Talk:Les Misérables (musical)

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[edit] Other Adaptations

Is Cameron Mackintosh's adaptation the most current one so far? Or is it only done in a certain state/country? I'm researching this as a school project on the french revolution. -Xer0X

I'm not sure what you mean by "most current" - as far as I know, it's the only one. --Paul A 03:24, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Actually, if you check Les Misérables, you'll see a great many adaptations. DS 11:53, 20 July 2005 (UTC)

It is the only stage adaptation, however. --Paul A 01:25, 17 January 2006 (UTC)

Not exactly true. In 1863, one year after the novel was published, Hugo's son Charles and Paul Meurice adapted the novel for the stage. I believe it was performed. Here's a Translation Gavroche42 14:52, 22 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] statistics

There's a great deal of information at Alain Boublil that probably belongs here, if anywhere. It's a lot of statistics about various productions of Les Miz around the world. It appears to have been placed on the Boublil page by an anon editor, and it's not sourced, so I don't know how accurate or up-to-date it is; but I thought that people who have this article on their watchlist might be interested in sorting it out. —Josiah Rowe (talk • contribs) 06:16, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Film adaptations

I'm not sure that many film adaptations of the musical have been made. Remember it's the musical we're talking about by default here, not the book. I won't make a change to it though, can anyone provide details of film adaptations of the musical? Dane Jude 21:38, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

Don't think there are any Saccerzd 21:33, 20 March 2006 (UTC)

To the best of my knowledge, there are no film adaptations of the musical at this time. There is a making-of special called Les Mis: Stage My Stage, and the 10th Anniversary Concert was broadcast on television (and is still available on DVD), but I'm fairly certain that's it.--Kelson 06:19, 29 April 2006 (UTC)

MTI has not allowed for any films of the musical per se to be made, however, the concert version with an international cast and the Royal Philharmonic at the Alber Hall, has been filmed and is avaidible at many Libraries, even in San Antonio. Pelegius 22:48, 30 April 2006 (UTC)

Am waiting on confirmation, but have heard a rumour that the film adaptation is going to be by Jerry Bruckheimer, like Phantom. If you find this confirmed, please put it up. JaymzSpyhunter 07:41, 23 May 2006 (UTC)

I have read that as of now all Cameron MacIntosh has said is that they are looking at making a movie, and that several big names want to be involved, but that there is no garauntee that the movie will go to a famous director. They are looking for someone who will work closely with the creators of the musical, and who will offer a fresh viewing experience. MikeNM 03:51, 12 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Michael Maguire

who is Michael Maguire? Marius, Enjolras or a lesser known character? It needs more specificness [sic] —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.144.157.70 (talk • contribs)

Michael Maguire played Enjolras in the original Broadway production, for which I believe he got a Tony Award. --Tachikoma 13:50, 22 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Spelling

In the Playbill for the musical, in the MTI student edition score, and in the novel, the police inspector general's name is spelled "Javert." I corrected it from however it was previously spelled.MikeNM 20:06, 13 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Plot

Shouldn't the article say anything about the plot? All it talks about is it's success. loulou 00:19, 14 June 2006 (UTC)

Yes, a plot subsection is probably necessary. It might take me a week or two to get to it, but if noone else wants to take over, I can write up a brief plot subsection. MikeNM 20:18, 15 June 2006 (UTC)

I aded a brief plot. Its a lotta choppy so if anyone wants to edit it that would be great. Steel87 14:27, 16 June 2006

I've made the plot more complete, but there still may be things missing. Bsonrisa 17:38, 28 April 2007 (UTC)

I think, the plots rather complete by now. Is there isn't anything else missing, I think the clean-up tag can be removed now. Jonathan Gr 09:36, 16 June 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Redirects

I'm not sure how to set up a redirect on Wikipedia, but I think that some should be set up to this article, at least one from "Les Miserables Musical." MikeNM 20:20, 15 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Rock opera

Why is this categorized as a rock opera? It certainly is not one. Maybe it could be changed to Broadway operas. Lbark 14:35, 12 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Twentieth anniversary special

In the 10th Anniversary video, they mention doing a 20th anniversary special. Did this actually happen and if it did we should add it to this page. [[Walters1 20:28, 12 September 2006 (UTC)]]

The 20th anniversary of the West End production was not celebrated as such -- it did include a special finale where the cast was joined by children from school editions, as well as some of the original cast members, singing a special version of "One Day More" entitled "A Decade More". --Faenuala 12:32, 30 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] School Edition POV

The section "Les Miserables School Edition" is not NPOV at all--since when is saying "sadly, Valjean and Javert lose their thrilling duet" etc. neutral? I'll rewrite it if I have time.Lbark 06:16, 25 September 2006 (UTC)

The first school with rites to the play may have been in Sydney Australia, however I attended Holy Trinity Diocesan High School in Hicksville, NY and I believe it was the first school to do a production of Les Miz in the US. It was done my senior year in May 2001,(I am a member of the class of 2001), The production was done under the advisement of Cameron Mackintosh himself. So I believe that precedes the 2002 productions done in both Nebraska and Califoria.

Seriously, I think this whole School Edition needs to be cut out. I think it's kind of too trivial to list who got the rights to do this musical, you know? Maybe listing the differences between the original and the school edition might actually provide some interesting information instead of reading about some people trying to brag about the fact that they got to perform first...

[edit] Orchestral Requirements

This section seems incredibly biased, but I'm too lazy to fix it myself. Can someone else do it?

I rewrote it. Better?Robertwalton 18:04, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

The orchestration paragraph is quite detailed now, but did the Kurzweil K2600 keyboard even exist back in 1985?Robertwalton 14:27, 22 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Removed original research section.

I removed the section titled "Music Theory," which appears to be original research. This was an interpretation of the meaning of various chord structures and leitmotifs in the show. However, the only citation given for the interpretation was a presentation at a religious (rather than musical theory) conference - in other words, not a reliable source. Since it's original research, not encyclopedic material, I've removed it. Let me know if you have questions or disagree. Thanks. --TheOther Bob 04:31, 2 January 2007 (UTC)

I agree. Robertwalton 15:03, 2 January 2007 (UTC)

I strongly disagree, and have un-deleted the music theory section. While I do believe there were parts of this section that pushed the line (and have suspended their un-deletion accordingly), I felt that the majority of this section was under no direct violation of Wikipedia’s policy. Here's why:

I do not believe that viewing something analytically should qualify as "Original Research." Original research would be looking at quotes from the composer relating to the work, or excerpts from the composer's diary. If I were to write an article on Wikipedia about a movie I had seen, would I need to cite a source in order to say that the main character was wearing a yellow shirt? Absolutely not, it was just something I noticed, and I believed it to be an observation of sufficient significance to write about in my article. I feel that observation would be better labeled as “universal research” than “original research.”

Let’s look at a music example: Would I need a source in order to say what key a piece is in? Good heavens, no! This can be deduced easily, especially for people with perfect-pitch, so long as they have some education in music. Same thing with stating the various themes and leitmotifs in a piece; it’s fair play. To attach a meaning to a theme can sometimes be tricky, but I feel that with Les Mis, the composer was sufficiently obvious with the meaning that it would be fool-hardy to cry OR when someone writes about it without citing a source.

I have, however, not included the section dealing with the "journey of the perfect fourth" as was originally in the section, because it did seem like original research to me, or at least hearsay of original research that would need its own cited source to be within compliance. -- Scorpio3002

I agree with Scorpio, the section is not so much original research as something that is fairly self-evident from analysis of the score. However, I will state for the record that the section feels clumsily written, from a purely language standpoint. I will do a rewrite when I get the time, but if anyone else wants to, feel free.Elmorell 02:40, 3 February 2007 (UTC)

Well, it's a long time for a response, but I disagree with the above. Scorpio is describing original research through synthesis, which is against WP policy. Here is the current text of the first paragraph:

The recurrent themes in the score add an interesting depth to the story, as different characters sing different songs to the same music through the course of the show. For example, the music sung by Fantine as she dies foreshadows Éponine's more famous version, "On My Own". The two characters share a second melody: Fantine's "I Dreamed a Dream" is sung at the end of the first act in the stirring medley "One Day More".

I couldn't disagree more with the idea that this is merely observation. If we saw the movie Scorpio references, and wrote that the character wears a yellow shirt...great. The problem is if we wrote "the character wears a yellow shirt, which is interesting because it shows that although he is full of false bravado, he is secretly a coward." Although that statement may appear fairly evident to that particular viewer, it's also just their opinion and may be wrong -- maybe the character wore yellow because the costumer was out of red. We could never meet the verifiability requirements because (although we can prove the yellow shirt), we cannot prove the meaning of it without a reliable source.

There are plenty of other examples:

"Javert's fall from grace and Valjean's rise from despair -- one of the plot's central themes -- is explored in complementary music."

How do we know that this is the central theme? Are you sure that Javert falls from grace, and doesn't instead achieve it? Does Valjean ever really escape despair? Most importantly, who says?

"These examples approach true leitmotif and are among the deepest re-uses of music in the show, but for the most part these reprises tend toward contrafactum, meaning that the same tune often recurs verbatim, untransformed, mostly with the same accompaniment, yet without any apparent connection between the two or more recurrences."

Does it "approach true leitmotif..."? Maybe I don't think so -- or I think that it does achieve true leitmotif, not just approach it. Similarly, maybe I think they're some of the shallowest re-uses of music in the show. (I don't, but you get the point.) Without a reliable source, we're left opining.

I somewhat agree with Elmorell that the language is part of the problem -- it sounds like a college or high school paper analyzing the play. But I don't think we can save it. To go back to the yellow shirt example, we could note that the character wears a yellow shirt without more, but would it just look odd to just note the yellow shirt without explaining why the person who noticed it thought it was worth mentioning? If we can't analyze the overlap of melodies or the keys that particular songs are in, then maybe those facts don't add anything on their own. So I would cut this section in its entirety.--TheOther Bob 04:00, 16 November 2007 (UTC)

You are 100% justified in removing the section. I think this article needs a section like it, but something sourced and cited -- not just something one editor has noticed. — Music Maker 5376 19:15, 21 November 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Advert?

"Its lush and beautiful Tony award-winning score offers such classic songs as..." - that's advertorial at best, isn't it? 86.136.252.181 02:20, 5 January 2007 (UTC)

Yeah, I'd have to agree - plus I think that part just sounds a little clumsy. Care to give that a re-write? --TheOther Bob 02:25, 5 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Removed darkestnight link

I've removed the DarkestNight link from this and other Les Mis pages. The site appears to be suspended, with no indication of whether it'll return. -- Hongooi 13:05, 25 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] "Proper French pronunciation"

The pronunciation given in the first para is a) not in IPA and b) not correct: the pronunciation 'Lay Misayrahb' indicated here is the pretentious anglophone's version. The 'l' of 'misérables' is most definitely audible in French. Can someone who knows IPA (I'm afraid I don't) please fix this? Ajcounter 18:43, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Most Famous French Musical

Beyond defining fame -- which is somewhat opinion, how are we defining "French Musical". The original musical was French, by Boubil and Schonberg, but there is no discussion in this entry about the Original French Cast. It focuses on the London and Broadway casts. The English language version, which was created by Boubil, Schonberg, and Kretzmer, so it's a combined French-English production.

If we're talking about musicals based on French novels...Les Miserables may win...but it may have competition from Phantom. Gavroche42 04:11, 15 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Cast Lists

Would a seperate Les Misérables cast line be acceptable, given the possibility of further cast changes to the Broadway Revival and London Production? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Icedblue11 (talk • contribs) 13:50, 22 March 2007 (UTC).

I would ask are cast list appropiate at all other than for notable events/peformances e.g. Original London/10th aniversary. -- Rehnn83 ^Talk 12:20, 23 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Flim Adaptations revisited

Too short on time to read the full discussion, but the article says no movie has been made of it. My sister however claimed that she remembered seeing it. And she was right: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119683/

Why isn't this mentioned in the article though? - Twile 02:33, 13 July 2007 (UTC)

This film is not an adaptation of the musical. It has no singing :-D. Instead, it's an adaptation of the novel. It is listed on that page along with the many other film adaptations. --omtay 38 02:47, 13 July 2007 (UTC)

...and it was about 1/3 of the story.... and baaaad..... — Music Maker 03:47, 13 July 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Characters section redundant?

In reading the article, it looks like the Character section reiterates the plot of the musical so much that it's redundant. I think it would be better to limit the character list to some basic traits/background info of the characters and eliminate describing their entire story arcs once again.—Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.189.28.82 (talk • contribs)

I agree wholeheartedly. — Music Maker 5376 19:10, 17 July 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Vocal ranges

I'm thinking that we need to source the vocal ranges for the various characters. As in, a published source says "Cosette is a Mezzo", not using the vocal score and judgment. Or, we need to get rid of them entirely. To my knowledge, this is the only article that gives them. — Music Maker 5376 15:12, 1 October 2007 (UTC)

The opera articles all give vocal ranges, and many of the musicals that are on the opera/operetta line give vocal ranges. I agree that it would be better if one could say that the vocal range info comes from a particular published source, but I don't see what harm they are doing in this article. I think that what is currently given in the article is pretty close to right, although Marius is usually played by a tenor, and Eponine is probably a mezzo rather than an alto (there aren't many true altos in musical theatre - especially not young characters). Does Ganzl give the vocal ranges for this show? Does the score itself specify? Sometimes the "audition" websites specify vocal ranges, so it may be available online. Best regards, -- Ssilvers 23:33, 2 October 2007 (UTC)

I'm not saying I think they should be removed, but MT ranges aren't as cut-and-dried as opera ranges. If you go through the recent edits, you'll see that an alarming percentage of them are regarding the voice parts. (As in, "I'm an Alto, I sing 'I Dreamed a Dream', ergo Eponine is an Alto.") I'm not sure about Ganzl, and I wouldn't think that the score would specify (in my experience as an MD, few of them do...). It might, but I don't think we could access the actual score as opposed to the Student version. I think the audition websites would be someone's opinion, as well. MTI gives the actual ranges (i.e. C-sharp to A-flat). Maybe we should use them? But, really, they only apply to the Student version. I think (at least) "Bring Him Home" is transposed for the student version. Shouldn't these ranges be for the actual show? — Music Maker 5376 23:51, 2 October 2007 (UTC)

I've found a source for the vocal ranges. It's not the best source, but it's the same one used on Wicked, a GA. Please do not change the vocal ranges without a valid citation; they will be reverted. — Music Maker 5376 13:56, 27 December 2007 (UTC)

I don't know what, if anything, would be a good source, but the one currently cited certainly isn't. It is utter nonsense to call Marius a tenor and Enjolras a baritone; the latter's singing lies considerably higher than the former. Eponine and Fantine are both altos: they generally sing low and both have to sing a very audible low F, a low note even for an alto. I quite understand that I can't put this in without a decent citation, but if, as seems very likely, there isn't one, shouldn't we just get rid of the range bit altogether? Ou tis (talk) 22:03, 17 April 2008 (UTC)

I appologise, as in my haste I slightly edited the vocal ranges without finding a source to back me up. Change if you feel it's necessary, but I would like for it to be noted that while it's common for the role of Marius Pontmercy to be played by a tenor, it should also be noted that Michael Ball, who played the part in the original london cast, is in fact a baritone. Marius does have a fairly high range, but it's nothing beyond the abilities of a baritone. The same could be said of Enjolras. I appologise for any offence taken and I hope you will consider my editorial when I find a source to back it up. My reguards, --jpg0901 11:37, 10 January 2008 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jpg0901 (talk • contribs)

I appologise yet again, as in my haste I forgot to sign for my own post. This is my first time editing and I'm not entirely used to it yet. I just found Marius and Enjolras listed as baritenor roles on the baritenor page on this sight. my reguards again,--jpg0901 11:47 10 January 2008 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jpg0901 (talk • contribs) 16:47, 10 January 2008 (UTC)

Now, I always thought Fantine was the alto and Eponine was the mezzo. I saw it last summer and there was no way Eponine was an alto. I could be wrong, but I think both those roles can be played by either altos or mezzos. Lea Salonga was AMAZING, by the way. Sailorknightwing (talk) 04:24, 3 February 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Original French Concept Album

should there be a larger mention of this as it was the first form the musical took-as in a cast list, and certain differences between English and French versions, more than just the addition of the prologue. The OFCA is simply amazing I know I want to know more about it --GunshotGlitter 12:54, 3 October 2007 (UTC)

[edit] More removals??

I'm not sure I understand another removal of my material from this page. I added information about the world renowned return of Colm Wilkinson who returned to the role of Valjean after a decade. The information was removed because it wasn't "neutral". I don't see how that makes any sense. I never said he was the best or worst. Whether you prefer Wilkinson in the role or not, it was a big deal to many Les Miz fans, and was a milestone for the show and the man who originated the role in London and on Broadway. It is a further research fact for those looking for information on the evolution of the show. People came from all over the world and sold out tickets in ten minutes. How is that not worth mentioning?

Second, references to the additional material on the London (but no subsequent) recordings written by James Fenton was deleted. Again, with the removal of factual, credible information for readers. I've read the policy and I still don't understand how this information is inadmissible. Just because administrators are unaware of these facts, doesn't mean they're untrue and any more inadmissible that the currently non-cited information such as musical numbers and plot points, etc. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Freakydisco (talk • contribs) 09:07, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Gavroche

In the novel, Gavroche is the Thernadiers' son...but I think in the musical that is not said, and that his lines seem to indicate otherwise (e.g. "Watch out for old Thenardier, All of his family's on the make, Once ran a hash-house down the way, Bit of a swine and no mistake, He's got a gang, The bleeding layabout, Even his daughter does her share, That's Eponine, she knows her way about, Only a kid, but hard to scare.") I don't remember a part in the musical where he is revealed as Eponine's brother -- that's certainly true in the novel, but I don't remember it being in the musical. (She dies during the song "A Little Fall of Rain," if that helps.) So I think the edits on this issue are right as to the book...but that they maybe don't really apply to the musical. In the musical, Gavroche just seems to be an unattached street urchin. What do others think? --TheOther Bob 21:14, 2 November 2007 (UTC)

I only got halfway thru the book -- 750 pgs or so -- and don't remember even being introduced to Gavroche. However, I have no recollection of his being Eponine's brother being mentioned in the musical. — Music Maker 5376 21:38, 2 November 2007 (UTC)

He was not mentioned as a Thenadiers in the musical, but in the Playbill, it said that his parents were the Thenadiers.--Jetset59 04:35, 15 November 2007 (UTC)

You know, I think I'd heard that somewhere -- but I don't have any old Playbills. If that's the case, then it seems fine. --TheOther Bob 04:02, 16 November 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Copyvio in synopsis

There have been some recent edits removing the synopsis section stating it is a copyvio from here. This appears to be true to some respect. Much of the language matches word for word, however, some has changed. Instead of deleting the section, I have tagged it encoring a rewriting and rewording of the section. Please feel encouraged to rewrite the section so it is not a copyvio. Happy editing! --omtay 38 01:57, 6 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Infobox mess

I'm thinking that the infobox is a little, erm, full. EVERY production doesn't have to be in there, as they are mentioned in the article. Thoughts? — Music Maker 5376 18:14, 27 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Longest Running Musical ???

You said it was third longest running musical on Broadway however on the offical website (the link provided), it says:" LES MISÉRABLES is the third longest-running show in Broadway history and will, on October 8, pass the 21 year old record of Cats in London to become the longest-running musical ever on the West End or Broadway with 8,372 performances; a run nearly three years longer than Broadway’s record-holder The Phantom of the Opera, all three shows having been produced by Cameron Mackintosh."

It eventually did pass that record on October 8th, making it the LONGEST RUNNING SHOW ON WEST END as well as Broadway. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.72.187.247 (talk) 21:42, 10 February 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Why deleted? if its becouse of wrong enlish, please make it good, and not delete?

Hi, a few day's ago i saw this great musical, its was the very first playing of the new musical in The Netherlands. There are made new compositions, and after the playing in the netherlands, this new compositions will be used in the running shows all over the world... i think thans an important fact, so i added it, but its deleted. Why? if it becouse of bad english of me: could someone maybe make it good english, instead of completely delete it? :S Bart —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.104.228.99 (talk) 15:22, 3 April 2008 (UTC)

there was a commend when my part was deleted that it was un citated or so.. so i have an article from an dutch journal: http://www.ad.nl/cultuur/2187232/Schnberg_bij_tryout_van_Les_Misrables.html the article published the morning of the 1st try out where i have been, roughly translated every part in italic:

Schönberg bij try-out van Les Misérables

Schönberg at try-out of les mis.

HOORN - De wereldberoemde Franse zanger en componist Claude-Michel Schönberg (63) is vanavond in Hoorn aanwezig bij de eerste try-out van de nieuwe Nederlandse versie van ‘zijn’ succesvolle musical Les Misérables. In deze Nederlandse productie zijn namelijk de muzikale arrangementen nieuw, die volgens Joop van den Ende Theaterproducties na Nederland in alle Les Misérables-producties over de hele wereld gebruikt zullen worden.

Hoorn- the world famaus french singer and composer Claude-Michel Schönberg (63) would be at the 1st try-out of the new duch version of 'his' sucess musical les mis. This is becouse of the new arrangements, wich, according to the words of Joop van den Ende (dutch producer), would be used in all les mis productions all over the world.

Schönberg wil de nieuwe arrangementen, gemaakt door Stephen Metcalfe in Hoorn persoonlijk horen.

Schönberg would like to hear the new arrangements, made by Stephen Metcalfe, personaly at Hoorn.

De première van Les Misérables is op 20 april in het Nieuwe Luxor in Rotterdam. Het is voor de tweede keer in de theatergeschiedenis dat de musical in Nederland te zien is. Eerder was dat in 1991.

the premiere of les mis is on april the 20th in "the new luxor theater" at rotterdam. its the 2nd time in the theater history that les mis could be seen in the netherlands. In the history it was in 1991 (also from Joop van dn Ende)

De cast van Les Misérables bestaat uit 37 personen, onder wie de bekende namen van René van Kooten, Wim van den Driessche, Jamai Loman, Suzan Seegers, Céline Purcell, Nurlaila Karim, Freek Bartels, Marjolein Algera en Carlo Bosz- hard.

the cast of les mis are 37 persons, some famous names are: René van Kooten, Wim van den Driessche, Jamai Loman, Suzan Seegers, Céline Purcell, Nurlaila Karim, Freek Bartels, Marjolein Algera en Carlo Boszhard

Les Misérables, naar het beroemde boek van Victor Hugo, is een beproefd recept. De productie metde muziek van Schönberg ontving wereldwijd meer dan 55 miljoen bezoekers en was sinds 1985 in 261 steden te zien.

les mis, made of the book of hugo, is an famous concept. the producion with the music of schonberg got over 55.000.000 visitors worldwide, is had been seen in 261 citys since 1985

I'm trying to understand if these are whole new songs or new versions of old songs. This sounds as if it may be new orchestrations, but it could just be because of the translation. If they are adding new songs to the show, yes, that would warrant inclusion. If they are re-arranging the old ones, that might not be. I'll happily make it sound good, if it is new songs. — Music Maker 5376 01:34, 8 April 2008 (UTC)

If my grasp of Dutch is correct (which, admittedly, stems from one, erm, interesting trip to Amsterdam....), I think this is saying that they are new arrangements of the old songs -- in fact, it says that Schoenberg heard them for the first time during the production. The edit in question, if memory serves, said that they were new songs, which isn't true. The Dutch producer saying that they will be used in "all Les Mis productions over the world" should probably be taken with a grain of salt. I seriously doubt that any current productions will change what they're doing and adopt new orchestrations. Future productions will, no doubt, have the option of using these orchestrations, but I think we would need more verification of that fact before it gets in the article. In the meantime:

A production opening April 20, 2008 at the Luxor theatre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, will feature all-new orchestrations. This is the first time in 17 years that Les Miserables has been performed in the Netherlands.

Would that be an acceptable addition? — Music Maker 5376 19:08, 8 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Opening Setting: Digne or Toulon?

I'm confused. Does the play and/or book start in Digne, or Toulon? The synopsis of this article, about the musical, says it starts in Digne. The article on Digne-les-Bains says the novel begins in Digne. But the article on the book says the story beings in Toulon, and even cites the prison where the story begins. The article for that prison, the Bagne of Toulon, references the setting of the novel as Toulon repeatedly. What's more, this copy of the libretto of the musical gives the setting as Toulon. So, either the novel starts in Toulon/Digne and the opening setting was changed to Digne/Toulon for the musical, or a lot of people have made one mistake repeatedly in several different articles. I'm fairly certain Digne and Toulon are two different cities, so I think my confusion is valid and my inquisition is justified. Please help. VolatileChemical (talk) 03:57, 15 May 2008 (UTC)

Well, I'm not terribly familiar with the libretto that you linked us to. It seems a little different from what I saw onstage and have on my Orig. London recording. BUT, yes the jail is in Toulon, the Bishop is in Digne. In my Vocal Selections (if memory serves), the whole prologue is given the heading "Digne, 1815". I haven't read the novel in about 15 years, so I can't be any help there. I think that, while the novel/show technically begin in Toulon, the story of Valjean's redemption begins in Digne. That whole section is referred to as "The Bishop's Candles". I've heard that, due to the fact that the novel is a bazillion pages long, the section is sometimes abridged out. It might not make much sense, but in the 140 years since the novel was published, Digne has probably claimed itself as the start of the story.

My guess is that you're wading into a sesquecentennially-old rivalry. You are correct, and, if you'd like to fix things, go right ahead. — Music Maker 5376 16:50, 15 May 2008 (UTC)

Good. I think as long as we're using the phrase "Les Misérables begins at a prison", we should refer to the town as Toulon. I might try to correct similar mistakes in other articles. Also: hey, aren't you the same guy who was talking to me about Sweeney Todd being through-sung? VolatileChemical (talk) 03:59, 16 May 2008 (UTC)

I agree.

And, yes, I am. Les Mis is also considered through-sung, though there is still some dialogue interspersed. — Music Maker 5376 14:39, 16 May 2008 (UTC)

Categories: B-Class Musical Theatre articles