Do you know why I write? Because I have encountered books, movies, music, art, architecture, places, landscapes, people, food, and celebrations that have caused my heart to swell, and I want to give other people that feeling.
Music causes the physical racing of my heart so that it seems my body will never be able to hold it. Last Sunday we saw Les Miserables live for the ninth time. I liked the movie well enough, but–Holy Cow!–there is nothing that compares to a live performance. One great thing about Les Mis is the solos that set the voices free and then pause to let the sound reverberate off the walls and into your very skin. When Javert sings “Stars,” Eponine sings “On My Own,” or Marius sings “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,” I close my eyes and allow the waves of sound to wash over me. I tear up when Fantine dies in Jean Valjean’s arms, and when Eponine dies in Marius’ arms, but when Fantine and Eponine come to take Jean Valjean to heaven, I sob openly.
But that in no way diminishes the power of the ensemble. When the people sing “One Day More,” I focus on hearing the different phrases blended together to create one sound, each reflecting an important aspect of the character or characters role in the story. I must admit that, as an alto, I pick the lines that are the closest to my limited range when I sing along.
God is great indeed for creating the talent that could compose such a work. Claude-Michel Schonberg, Alain Boublil, and Jean-Marc Natel, and Herbert Kretzmer who was the English lyricist, have used their impressive gifts to create this incredible project. And blessings upon blessings to those whose miraculous voices give us this little glimpse of paradise.
To love another person is to see the face of God.
Indeed.
I loved musicals before Les Mis. I thought I knew what a musical was. I thought I knew the full emotional side of musicals- but little did I know what I would learn from Les Mis.
Les Mis made me look at musicals from a DIFFERENT perspective- I began with the film. I already was around the emotion of sad, but HEARTBREAK- I never know I was blind to it in the musical theatre world. I never realized just how intense musical emotions could get- Les Mis showed me that. I had to rethink about a lot of things. Les Mis turned a current love I once had to a passion. I am obsessed with Les Mis- I actually had to buy the film a 2nd chance due to wearing it out. I had seen the stage show 5 times and read the book. I am still an emotional wreck each time I see it- either by songs alone, the film, or on stage- I still am crying- that will never change it seems. I once told myself I will NEVER love a tragedy- Les Mis showed that me that there is real beauty in the genre. So Les Mis played a huge role in my musical theatre journey.
Each time I see Les Mis, I love the intense emotion I am feeling. That is quite rare for a musical- it makes you feel multiple emotions. I leave the theatre- and still don’t feel sick and tired of it.
I had much the same reaction when I saw it the first time. It is life-changing, no doubt. So happy to hear from another theater enthusiast.
Trying to get back to Les Mis later this year through the US Tour- its coming to Charlotte later this year. If it happens, will be my 6th time seeing the stage show.