The musical
phenomenon, Les Miserables is running
with packed houses at the opulent London Westend Queens theatre from the last
three decades. The epic London show is one of the most mesmerising musical that
finely captures French history. The
story of Les Misérables is adapted from the popular novel by Victor
Hugo, Being one of the world's longest-running musical, the show is enjoying
love and success since its debut.
Year 1986 marked
the debut of Les Miserables and
opened with lukewarm review. The show has been transferred from the Barbican to
the Palace Theatre and finally settled at the Queen's Theatre. The story of Les Miserables is during the era of
French revolution and revolves around the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean.
The show is all about his struggles from his scary past. Another key highlight
of the show memorable score by duo Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg.
Some of the chartbusting musical numbers are "I Dreamed a Dream",
"On My Own", "Stars", "Bring Him Home", "Do
You Hear the People Sing?", "Master of the House", "A
Little Fall of Rain" and the show-stopping "One Day More".
Trevor Nunn and
John Caird, adapted and directed the musical with lyrics penned by Herbert
Kretzmer, set design by John Napier, costume design by Andreane Neofitou,
lighting design by David Hersey and sound design by Mick Potter and Andrew
Bruce. The West End production has retained much of the original choreography
and staging, whereas there have been huge changes in Broadway featuring vamped-up
video design and no revolving stage.
Some of the
popular actors that have performed in the show are Sierra Boggess, Danielle
Hope, Alfie Boe, Ramin Karimloo, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Rachelle Ann Go and Eva
Noblezada. Current casting includes Killian Donnelly as John Valjean, Jeremy
Secomb as Javert, Steven Meo as Thénardier, Paul Wilkins as Marius, Carley
Stenson as Fantine, Karis Jack as Eponine, Jacqueline Tate as Madame
Thénardier, Hyoie O'Grady as Enjolras and Charlotte Kennedy as Cossette.
The three hours
long show, Les
Miserables is certainly the classic musical featuring a sung through
score in an operetta style. The emotional saga has some comic moments alongside
battles and outstanding performances.
