"PBS offers every American a front-row seat to great arts and culture programming, and the Les Miz 25th anniversary concert allows viewers across the country the chance to experience some of the best-loved music of all time. LES MISERABLES 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT AT THE O2 will be seen in the U.S.
In 2010, the legendary musical celebrated its 25th birthday, and to mark the occasion, producer Cameron Mackintosh staged an extraordinary concert at the O2 Arena in London. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ - No one could have guessed on October 8, 1985, when Les Miserables opened in London at the Barbican Theatre that it would become a worldwide phenomenon, but audiences embraced it from the start, creating a "people's musical" that has played in 42 countries and has been seen by nearly 60 million people. – The Legendary Musical Celebrates Its 25th Birthday With a Stellar Cast –ĪRLINGTON, Va., Jan. ET ( check local listings ) on PBS Stations Nationwide On that night super-fan Sally Frith saw the show for the 740th time.Ĭameron Mackintosh is developing a film version.Sunday, March 6, 2011, 7:00 p.m. "Les Miz" became London's longest-running musical in October 2006. The action begins in 1815 and continues through the student revolt that terrorized Paris in 1832. It's often confused, but the musical is not set during the French Revolution of 1789.
25th anniversary of les miserables professional#
There have been more than 45,000 professional performances worldwide to a total audience of more than 57 million people. There have been nearly 40 cast recordings with productions in 42 countries, and the show has been translated into 21 different languages. The idea began when librettist Alain Boublil saw "Oliver!" The Artful Dodger made him think of Gavroche. The English lyrics were written by Herbert Kretzmer, a critic for London's Daily Mail newspaper.ĭespite the critic/lyricist's direct affiliation with the show, it didn't stop his newspaper's reviewer from writing, "Like eating an artichoke, you have to go through an awful lot to get a very little." Theater mavens have a love/not love relationship with "Les Miz," but extraordinary performances can make any show, and this shinning-like-silver "Les Miz" is spectacular popular theater.īlair Howell is a freelance editor and writer.
25th anniversary of les miserables full#
Purists will miss a few snips to the full script and - gasp! - there's no turntable, but these cuts don't dilute the show's strength. She shows no signs of embarrassment singing opposite him.Īs an encore, "Bring Him Home" is sung by four Valjeans, including Colm Wilkinson from the original London cast, before being joined by other 1985 cast members for "One Day More." Kudos to the charming Katie Hall as Cosette. This is the only "Les Miz" I've seen where I wished Marius was left for dead. He just doesn't have the vocal range or strength. He's a painful weak link in the otherwise sensational casting. Even young Robert Madge's Gavroche is a joy.Īpologies to any Jonas Brothers fans, but pity poor Nick Jonas. Lucas is a British character actor whom American audiences may know from his twin roles in Tim Burton's "Alice." Galloway is regarded as a legend in her role. Matt Lucas and Jenny Galloway are delicious, scene-stealing Thenardiers. Though struggling with the lower notes, she raises the bar with a superb "I Dreamed a Dream." Ramin Karimloo is a wonderfully strong-voiced Enjoloras. His "Stars" is sensational.Īs Fantine, Lea Salonga is heart-breaking. Norm Lewis, who received rave reviews for the recent "Sondheim on Sondheim," is a memorably sinister Javert.
As Jean Valjean, Tony winner Alfie Boe is stirring, delivering a full-throttle vocal intensity when necessary. The best theater singer-actors dazzle here.
That number includes a rich symphonic orchestra and the massive, 300-strong choir. This semi-staged "Les Miz" has been streamlined, but director Nick Morris does an astounding job re-creating the atmosphere of the full show, using a cast of 500 actors and musicians. Even for vets of more than a few Broadway or West End shows, it is still a must-see. To celebrate the opening of the world-conquering phenomenon known as "Les Miz," uberproducer Cameron Mackintosh staged this extraordinary concert at the 14,000-seat London amphitheater.įor those who may not have seen a professional version of "Les Miz," this will be a revelation. Viewers can decide for themselves when KUED-TV airs "Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2" Saturday, March 5, from 7-11 p.m., with a repeat Sunday, March 6 at 3 a.m. Now, 15 years later, is this the Definitive Cast? On its 10th anniversary, there was the Dream Cast.
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