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Les Miserables Reviews
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Les Miz = Greatest Broadway Ever Review by: Cabrera, Feb 29, 2012 |
I have seen Phantom of the Opera, Lights in the Piazza, Beauty and the Beast etc. yet none can compare Les Miserables. In my opinion, it's the GREATEST broadway ever. Since the start 'till the end, it is gripping. The humming of the prisoners, the painful cries of living, everything was perfect. A story of a man who was in prison for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bead, and the world rejects him except a bishop. Even though Valjean stole some ... read more silvers from him, he did what was the most shocking thing i've seen a man do, and that changed Valjeans life into a better man. Then the story of a woman named Fantine who got fired for hiding her daughter. What I love about this play is that it has many story of those who suffer in life, in work, people, relationships, being judged, everything we can relate to these characters. They have many songs that can go straight to the core of your heart. And the ending, oh man, it has the only song that would shed me to tears no matter how many times i've seen it. I would reccomend EVERYONE to see it. Worth your money and your time.
"to love another person is to see the face of God" |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 2 |
Depends on your taste. Review by: , Jan 13, 2008 |
| It is obvious to see why this show lasted such a long time. It is incredibly moving, and it sends chills down your spine. However, I had a little bit of a hard time following the story. But then again I'm not one for operas. If you like opera's than this is the show for you. However, it just wasn't a favorite for my taste. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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| 3 |
TEARS AND TRANSCENDENCE Review by: Beth M, Jan 2, 2008 |
“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.” (Claude Michel Schoenberg and Herbert Kretzmer)
LES MISERABLES, January 2, 2008
By Beth Mandelbaum
I have a nearly 21 year old relationship with Les Miserables. It is one of those rare shows that always makes an ... read more almost indescribable emotional impact on me, which feels as though it is flowing as deep as possible within me, into my heart and soul. To me, Les Miz is a stunning musical, in every sense of the word, an immortal classic that will remain forever etched into my memory. Les Miz transports me heavenward and also to places of darkness. It is one of the most inspiring and transcendent musicals that I have ever seen.
When looking at some of the recent review by colleagues on Broadwaybox, I noted how often writers have shared that they have seen Les Miz a number of times. This afternoon was my 7th time seeing it, breaking my own personal “house record” for number of viewings of any show!!
I recall the first time I ever saw Les Miz, in 1987. I remember the extent that it affected me; I cried so hard that I felt a need to wear my sunglasses so I could leave the theater with perceived dignity! Now, two decades later, I have grown to feel totally comfortable about exiting a theater red eyed and sniffley, with a sob in my throat.
To me Les Miz offers among the most supremely glorious scores written in my lifetime. There seems to be one profoundly moving knockout song after another, with other wonderful songs perfectly placed for “comic relief.”
It feels almost impossible to select “favorite” songs. But I have to say that “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Castle on a Cloud,” “Stars,” “ Do You Hear the People Sing,” “On my Own,” “Drink With Me to Days Gone By,” “Bring Him Home,” and “Empty Chairs and Empty Tables” seem to me as if they have been heaven sent.
There are some superb performers too. Gary Beach and Jenny Galloway give fantastically humorous performances as Thenardier and his wife. It was a great joy to see Judy Kuhn as Fantine, having had the great pleasure of seeing her in the role of (grown up) Cosette in the original production. She brings a magnificent singing voice and deep pathos to the role. John Owen–Jones was absolutely extraordinary as Jean Valjean. I never thought I would find anyone approaching the immortal (to me) Colm Wilkenson from the original cast, but Owen-Jones brings great emotional power and golden tones to this part. Robert Hunt made an excellent Javert and Sean Gilbert was a delightful Gavroche.
In addition to the gorgeous music and a splendid cast, not to mention the wonderful story written by Victor Hugo and adapted by Alain Boublil, Les Miserables treats many deeply human and universal themes which, for me, make this musical an unforgettable and profound work of theater. Among these are the struggles of the poor; the courage to revolt against oppression; images of war; revolution as a higher cause than personal ones; deep sacrifice; betrayal; requited and unrequited love; child labor; death and grief; the power of forgiveness and compassion; significant and life altering lessons learned from past mistakes; the salvation of the soul; and the consequences of rigid self righteousness, mercilessness, and an inability to forgive.
Les Miz is closing in New York in 4 more days; but wherever you are, if you can see this extraordinary musical, I would recommend it as a ”Must See.”
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
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| 4 |
Les Miserables is such a moving story Review by: Kappa, Dec 13, 2007 |
| I'm 16 years old, that infamous theater-hating demographic that rejects all shows but Spamalot and Avenue Q. But I feel Les Miserables is such a moving story that it would appeal to many more than it already does if they would just give it a chance. This show doesn't require an appreciation of men to love- all it takes is half a brain and an eye for art. Certainly, the deer-hunters and the Halo-players would never understand it, and be instantly ... read more turned off by the "sung-through" style of the show. However, if you're looking at reviews here, I assume you're not such an awful person, and that you too would be awed by the story of Jean Valjean. |
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must see!
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| 5 |
amazing show, even with a few understudies Review by: kat, Dec 4, 2007 |
the first time i saw it was at my high school, the second time was off-broadway, and when i finally saw it on broadway it was even better than i expected it to be.
the deletion of gavroches "little people" was a misstep, but the replacement song he sings during the battle is just about is good.
the sewer scen was protrayed v. well
les mis is a phenomenal show with great cast (though little cosette, at least when i saw t, ... read more could've been better) and of course, the story made me cry.
three times i had tears in my eyes, and then directly after in come the thenardiers to provide the comic relief |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Business Associate
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Adults, Anyone
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| 6 |
See it befor it's gone! Review by: Norbert, Nov 30, 2007 |
We saw the show last night, yeah, the first night after the strike. This is my the third time seeing this musical, and the second time for this revival production.
I'm so glad to see the performance of John Owen-Jones(Jean Valjean) who came from London West End. His singing and acting is purely amazing. The best Valjean I've seen. Overall, this cast is outstanding. Fantine(Judy Kuhn), Eponine(Megan Mcginnis), Cosette(Leah Horowitz), ... read more Javert(Robert Hunt) are all outstanding. Even Gary Beach(Thenardier) did a better job than the one I saw him last time.
I left the theater with my heart warmed up.
Go to see this cast people, and you will be glad that you did it. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 7 |
Review by: GRock11, Nov 26, 2007 |
| This is the greatest broadway show I have ever seen. The story is great, the acting is tremendous, and I can't get the music out of my head. I catch myself singing some of the songs outloud. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Adults
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| 8 |
Best show on Broadway Review by: scott, Nov 25, 2007 |
| I first saw this show back in 1990 and this release was amazing. I have since seen it 5 times and it is the best show on broadway.... HIghly recommended |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
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| 9 |
A MUST SEE! Review by: lOOPY lOU, Nov 25, 2007 |
This fantastic musical sent shivers down my spine, it was amazing but i wasnt to keen on the new Madame Thenardier as i have seen the show about 5 times and she was a let down. I didnt think her voice was up to standard and Themardier outshone her!
Eponine and fantine were both amazing with such great belt voices.
We all know that "Bring him home" is a very hard song to sing as it is very high but Jean Val Jean i thought was amzing and hit ... read more every note with ease.
All i can say is that if you dont see this show then you are missing out as its far better than any other! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 10 |
Just What I Thought It Would Be Review by: MsActress2U, Nov 17, 2007 |
| I came in seeing the show when my high school did it and knowing every single word to it. The show was just what I expected it to be. All the actors had excellent voices. Go see it with John Owen Jones because his voice will bring you to tears (my mom cried during Bring Home Him). My advice to you is to see the show but not with kids (10 and older). Also you might want to come in knowing the story line since all they sing the whole time. ... read more This isn't a happy fun show; it is very depressing but AMAZING still. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Tourists, Adults
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| 11 |
Review by: , Nov 4, 2007 |
I thought this was a GREAT show!! All of the actors had amazing voices--especially Melissa I think it was who played Epoinie. Gary Beach was halarious in it. Judy Khun was amazing as well. The only negative thing I have to say about this show is that my view was partially blocked the entire time because a rather large woman sat in front of me. ...there's not much you can do about that though, just hope you dont get someone like that ... read more in front of you.
I would definitly recommend this show, and quick, before it leaves broadyway! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 12 |
I loved it. Review by: , Nov 2, 2007 |
| This show made me think of one word...AMAZING. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 13 |
Review by: musicalfanatic, Oct 28, 2007 |
| This musical made me cry more than any Ive seen. Loved it, Great story and music. A must see! A couple vocals that I saw last week were a bit week, like Eponine, but think she was an understudying, not sure. My spouse saw the original and thought it was a bit scaled down but was just as good as original production, she also though the solo by little cossette was bad, notes not held or sung well. Javert was good, new fantine judy kuhn i think ... read more her name is was good, i was disheartened to miss lea salonga by a few days though, but she did fantine justice, the london singer that took over this week as well, not sure his name at moment, but he did an awesome job as valjean. the boy was awesome too. I loved it!! So glad i got to go to NY and see it!! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Anyone
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| 14 |
Decent acting, needs to improve vocals Review by: , Oct 24, 2007 |
| This performance lacked the emotional pull that I have felt when I saw the musical in London and in Chicago. I believe they edited portions of the musical to make it shorter. The songs felt disconnected. The acting was very good, but the vocals were weak. Eponine and Jean Valjean were the only decent singers in the group. It is still an amazing story and for that reason alone it is worth seeing. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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| Acting: |
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Adults
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| 15 |
Give yourself a treat and see this show Review by: LoveNewYork200907, Oct 21, 2007 |
My daughter and I saw this show in September. We loved it. Well acted, beautifully sang. Made my daughter cry.
I highly recommend anyone to buy tickets for this show.
Really nice theatre too, we had rear seats in the gallery and still had a great view |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Tourists
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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