FIRST TIME WATCHING Les Misérables - 10th Anniversary Concert | PART 6

[@JMara2000]

I don’t know how anyone can keep it together during Empty Chairs… when he sings “Here they sang about tomorrow, and tomorrow never came,” I’m done. Full on ugly cry, and not ashamed to admit it, because is there anything so tragic as dreaming about a better tomorrow and then never getting to see it? That’s also why I feel Empty Chairs is more than Survivor’s Guilt. While there are obvious tropes in the lyrics for Survivor’s Guilt, particularly those two lines suggest a deeper existential meaning.

[@helenmcnulty7228]

No one has ever surpassed Colm Wilkinson singing "Bring Him Home" especially how he holds the final note. Colm is a proud Dublin man and we in Ireland are very proud of his many achievements and accolades internationally as a singer and actor. To hear Colm's voice live is an experience. I enjoyed your reaction, he always blows people away with his talent.

[@stevenhenry9605]

19 SECONDS without wavering, pitch-perfect. Unbelievable.

[@thepuzzleoracle6760]

Alfie Boe is my personal favorite Valjean, but the og is iconic for a reason!

[@Kayjee17]

Colm Wilkinson singing Bring Him Home never fails to bring me to tears. His depth of emotion, his angelic clarity of tone, and how perfectly he modulates his voice from so quiet to very strong makes it combine into a perfect experience for everyone listening. And now, since this was one of my mother's favorite songs, I cry too because I feel her near me.

[@maryjaneluken5260]

Alfie Boe is quite masterful and my pick over Colim. Alfie’s voice has a richer timbre, IMHO😊

[@tylerbmiranda]

Ramin Karimloo tho

[@ParsonNathaniel]

Heard you, "Oh, no!" on seeing Gavroche lying dead at the barric. He actually had a death song. He was trying to get ammunition for the students at the barricade by taking it off dead soldiers outside the barricade and was hit by a sniper.

[@terrylewis_]

I always cry during "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" the build up to "Oh my friends my FRIEEEENDS don't *ASK* me" gets me every time.

[@LAPhil13]

This show originated in the 80s, at a time when gay men were dying in droves from AIDS, so the song Empty Chairs had a very serious resonance for the community and for those of us that did not succumb to that virus (the first pandemic I lived through...). It is a song that can still reduce me to puddles of tears. Survivor's guilt indeed.

[@leodurkin8539]

What’s it got to do with aids, why you making it about yourself, this story is based in the 1800’s

[@lee_1292]

@@leodurkin8539you cant relate to or apply any of the lyrics from the songs to your own life? thats odd. its an extremely common way of interacting with music, and part of the beauty of it.

[@leodurkin8539]

@@lee_1292 what, relating songs to aids

[@lee_1292]

@@leodurkin8539 youre being purposefully obtuse

[@Michele18164]

@@leodurkin8539 the best music and plays tell the story they mean to tell, but they resonate far beyond the writer's intent. That's why Shakespeare is still performed and why the best operas still move people. Empty Chairs captures the emotions and thoughts of any survivor of any tragedy - AIDS, war, plane crashes, whatever - and that's what gives it its power.

[@goeagles25]

The first time I watched I thought “Why did he just pull some of his hair out of his ponytail?” Then I realized Philip Quast did something small to show how Javert was falling apart before really getting into the song. Then I cried as he jumped. He is the most tragic of the anti-heroes struggling between the ideas of legalism, justice, mercy and love. Also, Colm Wilkinson’s Bring Him Home and Michael Ball’s Empty Chairs at Empty Tables are PERFECT!

[@SylviaViridian]

They sadly had to cut out Gavroche's death scene for time, so I'm glad you were able to notice him among the dead on the barricade. It was a heart-wrenching reprise of his earlier song Little People, as he's crawling along the barricade trying to scrounge up ammo for the revolutionaries. It happens right before the guy calling out to them to surrender - their furious response isn't just defiance and holding to their cause, they are righteously pissed off that they're being told to give up after the kid just died in front of them.

[@joeypotter6051]

When I saw Les Mis on Broadway, the boy playing Gavroche was brilliant, I was bawling the entire time during that scene when he died.

[@contranimal]

In the actual stage version (and movie) the end of Javert's big number there he jumps from a bridge committing suicide (hence the song itself is called "Javert's Suicide"). And as you can tell by now to be in shows like this you must be an excellent and talented singer, no autotune, and you can't just be a pretty face. I look forward to the Finale.

[@darsynia]

I get goosebumps THINKING about that song. No one can sing it like Phillip Quast.

[@celicynd]

the amazing lighting effects of the water and yanking up the bridge prop to make him fall is amazing in that number. Just like the power of the original rotating stage in the aftermath scene, rotating the barricade and showing Enjolras hanging upside down with the flag and Gavroche dead. I will always believe the newer productions lost so much without the turntable stage.

[@frakte]

I love how, in this performance, he lets those strands of his hair down to show his unyielding view of himself unraveling.

[@garrettpuvogel2935]

Fun fact the music from "Javert's Suicide" is the same as "ValJean's Soliloquy" from the first act with new lyrics and so the song is sometimes called "Javert's Soliloquy"

[@emmslm2827]

Philip Quast is the best Javert ever! And I love the character - he is stubborn but it’s because he was raised to see the world as only black or white. There is only following the law to the tee or you are a horrible criminal and it is his duty to make sure you pay. It’s not right or logical but it shows how realizing there are grey areas or how people can change would cause him to crack and question everything and that became too much. It is very clear when you compare Stars vs Javert’s Suicide. Also love the line from stars being his guide to “the stars are black and cold”. Seeing it done on stage is just phenomenal but Quast and Colm Wilkinson singing together are amazing!

[@orphu88]

This performance of "Bring Him Home" is one of the best I've ever seen. By the way, this was one of the major differences between the musical and the book. In the original story, while Valjean is carrying Marius through the sewers, his heart is filled with hate. Instead of feeling protective and caring as shown here, he blames Marius for taking his daughter from him and endangering their lives, yet he feels morally bound to save him because Cosette loves him. Another big change from the book is the character of Thenardier; the play chose to portray him and his wife as mostly comedic (in order to have a few light-hearted moments in an overwhelmingly dark story), but in the book the Thenardiers are true villains, truly despicable people who represent the worst of humanity. Besides these few differences, I think the stage adaptation does an amazing job of fleshing out the characters, the tone, and the deeper meanings of a sprawling, multilayered book.

[@melaniewilliams6740]

There is no better Valjean than Colm Wilkinson

[@lisagaughan7154]

To be fair, Dog Eats Dog and Attack On Rue Plumet do show how evil Thenardier is, and they're my two favourite Thenardier songs. Yes, I like them more than Master of the House and Beggars at the Feast ( which do a good show of their personalities despite being comedy songs ).

[@katejones5396]

Les Miserables is my favourite musical, I was fortunate to see it live three times. I remember reading a long time ago that when the producer (I think it was) went to a rehearsal and heard Colm Wilkinson sing Bring Him Home for the first time, he told the director “I know you said the show is about God but you didn’t tell me he was in it.”

[@Jayscollo]

That’s a great story thanks for sharing

[@terrystair7026]

Michael Ball singing "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. You need to react to more of his music!

[@celicynd]

I think this will always be my favorite rendition of the song.

[@stefanjentoft8107]

Could there BE a better “survivor’s guilt” song?

[@SS-rk2me]

Michael Ball is my all time Marius. His version always makes me sob.

[@thomasbradley4505]

Les Miz premiered in the middle of the AIDS crisis, and Empty Chairs at Empty Tables became an unofficial anthem

[@joeypotter6051]

My favourite song.

[@thepuzzleoracle6760]

It’s so interesting that Javert is singing the exact same song as Valjean does at the beginning after his interaction with the priest. The only changes are the lyrics. And, of course, their responses to the situation. Each has their moment when they are forced to question everything they’ve ever known or believed. Valjean takes that opportunity to make himself better, despite what everyone has ever thought about him. But Javert’s world view was so ridged and so black and white that the introduction of gray made his world fall apart and he couldn’t live with that. So instead of using that opportunity for growth and betterment, he chose to end himself. He’d rather end his life than ever think someone like Valjean could be a good man. Could be on his same level. His self righteousness was his ultimate downfall.

[@ginafromcologne9281]

Beautifully said! I actually never noticed the same tune that both were singing, thank you!

[@thepuzzleoracle6760]

@@ginafromcologne9281 thank you! It’s one of the many things I love about this musical!

[@TheRockinGinger]

Exactly! Just noticed this recently! ✌🏽

[@nonyabusiness2510]

you almot got it. Victor Hugo wrote this to mirror the scriptures. Valjean represented grace and Javert represented the Law. The law and grace cannot coexist. When Christ was glorified after crucifixion the law was no longer over us only grace for believers. That's why Javert Killed himself. He wasn't really self righteous at all nor was self righteousness his downfall. The reason the same music is used is because through one perspective salvations was found and through the other you could call it damnation. The story is much deeper than you realize and you are looking at it in a very superficial manner.

[@JoyfulOrb]

When I watched this play as a child with my dad, my father wept without shame and so did I. My dad's military and a doctor, tough as nails, all charm and polish, and he sobbed with me to these songs in the theater. It's how I know he has a heart.

[@celicynd]

I always love that Valjean's moment of change (Valjean's Soliloquy) and Javert's Suicide are the same, musically. They both reach that point, for different reasons, where their entire world comes into question. Valjean bends and is able to see he was wrong and course correct. Javert is so stubborn that he can't, hence he takes his life.

[@Azarika]

Also, Valjean was yonger when his moment of clarity came. Javert is old and to change at his age is almost impossible.

[@SalvoG]

I had a feeling of what happened in that jarvet scene but wasn’t quite sure…thanks @all for clarifying, they should of captioned it. Glad everyone’s enjoying this series. More to come!

[@jeandiatasmith4512]

And another thing you can't see in this, is the subtle unravelling of Javert. Going from perfectly dressed and coiffed at the beginning to a bit less each time we see him, and culminating in his hair coming down and buttons undone as he comes to the bridge. It's little things like his tie being the slightest bit askew, boots less shiny, pant leg not perfectly tucked - that kind of stuff. Each actor I've seen has done it a bit differently - but that it gets done at all, shows the amount of detail in the produciton.

[@ashleypenn7845]

His downfall and death in the book is intense. He agonized over his entire worldview crumbling for like 2 whole chapters. In his mind, mercy and justice were irreconcilable. It was one or the other. "It is either Valjean or Javert" wasn't just a line about which man would win, but which ideology. One of my favorite lines in the book is that Javert felt like he had been given a duty to enforce justice by God Himself, and his world collapsed, "...how was he to set about handing in his resignation to God?" Such a great line.

[@m.h.7364]

In the book, police work is the only thing that keeps Javert from being an outcast himself. When he realizes that his only driving force in life is so wrong, he can't bear it and kills himself

[@DoroteeaZorici]

I could bet you didn't got it. Maybe it was better this way to get really p*ssed and then get over it 😄 But, we have to redeem him, because another thing that is not showed in the musical, is that actually Javert is taking Marius and Valjean home, with his carriage, so he is a liitle bit more involved in aiding and abetting them but, still, he s not killing himself out of fear, but out of ( irational) guilt.

[@bloodyuk8452]

"My heart is stone and still it trembles" Though it's not that clear in this production, Javert's last song ends with his suicide (jumping off a bridge). It's also exactly the same as the song 'Valjean Soliloquy' from the first act (after the Bishop vouches for him and letting him go). I highly recommend going back and hearing these two songs back-to-back

[@mysticturtle997]

Specifically the parallel between " Take an eye for an eye/turn your heart into stone" and "My heart is stone/and still it trembles."

[@susannariera]

I fell in love with Michael Ball's voice after this rendition of Empty Chairs. So much that I went to London for the first time, alone, just to see him in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and after that, four more times: a concert, Hairspray, Sweeney Todd and the last Les Miserables in concert, where he played Javert. He is, and he will always be, the best Marius ever and one of the most popular and loved musical actors in the world.

[@KelilaBennet]

The cast with him as Javert is excellent! I had several good cries watching it!

[@patticrichton1135]

What character did he play in "HAIRSPRAY"?

[@susannariera]

@@patticrichton1135 the mother, Edna, but I'm talking about the play, not the movie.

[@susanfeil7729]

I saw Les Miz for the first time in London after an overnight flight from Seattle when we had been awake for more than 24 hours. I kept dozing off but I loved the music so much that I only dozed for a few seconds. From there I’ve seen it many times live and also this performance recorded. So, I too, went to London and saw Chitty Chitty Bang Bang just so I could see Michael Ball.

[@frankennyg1]

Michael Ball's (Marius) rendition of Empty Chairs at Empty Tables is the best version EVER!!!! It's so hauntingly beautiful. I can't wait to watch your Miss Saigon reaction. Miss Saigon is from the same team that created Les Mis, and you will love it!

[@Mark_E_M]

"Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" is BY FAR my FAVORITE song of the entire musical!

[@clairelucy5667]

Ditto!!!

[@gus9482]

There is a part in the 25th anniversary concert called the "Valjean Quartet" where 4 different Valjeans take turn singing Bring Him Home that is truly amazing. It includes Colm Wilkinson (who you saw) and my favorite Alfie Boe. I could see the look on your face when Colm held that final note. Image that same note being held by 4 singers together. Amazing. Check it out after you finish Les Miz.

[@joeypotter6051]

There were some lines cut from "Turning" in this version for some reason. They only sang the first two lines then went straight to the third verse, which is a shame because it's one of my favorite songs, despite being so short. The full lyrics are: Did you see them going off to fight? Children of the barricade who didn't last the night Did you see them lying where they died? Someone used to cradle them and kiss them when they cried Did you see them lying side by side? Who will wake them? No one ever will No one ever told them that a summer day can kill They were schoolboys, never held a gun Fighting for a new world that would rise up like the sun Where's that new world now the fighting's done? Nothing changes Nothing ever will Every year another brat, another mouth to fill Same old story, what's the use of tears? What's the use of praying if there's nobody who hears? Turning, turning, turning, turning, turning through the years Turning, turning, turning through the years Minutes into hours, and the hours into years Nothing changes, nothing ever can Round about the roundabout Round and round and back where you began!

[@BClarke]

Yeah, I agree. Wish that whole song had been included. I think it adds a whole dimension to the story. The collateral damage - the women, who are always there throughout the ages to pick up the pieces after the men’s folly.

[@azelmamortlake4471]

Never met anyone else whose favorite song in Les Mis is Turning before, but I wholeheartedly agree- they also did that in the movie (just one of many issues). I also feel this version is missing the staging- the fact that all the women place the candles which then get blown out by the revolutionaries. That particular moment always makes me cry, and may be my favorite staging in the entire show.

[@ruthiehenshallfan99]

Thankfully, the whole song is in the soundtrack version of this concert! Not sure what happened with audio and visual of the rest of the sound here, though

[@markbaker2826]

I am blessed to have seen this when it transferred from the Barbican to the West End in 1985 with Colm Wilkinson, Michael Ball, Frances Ruffelle and Pattie LePone !!

[@grassiehalls3922]

Yes!!! So excited for Come From Away! I love it so much but there are not a lot of reaction videos to it! Can't wait!

[@jstmez]

Me too! I've watched it about 6 times.

[@KelilaBennet]

I cry every time, even just hearing it come up on my playlist. Been obsessed with Alice Fearn's version!

[@christinegamache5893]

Gavroche's death is so sad. It's a reprise of his Little People Song, as he's shot. I'm so sad they didn't include this in the 10th Anniversary concert--it's so impactful. Like with Eponine's death, it's heart wrenching.

[@gailb7501]

There was a scene during the battle that they didn't show where Gavroche went to the other side of the barricade to retrieve ammunition and was killed after he was able to toss a bagful to them. There was also a scene where ValJean, dragging Marius, encounters Thenadier in the sewers.

[@whiteswanlilly4119]

Watching from Australia. I found it interesting that while watching this, the first bar of the “red, the blood of angry men” song had me bursting into tears. And “bring him home” as well.

[@mervinmannas7671]

Even though from the UK the time i saw Les Mis was in Sydney

[@JoyfulOrb]

Good musicals, good songs, can do that.

[@chemina8541]

Hm. Javert is Valjean's counterpart. Victor Hugo fashioned them after a real person, representing parts of his character and even history, Vidocq (who was both, a prisoner and later a cop). They are very similar at their base, but Javert, in contrast to Valjean, can't deal with his world falling apart after learning that he was wrong. Rather than change like Valjean did, ends his life. Javert believes that when someone has fallen and is a criminal, that they can never be trusted again and won't change. By proving to him, when it was not to Valjean's advantage, that Valjean is good and will not even run any longer - he broke Javert (and there was no Bishop there to pick up the pieces). Javert was always as hard on himself as on criminals, so he judged himself harshly, thinks there is no place for him in a world he can't understand and at the same time punishes himself for letting a criminal go. He is not likable, but fascinating.

[@NOV17MAY16]

I saw the show live on Broadway in the early 90's, what an experience!!! It has stood the test of time and will be performed for centuries to come.

[@johnwright7307]

This is Lea Salonga favorite she said and ahead of Miss Saigon. Wow that was shocker after winning a Tony for best Actress for Miss Saigon

[@Kimmerkel-k]

So much of this story is emotional, but this performance of Empty Chairs guts me every time.😢🎼

[@claudiabetia5515]

At ‘bring him home’ most of the audience in the performance I saw was trying to sob as quietly as possible. This act was grim, raw and touching. I didn’t like the newer staging without the rotating stage though, I felt as well it gave less breathing space between songs and room for your emotions. And I think everyone who suffered loss of loved ones and family can relate to ‘empty chairs’ in their very own way.

[@alliechyna]

I know that you were really getting irritated by Javert but I've always felt a bit sorry for him. He says early on that he was born in a prison, so I've always thought that he had a very hard life with rigid rules and was pushed into a role of upholding the law and taught that everything is very black and white - all people who break the law are morally corrupt with no exception - so when he encounters Jean Valjean he just can't understand him at all. Therefore when he begins to believe that Valjean could actually be a good man he just can't handle that fact and go on with his life as it is - hence, jumping to his death. After all, he's treated all convicts the same way, so if he begins to doubt Valjean's villainy, what about all the other men he's imprisoned over the years? I've no idea why they didn't put on the screen that he'd died though, as I'm pretty sure you didn't realise what had happened to him. (I should say, I've not read the book which probably gives more detail on his background but that's just my take on it). Loving this series so far, will be sorry to see it end.

[@mitzloo1933]

Nicely said! I agree totally.

[@mermaidguitarist]

I agree completely! Well said 👏🏾 👏🏾👏🏾

[@katj1296]

as someone who has read the book, your assessment of his rigidity and black and white mindset being his tragic flaw and feeling sorry for him because of it are shared even after reading! as much as he plays an antagonist role, he truly is the main character of his own story and believes he is doing everything he can in the right way

[@emilyhart579]

I just found these Les Mis reactions, and I'm so happy you're doing them! I haven't heard this music in forever, and I love it so much. I can't wait until you see live theatre. Whether Les Mis or whatever show you pick. You gotta make a video and tell us about it..:)

[@jetseterii]

Truly enjoying your reaction to this musical! I love every second of this show, I've seen it live about 8 times now. It wasn't until my 3rd time that I truly began to understand & have appreciation and sympathy for Javert's character. I absolutely love his scenes now. This actor Philip Quast is my FAVORITE Javert ^_^

[@larsgrass1899]

Javert is the character of justice hence his refusal to be merciful to Valjean, and when Javert makes one merciful action he can't live with himself anymore and so he removes himself from the gene pool by jumping into the whirlpools of the River Siene (or however it's spelt).

[@Bubber_Fly]

The part with Javert's song after he confronted ValJean, he actually commits s****** at the end part where the lights flash. I don't know why there wasn't a caption for that.

[@darsynia]

I have a photographic memory and I want to say someone edited it out because I absolutely feel like I saw it say that in the 90's when I watched this the first time! If not, I'm very good at constructing a visual with context cues.

[@brian52763]

I hope you watch this till the very end for the grand finale! !5 Jean Valjeans from touring companies around the world!

[@exterminateexterminate9751]

thats the 25th annivesary lol

[@MadameChristie]

@@exterminateexterminate9751 I think they meant 15 Valjeans that this concert did

[@artchick2002]

@@exterminateexterminate9751 I've never seen the 25th, but they do it at the end of the 10th. I own it on DVD.

[@Sweeney541]

@@artchick2002 at the 10th it's 17 (18 if you count Colm) Valjeans from different productions all over the world - not tourning productions. In most cases it's the actor who first played the part in their country. The 4 Valjeans is indeed from the 25th anniversary - Colm (original), Alfie (O2 arena), JOJ (touring production) and Simon (current west end production)

[@marilyn4917]

Yes!

[@muziklvr1973]

Colm Wilkonson is the original Val Jean and can not be replicated. He is simply amazing. I love in the movie with Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway that they let Colm be in the movie as well as the priest who "helps" Hugh (Val Jean) in the beginning and then again at the end of the movie. Love. Also, NO ONE like Javert! When I saw this on Broadway many years ago, when he committed suicide, the audience cheered. He was/is a character you love to hate.

[@lukasmarsha6843]

The seen with Enjolras dead on his red flag always makes me cry. Thank you!

[@marl3nb984]

Bring him home was my dad and mine favorite song out of this musical. I get chills every time i hear the last note he holds. My family saw this musical in New York when i was younger. It will always be my number one favorite music follow closer by hamilton and Rent.

[@danielrobinson7350]

Watched an interview with Michael Ball (Marius) where he said that ‘Empty Chairs at empty tables’ is where Marius changes from a boy to a man. Love the two shows you’ve picked!

[@KelilaBennet]

They're missing my favorite lyric in Turning that wrecks me every time. There's a child that comes out and says, "who will wake them?" With the adults responding, "no one ever will. No one ever told them that a summer day can kill. They were schoolboys, never held a gun. Fighting for a new world that would rise up like the sun. Where's that new world now the fighting's done?" It goes right before the stanza that includes "every year another brat".

[@clairelucy5667]

When you watch it in the theatre y9u sorta get to know each student a bit and when they each die individually in slow mo it hits even harder

[@MonsoonGeek]

The movie version of Empty Chairs at Empty tables ripped my heart out.

[@clairelucy5667]

Every performer in every rendition brings some5hing new. It's incredible really and I can't recommend enough to watch every version you can get your hands on and go to the theatre to see it as many times as you can. I used to struggle to fully connect to bring him home until my last trip to the Westend and the actor brought to it something that just made it click for me. I would thank him if I could. Heck I'd thank all the actors if I could (well bar the one exception in the film but everyone knows who I mean... wish I could have seen hugh jackman in a vocal duel duo) Bradely jaden may be my all time favourite, he's in the 2019 staged concert and I saw him again in the theatre. Acts even in tye background.

[@normcummings1967]

I've truly enjoyed your reactions, and will be sorry when you've finished Les Mis. I'm as much a Les Mis fan as they come, I'd guess, having seen it in London, Paris and dozens of times on Broadway, 38 times in all, and yet I get chills still hearing this wonderful concert presentation performed by a brilliant cast. Three quick points: As Terry Stair noted earlier here, Michael Ball is worth hearing no matter what his music. His 'Empty Chairs' rendition is superb. Ball has been a British theater icon for the past 30+ years, and was at the height of his powers in 1995, partially explaining the reception to his performance... he's a local fan favorite, so to speak. I hope someone else has explained in previous videos that the occasional theatre action you see are simply clips from actually stage performances, inserted here for effect to spice up the concert video. You must get to see this on stage. Almost no matter the quality of the cast, seeing the play in its entirety will be so much more powerful than seeing this concert. Great job, SalvoG. I look forward to Miss Saigon!🙏

[@rleighrock]

From what I understand about musicals (others can correct me if I’m wrong): calling a musical a play isn’t wrong because all musicals are plays, just with music added to them (think like how a square is a rectangle but a rectangle is not necessarily a square. A musical is a play but a play is not necessarily a musical). I think the word you were looking for was song or number. I know Sondheim preferred the word number over song in reference to his own stuff. There are also scenes which can have more than one song/number associated with them. So you’re not wrong in anything you said.

[@ThomasJM]

Especially with a musical like Les Miserables which is a sung through musical meaning that everything is sung. Most musicals usually will have sections of dialogue with no songs in them.

[@JoyfulOrb]

@@ThomasJM And in musicals there are parts where words are sung in between songs, which in Opera is called Recitative, the bits of spoken dialogue that are sung, but not SONGS.

[@michelleconcannon7584]

Michael Ball's 'Empty Chairs at Empty Tables' is truly a gift.

[@waterhousewhistler]

Yay!!! Loving these videos!!!

[@flyflorida2001]

Come From Away is simply amazing!!!!! Keep an eye on the staging, so simple yet SO complex!

[@sandifultz9310]

So, I luv'd this version of Dog Eats Dog by Thenadier (Alun Armstrong) as he's stealing jewelry off the dead students. Yes, it's a despicable act and a dark song, but the end when he sings "...I raise my eyes to see the heavens And only the moon looks down The harvest moon shines down!" He does a beautiful job. Other performers growl through it but this guy really sang his heart out!

[@jennifermorris6848]

Been so looking forward to this. Also I love Come From Away.

[@24jobi]

The greatest Valjean.... just cant beat Colm Wilkinson, wonderful tone and control... just beautiful..

[@nonyabusiness2510]

agreed. I was lucky enough to see him twice in the role. I've seen the show more than 17 other times with different leads and nobody holds a candle to him. Nobody.

[@jeanmiller2747]

I've seen this show a million times live and on screen and Michael Ball (in this video and the original London cast Marius) is hands down my favorite actor playing him.

[@stefanjentoft8107]

During the “he’s as dead as the stiffs at me feet,” Thenardier is actually standing over the still living Valjean and Marius

[@janspond4]

On the very last section…. Make sure to watch after the bows… there is a surprise visit ………

[@emaloney2211]

The whole scene on the barricades is astonishing to watch. The actors just lie there for at least 5 mins while the barricade rotates to show all the dead bodies on both sides and the silence of the audience is just chilling. I love that Valjean uses Javert’s dedication to the law and to God to call out his hypocrisy that other people who he is supposed to protect, will suffer and die in his quest to get one man back behind bars. By killing himself he has betrayed his own principles and destroyed by his own self righteousness.

[@NCC-1701_no_bloody_a_b_c_or_d]

I watched Les Mis on stage for the first time not long ago, and though I've heard all the songs before and Empty Chairs was never one of my favourites, it's the one I cracked at and just cried. Michael Ball captures that emotion so powerfully, I may or may not be tearing up again right now.

[@elyssia7026]

I had a similar experience. I saw it for the first time a little over a month ago, and whilst it was On My Own that first made me crack and cry, Empty Chairs took my breath away. I had to close my eyes and just listen, because it was so beautiful.

[@raniwasacyborg]

I remember seeing an interview on TV with Michael Ball (Marius) talking about working with Colm Wilkinson, and how he truly is the best Valjean to have ever sung Bring Him Home. In particular, no one else can hold that final note nearly as well as Colm can - Michael admitted that the only way he can perform that song in his own solo concerts is to move the mic away from his face, pause to take a breath and pretend he was holding the note the whole time and the mic was just too far from his face to pick up the sound!

[@Lupin788]

I was lucky enough to see Colm Wilkinson (Jean Valjean in this concert) perform in the title role of the Phantom of the Opera in the Canadian production in Toronto in the 1990s. I think he should have won the Tony Award for portraying Valjean on Broadway but he likely split the vote with Terrence Mann who was nominated in the same category for Javert. Instead, they both lost to Robert Lindsay who played a comedic role in "Me and My Girl".

[@allison4516]

I’m so glad you’re going to react to Come From Away. That’s a great musical. Miss Saigon is an acquired taste, so it will be interesting to see what you think there. I know you said you’d look for more after you finish those two and that’s fair. But I hope Rent is on your list somewhere. You’d probably enjoy it a lot. So many excellent musicals to choose from. You’ll be glad you started this journey 🙌

[@hugabug008]

ooh, Interesting. I've never actually seen Miss Saigon before... Obsessed with Come From Away though so I can't wait!

[@jbmusician2007]

I'm sooo glad you saw Michael Ball's portrayal of Marius. Had you watched the 25th anniversary concert first, your initial feeling of Marius would have been correct. Nick Jonas did an awful job as Marius. It was emotionless, flat, and uninspired. Empty chairs at empty tables is pure raw emotion. Nick was just like saying the words. Michael Ball nailed that song. It's as good as bring him home. I like how when he's singing all of his friends are standing in the background like their spirits are with Marius. Chilling.

[@DugalArrow1]

At 19:30, the lyrics are the same as Jean Valjean, after he was freed by the bishop

[@larsgrass1899]

Gavroche's death is absolutely tragic as well. Something we learn in the book is that Gavroche is Eponine's little brother. There are a lot of connecting things throughout this book, it's a masterpiece of a book, but extremely long and you can get tired from it. I had to read it 3 times before I could remember everything. Anyways, Gavroche is killed by a sniper of sorts, he risks his life to gather ammo and gun powder that has been littered in the road from the previous attack. He runs into the street really late at night and as he is getting the ammo a French soldier who has been posted on a rooftop takes note of him and aims for him, his first 2 shots miss but his third shot hits his target and Gavroche collapses, Marius runs out and collects his body and the ammo. Gavroche's earlier line about kicking a pup is relevant because Victor Hugo says that Gavroche is singing a little poem about a puppy and he is shot while he is singing it.

[@elizabeththomson4526]

I highly recommend the original cast of into the woods which you can find on youtube, it's an amazing show

[@Indie-Darling-Rowan]

Nothing will ever beat this concert, but the 25th anniversary has a special place in my heart. It’s mostly because of Hadley Fraser (Grantaire) and Ramin Karimloo (Enjolras) and the way they were so adept at acting the role but it still being a concert. There’s not much footage on KZbin, so I’m assuming some heavy copywriting, but if you can get your hands on a hard copy it’s worth it. As far as the movie, all of the actors sang live. They didn’t record it in a studio and dub it in, which was the mistake. All of the actors are fantastic singers in their own right. But this was the wrong musical to try this with. Way too ambitious. It’s worth watching for a visual to go with the musical and there’s also a mini series based on the book (not the musical) that is amazing as well. Sorry for my long-winded post 🤣

[@allieren]

Colm Wilkinson’s “Bring Him Home” is one of those songs that inadvertently make me cry every time. The lyrics, his tone, his control, the orchestration…perfect. And I’m not a huge fan of Michael Ball per se, but it’s hard to listen to him sing “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” and not feel something. His voice fits that song so well.

[@nancymunroe3672]

I certainly hope that you finish this sooner rather than later!!! I'm very anxious for you to see the celebration at the end!!! I really wish that I could have been with you while you watched this to help explain some of the subtleties to help you better understand the story!!! Thank you for reacting to this and go back often and rewatch it! This was the DREAM CAST for "Les Misérables" I'll look forward to watching the end with you by Monday?!!!!

[@darrenleake3343]

I see you noticed that Gavroche died. Gavroche's death scene was cut from the concert for time purposes. He sneaks out in front of the barricades to gather ammunition for the rest of the ABC students. He does a short reprise of little people, and is shottwice gathering the ammunition with the rest of the student looking on. This happens just before the final battle.

[@the_piano_diva]

I'm so glad you're doing Miss Saigon, Lea is amazing in that one!!!

[@grahamfrear9270]

In the theatre where they're all died the stage revolves very impressive with this haunting music

[@kimberlypont]

A quick little lesson… There are plays, musicals, and operas. Most have two “acts” separated by an intermission. The separation in each act? Scenes. Plays are spoken word. Musicals are “plays” in which a character will occasionally break out in to song (like Carousel, The Music Man, and more). Opera is a work that is continually music. Many people think that they are only in other languages, but English, however, that is not correct as Les Miserables qualifies as opera (as does Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Rent, Miss Saigon, and many others). Hope this helps!

[@okcdog5439]

Like Les Miserables, Miss Saigon is has some pretty dark themes. After watching those back-to-back, you will really deserve to watch something as heart warming as Come from Away.

[@MrSquare]

I know people are up and down on the movie adaptation of Les Mis but Eddie Redmayne killed it with Empty Chairs at Empty Tables.

[@LlamaLlamaMamaJamaac]

I like it more than many people do.. it’s NOT a show like this one, yes. It’s screen actors who can sing - not musical theatre actors. I felt like what the performances lacked in pristine singing, made up for in raw emotion.

[@MeganTheLibrarian3]

You have to watch Eddie Redmayne sing Empty Chairs at Empty Tables from the movie version! His voice may not be as good, but he gives such a powerful performance!

[@AuntieM27]

Sorry. He made me cringe. I thought he over acted like someone told to go and "emote"

[@singingwordwright148]

Colm WIlkinson is just incomparable. Seriously. I've mentioned before that I got to see him live as the Phantom back in the early 90s. What an experience that was. Michael Ball (Marius) is an amazing vocalist, but I've always found him a little lacking in charisma whenever I've seen him perform in various roles. Even so, "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" NEVER FAILS to give me chills and bring tears to my eyes.

[@RobinWells89]

We did Les Miserables at my school when I was 15, which is when I fell in love with it. And my Dad cannot hear Bring Him Home without tearing up ❤ Also, I was about to be SO mad at you when you were saying Michael Ball hadn't poured it out - then you said he did in Empty Chairs and I was like "THANK YOU!" 😄 Also also: I'm glad you said you're going to film future theatre reacts in one sitting, cause I feel like watching any theatre production in bits (but especially a musical) can take the watcher out of the moment, to some extent.

[@mitzloo1933]

I grew up with Colm, but Alfie is my man. And Michael Ball. Angel baby Michael Ball 😭

[@packerkats7578]

You: “this guy is…going through it.” Me: *nodding, while ugly crying*

[@paulmason6474]

They are all professional singers at the top of their game. Enjoy the feast❤😊😊😊😊😊

[@chrislang6517]

The theatrical term for the division of 'songs' would be either to call it a 'scene' or in more specific terminology, parsing it by characters entering and exiting, a French Scene. (the irony of using French Scenes in a French story is not lost on me).

[@jamespratt2243]

One thing that it doesn’t show, even as it transitioned to the actual stage scenes for a minute during that interlude after the final battle, is that Javert arrives at the barricade, and searches through all the bodies looking for Valjean. As it turns back around after showing Enjolras, he sees the sewer grate, and while he can’t lift it, realizes immediately where Valjean has gone. That’s how he knows to meet him at the exit.

[@rodb9275]

Did you notice javert was basically singing the SAME song Valjean sang after the bishop saved him? (Right before he killed himself by jumping off the bridge)

[@larynanntapp6333]

There is a special encore after this is over so make sure you see that!

[@FeaturingRob]

Hey SalvoG! Back again...and it is awesome. I am so happy you are loving this show. There is something that was not in the concert in the last part. During one of the Barricade attacks, the little boy Gavroche is killed while trying to get bullets for the students from the soldiers who have fallen. He sings a reprise of the song "Little People", and as he sings, he keeps getting shot but collecting bullets until he finally falls dead, not finishing his song. This is a moment that stuns and angers the students leading into their final battle. - 2:26 - "Bring Him Home" is often referred to as "It's So High" by just about every male singer who tackles the song. As it was written specifically for Colm Wilkinson, it naturally plays to his strengths (as if the guy has any weaknesses as a singer!). This is by far the greatest performance of the song ever captured. The first time I saw this concert I was crying as this song ended. He isn't praying for Marius to live for Marius's sake alone...but for the happiness of Cosette. He is a father who realizes how much his daughter (regardless of being adopted or his own blood) loves this boy. That is selflessness and willingness to do anything for your child who is fully grown but still needs help and love and support. Unconditionally. A beautiful moment that really wasn't in the novel as I remember, but works for the show. - 9:22 - The students at the Barricades all died, and as they did, Marius was shot...Valjean grabbed him and took him into the sewers of the city to escape, carrying Marius like a big sack of potatoes over his shoulder. But the trek is not a short one, and Valjean runs out of steam carrying the unconscious, but still living Marius. After they stop, in comes Thenardier... - 13:27 - The ring that Thenardier sings about belongs to Marius, he's looting Marius's body at this moment...which comes back later! - 15:11 - Alun Armstrong may play a sleazy scumbag...but he is a damn fine actor! So, yeah...of course there will be applause.🤣🤣🤣 - 17:39 - This is a man in serious conflict. Everything he has believed in has been completely destroyed by the actions of one man. You called this epiphany...That's the actual name of the song, "Epiphany". At the climax of the song, Javert is on one of the bridges that cross the River Seine in Paris, and he commits suicide by flinging himself into the river and drowning. At the time, the Seine was a real cesspool and even if he didn't drown, he would have died of a number of diseases he could have contracted. Buh-bye, Javert! - 23:03 - Michael Ball's rendition of a song he created is another masterful performance. "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" is incredible, and Eddie Redmayne in the film version is the only other Marius I have seen to compare with Ball in emotional weight singing this song.

[@donnamoskowitz4978]

After the barricades fall the orchestra playing is for dramatic effect so the listener/viewer can let it sink in. The audience applause is not for the villainous character but for the respect of the performer. You can literally hear the audience take a collective breath when "Bring Him Home" begins. Thank you so much for sharing!!! If you want to hear a great cover of "Bring Him Home" listen to Austin Brown of Home Free! Love from Texas!!!

[@clairelucy5667]

Best death cry ever on screen, javert in this version

[@yssanne24601]

One of the biggest reasons why I don't prefer the 25th anniversary concert is casting Nick Jonas as Marius. Not that Nick's a bad singer, but he is not in Michael Ball's category, not even close. Also Javert, Norm Lewis is excellent, but for me there can be only one, and that's Phillip Quast.

[@spacefanatic]

Michael Ball who sings 'Empty Chairs' has been in lots of musicals and has a fantastic voice. He has numerous albums and does shows with Alfie Boe who has more of an opera voice. You should listen to more of his music.

[@marie-solgaudreau3292]

I hope you'll see the live version and watch the other anniversary concert they did. I saw this 5 times live and loved it. So great to see your reaction to it.

[@joyelizabethsutton-pelczyn2211]

Yes!!!!!!! Miss Saigon is a must see!!! As both a testament of Asian history and musical theatre. It's written by the same people that wrote Les Miserables. Hope you're doing the ProShot

[@Movidude74]

I have been a theatre nerd m0st of my life. There was a time not long after this came out that there wee man discussions on why the show (and book) was called Les Miserables. My answer after a few drinks was that everyone is miserable, it is how we respond to it that matters. I think this is summed up by the fact that Valjean and Javert sing the same melody/theme with such starkly different results

[@elizabethrogers8306]

This song was written and added specifically for Colm's voice. I believe it was first introduced during the plays run on Broadway. I think the word you were searching for is "scene".

[@Auntpittypathamilton]

Miss Saigon and come from away!!!!! Couldn’t have chosen anything better for you!! I can’t wait!! You should definitely do the original cast of miss Saigon!!!

[@jeffhenderson2049]

I remember reading an article about Les Mis even before it opened. A music critic had attended a rehearsal and after Valjean's prayer over Marius he was moved and someone said to him, that he had told him the play was about God, and the critic said Yes but you did not tell me God would be singing it.

[@Emilaria]

Other musicals I recommend, all having professionally recorded stage versions or concert versions to watch: 25th anniversary Phantom of the Opera, 1987 Into the Woods, 2009 concert of Chess, Rent live on Broadway 2008.

[@TXMusicalNerd]

Musical or musical theater works. This show has two acts which is designated with 15 or so minute intermission between. Most shows have two acts. Come from away however is a one act show. Love both of those shows and can’t wait to see you watch some more musical theater.

[@Korbin_Arts]

oooh i cant wait to see you do Come From Away! Another one of my favorites. Saw it live twice (once on US tour and once on West End) and cried both times.

[@Hephzibah16]

Since you liked "Empty Chairs" you should watch the one from the movie; a surprisingly nice voice from one not known as a singer, and wonderful acting!

[@AuntieM27]

No no, no. It was dreadful