While I was in London in October 2015, I was unbelievably fortunate to win a lottery ticket to the Les Miserables 30th Anniversary Gala. It was the best theater experience I have ever had, and a night that I will never forget.
When we walked into the theater, we were greeted with a gorgeous program detailing the history, development, cast, and future of Les Mis. The program is currently framed above my desk.
We were seated, and the performance begin. The current cast of Les Mis performed a beautiful show. As soon as performance ended, the stage went black, and we were all handed bottles of champagne. A screen came down and a movie played showing the worldwide impact of the musical. They showed everything from The Simpsons to protestors singing. When the movie ended, the current cast returned to the stage.
They were joined by the original cast. Together, both companies sang. It was surreal. I listen to the original cast recording daily and tears filled my eyes as I watched my heroes, Patti LuPone and Colm Wilkinson, sing the songs I know so well.
The original producers, writers, and lyricist joined the stage. We sang “Happy Birthday” to Herbert Kretzmer, who had just turned 90. The producers announced how many times Les Mis had been translated and how it had been just been translated into Welsh. Instantly, members of the National Youth Choir of Wales lined the aisles and sang “One Day More” in Welsh. It was beautiful. As soon as they concluded, the stage was showered in confetti.
It’s been nearly three years, and I still play the entire night over and over in my head. Cheers, Les Mis. I hope to be there for the 35th.
What’s your favorite theater experience?
My favorite theatre experience was seeing Les Mis in the West End.
That day was July 30th, 2015. About that cast, I had an understudy as Jean Valjean. It was my dream to see Les Mis in London. I sat in the 9th row. I was with my mom. It took until hearing until the first notes to really know this was no dream- this was reality. That first note told me it was going to be more than expected- it was more than expected. An epic, passionate, and powerful cast. Cannot believe that dream was lived three years ago.
Amazing!! Les Miz is just the best. To see it where it all began is so special.
When I saw Les Mis in 2013 at Central Piedmont Community, it was the motor for wanting to Les Mis in London.
Let’s go to December 2014, I knew my family was going to England: I was going to England for a pilgrimage. My family church choir was in residence at Bristol Cathedral. We mostly stayed in Bristol- we had these day trips outside of Bristol. The pilgrimage began in London. Just some backstory of why we were in London.
December 2014. I found out my family was going up two days early. I started convincing my parents to take me to see Les Mis. That same month, I found out I was see a musical in the West End: I wanted to know which musical? I did not get any answers. All Spring 2015, I kept on asking my parents and no answers- I seriously was getting no answers.
Then June 2015- my mom texted me French and Musical Note emojis- I did not get it. She told me to check my email. I opened up my email and the moment I read “Les Misérables” I ran to my mom crying. I was like really, I am seeing Les Mis in London in just one month.
The day of- that night- seeing the Queen’s Theatre- I was looking at the theatre- I seriously thought I was imagining it. Even buying the playbill and buying the other souvenirs- it still did not feel real one bit. Even noticing how close I was- I was in the 9th row-my mom wanted to get me the best seats. Even seeing the set- nothing felt real to me. It was the first note that told me- yes, this is real. Still seeing the sign that said ” understudy as Valjean”- I was like seriously I am in the West End and yet have an understudy as Valjean. The first note told me lots- my dream was becoming reality and this was going to be more than expected- it was more than expected- I can’t describe why it more than expected.
Well- any cast I see after my London cast- I never will compare. My London cast will always be special to me. After all I lived my dream with them.