sunday, and figured out that if I read 10 pages a day, I’ll be done by September.
That’s how long this book is. But I’m determined to finish it, because how could I not read the book my favorite musical was based on?
What’s your favorite topic to learn fun facts about? I’m pro at hearing one actor in a musical and telling you what other shows they’ve performed in. Really, I just love musicals and their fun facts in general!
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
That was the first Broadway show I ever saw! Love.
mindy recently posted..’tis the season
This post was made for me. I have seen Les Mis countless times and have even camped out to get tickets.. in the dead of winter. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Glad you do, too.
janetha @ meals and moves recently posted..random bites
I LOVE LES MIS!!!!
I read the book in high school..could NOT put it down. Such a beautiful story. About 2 years ago, the musical was here in Pittsburgh. Me, Dave, both my brothers and my sister in law went. I just loved it… as did everyone else…except Dave. He was so lost and kept asking me if they would stop singing and was MISERABLE(s) (<–ha) through out the entire thing. Hahahaha. I told him our marriage probably wasn't going to last if he felt this way towards Les Mis.
I hope he’s changed his feelings towards Les Mis then!
http://music.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=les+miserables+french&_sacat=11233&_dmpt=Music_CDs&_odkw=les+miserables&_osacat=11233&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313
Here are some discs for sale on ebay. There are also Youtube versions.
Eeeeee. Found it on YouTube!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wPvIch8igM
I think when I looked a few years back, it was before YouTube was big so I didn’t think of it. THANK YOU.
LOVE Les Mis!
I was “required” to read it in High School, and thought it was brutally long (as you mentioned), but beautifully written and told. It’s worth it. (But in my procrastination I DID spend nearly an entire night pushing my way through the book in an attempt to finish it before an essay exam.)
My high school performed this play my junior year, and I’m happy to say I was able to participate! I played a “lovely lady” and had a few “named” (woman 1) parts in the chorus. But the experience was priceless. I definitely understand the nerdy obsession.
Even in HS, the play was 30 scenes and 3 Acts long… is THAT the abbreviated version???
Someday I hope I can see the “real” production on stage!!
I think so… the original is 3+ hours long, and the student one is 2 or 2 1/2 if I remember correctly?
Les Mis is amazing! I’ve only seen it on stage once, but it was a magical experience. The music gives me goosebumps.
Katie recently posted..cue the Hallelujah Chorus
You forgot how jealous you are of your husband who saw it on stage in London. Or I just reminded you of your jealousy.
Yeah, I try not to think about that…
OMG! 6th row, I would have died in my seat! I’m attempting to read the book myself too! I’m 50 pages in I think.
Jessica @ Healthy Obsessions recently posted..Do you hear the people sing
So you’re still on the bishop chapters, I take it! Funny how he has such a big part in the book, and half a song in the musical!
Yeah, I’m at the point where Jean Valjean just finished having dinner with the Bishop and his sisters.
Jessica @ Healthy Obsessions recently posted..Do you hear the people sing
we sang a medley of les mis songs in my middle school chorus class! i had a solo for on my own.
love it.
sarah (sarah learns) recently posted..ale asylum
(Long-time lurker, had to come out of the woodwork to say): I am glad I’m not the only one who is completely obsessed. I’ve seen the show probably at least five times, including driving from Cleveland to Indianapolis for one. Managed to get through the book in high school, and have an embarrassing number of different recordings of the musical.. Actually, I’m not embarrassed – both book and show are awesome!
Welcome! I love hearing from “lurkers”
I love listening to all the different cast recordings. Do you have a favorite?
Tough call, but I think I like the 1988 Complete Symphonic Recording the best, just because you get it all! (although I think Eponine has a whiny voice..)
I also found an old French recording, which is different but actually quite cool when you think the whole thing should really be in French!
as you can see from my screen name, i looove Les Miserables. you didn’t finish the book? you should! i finished it in 11 days by reading 100 pages a day. and i’m 11. my friend actually played Valjean in school. as you can see, i looove Gavroche.
I will definitely give it another shot!