When I first watched Les Miserables I was around 5 years old. My mother owned the 10th anniversary tape, which I still watch today. She had it on the tv, sitting on the floor watching it. I came skipping in to spend some time with her and she introduced me to the magnificent composure and plot of Les Mis. At that age I didn't quite understand what was going on but I fell in love with the music just the same. I didn't need to know what all the words meant to enjoy it. All I knew was that I was watching something amazing. These people belting out, showing such emotion I didn't really know how to describe was overwhelming. Colum wilonsin, lea Solonga, and Michael ball - just to name a few- hit notes that are almost godly. Their voices are like gifts from angels! There is no moment when you can't feel the emotion or story in their song. It gives you butterflies. Leaves you in tears and shivering in delight. The story in itself is breathtakingly heartbreaking and exciting, the actors/actress only bring it more to life.
As I grew older my understanding of the musical grew too. I'd spend my days humming the songs, asking my mother to sit down and watch it with me. Everything about it was so enticing I couldn't seem to get enough of it. I feel the same way now. I have seen the musical two times and am hoping to see it a third time very soon. I have watched the dream cast of the 10th anniversary more times than I can even begin to count. I don't go a day without listening to the songs, or the whole album even. Les Miserables is a part of me, my history, my inspiration, and start in loving musicals.
It reminds me of my mother, the way she took in music as if feeling it herself. She passed away about nine years ago when I was eight and every time I listen to Les Miserables I remember her, in all her greatness. I am now seventeen, going on eighteen, and cant even begin to describe the feelings I have for this musical. Its my all time favorite and always will be. Les Mis isn't just about a man who stole a loaf of bread, its a number of back stories, of morals and dismay. Its about religion- having faith, losing it, and finding it. Its about the law and its boundaries, redemption, forgiveness, love, and even hate. Anyone can relate to any of the characters and that's what makes it so unbelievable. I was a very happy camper to see it back on tour, to be able to see it while I have the full understanding of its entirety. Les Miserables is a timeless classic that helps me get through all my tough times. I can put on the music and suddenly all my worries fade. There is just something so.. divine about the music, it's melody, that I can't seem to feel bad when listening to it. Not only does it remind me of my mother, it reminds me that everyone is human. Has flaws, has troubles. And that it doesn't matter how bad you mess up, there is always a light if you choose to take it.
I even have the novel by Victor Hugo which was published in 1862. I've read it and wrote many essays about the novel, as well as the musical, which came out on Broadway on March 12, 1987; for school over the years. To be able to know of this musical, to have taken it in so young and still be able to feel chills when listening to it, is ultimately the best feeling ever. It will never get old and I hope it never dies. Twenty five years strong and counting.
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