What’s the Broadway Buzz? Les Misérables (Kip’s perspective)
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Yes, I recognize that Les Misérables has been presented by BTL a few times over the decades so it technically doesn’t fit into my “What’s the Broadway Buzz” category. BUT it’s my absolute favorite and because I was in the 2004 production that played here at the VBC Concert Hall, please give me some creative license to discuss this glorious show from my perspective.
From the Les Misérables US Tour Official Website:
“Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history… Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries, 438 cities and 22 languages.”
Les Misérables was first a novel written by Victor Hugo and published in 1862. Since then, there have been numerous film and tv adaptations, a musical-stage adaptation (France, West End & Broadway, etc.) and a movie musical version in 2012 starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway. There is too much to say about all of these various incarnations of this beloved show, so I won’t try.
Instead, I will share a few thoughts and experiences from my personal journey with Les Misérables (my favorite):
- I can’t tell you the number of times I auditioned for Les Mis over the years because it was so many. But I knew in my heart that I was meant to be in that show, so I never quit showing up. Then I finally got the call in 2002 with the offer to be on the national tour as a swing, covering 11 different roles. I stayed with the tour until it closed the summer of 2006, which is the longest I’ve ever been with the same show. It was the best job I ever had!
- The first time I ever saw Les Mis was in 1989 on Broadway. I knew I was going to like it but I hadn’t fully prepared myself for the experience that it would be for me. Back then the show had a running time of 3 hours and 12 minutes (which in 2000 was cut down to less than 3 hours to save costs). Nowadays it’s hard to imagine seeing a show that is 3 hours and 12 minutes and not wanting it to be over! But you really didn't want Les Mis to end. I mean I knew all the songs by heart and obviously knew how it ended yet still somehow seeing this story unwind before my eyes, it was literally as if I had no idea what would happen next. Afterwards, I walked around for two weeks in a haze. I couldn’t quit thinking about it. I was forever changed.
- If all of the actors in the 11 roles I covered were healthy and able to perform in the show, I stayed backstage and was just ready to go on if someone fell ill or injured themselves during the performance. But we had so many incredible talents come in and out of the show that I often took the opportunity to watch them from the wings. As an actor you can learn so much just from observing. And I did learn a lot watching different actors brilliantly and differently play Jean Valjean, Fantine, Éponine and Enjolras (to name a few). It truly made me a better actor. And there is something very special about watching from the wings. I miss that.
- During my four years with Les Mis: I became a better singer; I became a better actor; I paid off my debt; I bought a beautiful apartment in NYC; I met my husband Jim Athens who was the stage manager on the tour, which will be 20 years next month; I made lifelong friendships/chosen family; And I sang at almost every karaoke bar across the country!
- People would ask me all the time, “Don’t you ever get sick of doing the same show over and over again?” My answer was always no. Ok, part of it was that I had the opportunity to play different characters in the show so it wasn’t the same role over and over again each day. But a bigger part of it was getting to sing this glorious music, it never got old. Seeing how this story emotionally affected the audience every single performance, it never got old. Climbing up and down that iconic barricade during the crazy battle scenes, it never got old. And singing, as a full company, that final chorus of "Do You Hear the People Sing" in the Epilogue... THAT never got old. Brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it.
"Take my hand, and lead me to salvation
Take my love, for love is everlasting
And remember the truth that once was spoken
To love another person is to see the face of God!"
- Fantine, Valjean & Eponine
Enjolras
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