I have seen the musical live twice and I am still spellbound by how powerful this concert is on video. Phillip Quast is just fantastic - especially when he sings his final song before he dies. There is such force and passion in his voice. The other thing that makes this video performance memorable is that you get to see the reactions from the cast members towards each other's numbers; it's great to see THEM enjoying the show so much.I just wish I could have been there!
51 Reviews
Colm Wilkinson defines the role of Jean Valjean
Kate_Ashton24 September 2001
Although many may pass this video by, based on the fact that it is not as visually appealing, they are missing out. The music stands alone, and is the star of this concert-version of the beloved stage musical. It is dubbed "The Dream Cast", and becomes evident why, the moment the magnificent Colm Wilkinson opens his mouth to draw us in to the emotional story. Backed by a enormous chorus, and the London Symphony orchestra; the cast artfully weaves its way through the drama of the French Revolution, and the underlying tale of pure love. Scenery and elaborate sets are not needed, as the cast flesh out their characters with wonderful facial expressions and the same costumes that are worn in the theater version. If you have not yet seen 'Les Miseables' on stage, you are indeed missing out on a wonderful theatrical experience. This video is the next closest thing to experiencing that magic firsthand. Highly recommended!
Sensational
mad_mike227 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This is the closest it seems we shall get to a film version of the legendary stage musical (to my knowledge), and it is definitely a worthy effort. It goes without saying that the quality of music is incredible and the performances are excellent throughout, although a few are slightly unconvincing. To elaborate:
The Cast (Not in order of appearance as it is stated):
Colm Wilkinson (Jean Valjean): The original and arguably the best Valjean, his voice may not be to everyone's taste, (and seemed slightly weak to me early during the concert, e.g. Philip Quast seemed to out sing him in The Confrontation, before picking up at One Day More) but with a wonderful, practically unmatched emotional range and dynamic use of eyebrows he more than acquited himself in the role. His Bring Him Home is, in my opinion, unsurpassed.
Philip Quast (JAVERT): Wow. What a performer (3 well deserved Olivier Awards attest to this), able to emanate the harshness of Javert as well as securing great sympathy for an apparently unlikable character. Mr Quast steals the show in my opinion and acts as a great magnet each time he appears. His majestic voice, like Mr Wilkinson's, is capable of expressing a great range of emotions, and, again like CW, provides definitive renditions of Stars and Javert's Suicide. He has since become one of my very favourite actors and he is wonderful in Evita, currently lighting up the West End. If you can find it, his Live at the Donmar album is a must.
Ruthie Henshall (Fantine): Another deservedly well respected performer, whose voice at times breaks a little but is otherwise faultless. I feel she offers a clearer, more angelic Fantine than Patti Lupone on the Original London Recording, and I personally prefer this interpretation.
Alun Armstrong and Jenny Galloway (The Thenardiers): Two more perfectly cast actors. Armstrong is hilariously twitchy and shifty, but adds a sinister edge at The Dog Eats the Dog. Galloway is gifted with supreme comic timing and an intimidating physique, making her ideal.
Lea Salonga (Eponine): One of the minor flaws in the concert is that I cannot understand why anyone would choose Judy Kuhn over the short yet spunky, powerfully voiced and infinitely more attractive Miss Saigon. As performances go, her's is excellent. I think there is some merit in the arguments those who say that Frances Rufelle (Original London and Broadway) is probably closer to the original text, but it cannot be denied that Ms Salonga is exquisite. Her performance is especially moving during A Little Fall of Rain, and her On My Own is quite frankly show stopping.
Michael Ball (Marius): A Great British institution whose thunderous voice puts those of other students to shame. He makes a wonderful foil for Lea Salonga during A Little Fall of Rain, is both passionate and sensitive during Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, but before both of these is magnificently uneasy and tender during A Heart Full of Love.
Michael Maguire (Enjolras): A criticism that could be made of all the students in the Concert is that they are all far to old. This is most clearly shown by Mr Maguire. A fantastic voice to be sure, but he just seemed out of place to me, and at times he sounded more like a Marine than a student.
Judy Kuhn (Cosette): Another terrific voice, but as with Michael MAguire, she seems out of place. As i stated above, I couldn't understand why Marius would set his cap at someone who, dare I say it, resembles a horse. I am almost certainly being to superficial, but still, I wasn't convinced.
Anthony Crivello (Grantaire): Did good.
Adam Searles and Hannah Chick (Gavroche and Young Cosette): As Above.
One more criticism I have of the production is that the sections of The Robbery, Javert's Intervention and Eponine's Errand, amongst others, were left out, as I would die to hear them but don't want to buy the Complete Symphonic Recording (With only three performers worthy of note in my opinion). Otherwise, The Les Miserables Tenth Anniversary Concert is a great spectacle that is a must for any fans of the show and/or book. When watched for the first time, or the hundredth, it remains an inspiring work.
The Cast (Not in order of appearance as it is stated):
Colm Wilkinson (Jean Valjean): The original and arguably the best Valjean, his voice may not be to everyone's taste, (and seemed slightly weak to me early during the concert, e.g. Philip Quast seemed to out sing him in The Confrontation, before picking up at One Day More) but with a wonderful, practically unmatched emotional range and dynamic use of eyebrows he more than acquited himself in the role. His Bring Him Home is, in my opinion, unsurpassed.
Philip Quast (JAVERT): Wow. What a performer (3 well deserved Olivier Awards attest to this), able to emanate the harshness of Javert as well as securing great sympathy for an apparently unlikable character. Mr Quast steals the show in my opinion and acts as a great magnet each time he appears. His majestic voice, like Mr Wilkinson's, is capable of expressing a great range of emotions, and, again like CW, provides definitive renditions of Stars and Javert's Suicide. He has since become one of my very favourite actors and he is wonderful in Evita, currently lighting up the West End. If you can find it, his Live at the Donmar album is a must.
Ruthie Henshall (Fantine): Another deservedly well respected performer, whose voice at times breaks a little but is otherwise faultless. I feel she offers a clearer, more angelic Fantine than Patti Lupone on the Original London Recording, and I personally prefer this interpretation.
Alun Armstrong and Jenny Galloway (The Thenardiers): Two more perfectly cast actors. Armstrong is hilariously twitchy and shifty, but adds a sinister edge at The Dog Eats the Dog. Galloway is gifted with supreme comic timing and an intimidating physique, making her ideal.
Lea Salonga (Eponine): One of the minor flaws in the concert is that I cannot understand why anyone would choose Judy Kuhn over the short yet spunky, powerfully voiced and infinitely more attractive Miss Saigon. As performances go, her's is excellent. I think there is some merit in the arguments those who say that Frances Rufelle (Original London and Broadway) is probably closer to the original text, but it cannot be denied that Ms Salonga is exquisite. Her performance is especially moving during A Little Fall of Rain, and her On My Own is quite frankly show stopping.
Michael Ball (Marius): A Great British institution whose thunderous voice puts those of other students to shame. He makes a wonderful foil for Lea Salonga during A Little Fall of Rain, is both passionate and sensitive during Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, but before both of these is magnificently uneasy and tender during A Heart Full of Love.
Michael Maguire (Enjolras): A criticism that could be made of all the students in the Concert is that they are all far to old. This is most clearly shown by Mr Maguire. A fantastic voice to be sure, but he just seemed out of place to me, and at times he sounded more like a Marine than a student.
Judy Kuhn (Cosette): Another terrific voice, but as with Michael MAguire, she seems out of place. As i stated above, I couldn't understand why Marius would set his cap at someone who, dare I say it, resembles a horse. I am almost certainly being to superficial, but still, I wasn't convinced.
Anthony Crivello (Grantaire): Did good.
Adam Searles and Hannah Chick (Gavroche and Young Cosette): As Above.
One more criticism I have of the production is that the sections of The Robbery, Javert's Intervention and Eponine's Errand, amongst others, were left out, as I would die to hear them but don't want to buy the Complete Symphonic Recording (With only three performers worthy of note in my opinion). Otherwise, The Les Miserables Tenth Anniversary Concert is a great spectacle that is a must for any fans of the show and/or book. When watched for the first time, or the hundredth, it remains an inspiring work.
better than any other musical! and blows Les Mis movies (especially Neeson's) out of the water!
anya_angie31 August 2002
I never thought I would like Broadway music. I was kind of iffy when I got the International Cast's Highlights for Christmas. I only listened to a few songs. Then I got interested, and saw the 10th anniversary concert on PBS. I was spellbound. Since then I have adored Broadway, but this one has always been and will always be my favorite. I am not drawn to any other musical the way I am to this story of justice, duty, love, redemption, and revolution. If you are a fan of Hugo's book, see it, if you are a fan of Broadway, see it, if you want to see a powerful story in song, see it.
The Perfection
Conspirator_Slash19 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This is just perfec. A wonderful cast, and they even play before the microphones.
My two favorites are Lea Salonga and Philip Quast. They almost steal the show, but in this show, everybody is great.
Quast - oh my, I never knew before that Javert can be THAT hot and that - humanly. He's so cool. I fell in love with the Inspector, what I never did when reading the book or watching a movie. I cried on his death scene.
Lea is just so sweet. And her voice is percfect. Eh, Marius is either blind or deaf... or both.
My two favorites are Lea Salonga and Philip Quast. They almost steal the show, but in this show, everybody is great.
Quast - oh my, I never knew before that Javert can be THAT hot and that - humanly. He's so cool. I fell in love with the Inspector, what I never did when reading the book or watching a movie. I cried on his death scene.
Lea is just so sweet. And her voice is percfect. Eh, Marius is either blind or deaf... or both.
cannot stop watching it!
magus-219 December 2000
Les Mis is my favorite musical of all time, and this video shows why! The cast is incredible, the music is incredible, and that ending with 17 Jean Valjeans is absolutely breathtaking. Here are things to look out for when watching this video: - Colm Wilkinson's angry singing
I have very few complaints! I think if there had been a set the singing and music would have been less powerful (200 chorus singers couldn't possibly fit onto one set during One Day More, and a full orchestra wouldn't fit under the stage). Michael Maguire gets my only complaint for his singing during "The Final Battle." His voice was wrong for that part and should have sung the way Anthony Warlow had sung the same song in the Complete Symphonic Recording. Listen to both to see what I mean.
Also, Andrew Lloyd Weber did NOT write this musical. I liked Phantom of the Opera, but that's it. Haven't seen Evita yet, but it couldn't possibly beat Les Miserables. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg wrote this and Miss Saigon. Cam Mackintosh produced Phantom, Les Mis, and Miss Saigon. Get your info straight, people.
- "Master of the House"
- Philip Quast's absolutely beautiful "Stars"
- "Do you hear the people sing!"
- "One Day More!"
- Michael Ball!!
- Lea Salonga!!
- The two of them singing "A Little Fall of Rain" (get tissue ready)
- The finale: 17 Jean Valjeans from 17 countries all singing the lines of "Do you hear the people sing" (both regular and Epilogue versions) in their own languages from English to Japanese to Polish.
I have very few complaints! I think if there had been a set the singing and music would have been less powerful (200 chorus singers couldn't possibly fit onto one set during One Day More, and a full orchestra wouldn't fit under the stage). Michael Maguire gets my only complaint for his singing during "The Final Battle." His voice was wrong for that part and should have sung the way Anthony Warlow had sung the same song in the Complete Symphonic Recording. Listen to both to see what I mean.
Also, Andrew Lloyd Weber did NOT write this musical. I liked Phantom of the Opera, but that's it. Haven't seen Evita yet, but it couldn't possibly beat Les Miserables. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg wrote this and Miss Saigon. Cam Mackintosh produced Phantom, Les Mis, and Miss Saigon. Get your info straight, people.
Undescribably Brilliant
johnleemk20 January 2003
I'm not sure what to say. This musical rocked. I usually detest musicals with a vengeance, but this is just different...since I finished watching it for the first time about a week ago, I have never stopped watching it again and again (thanks to the good old VCD, I don't need to pay any ticket fees). For some reason, I find the first 40 minutes rather slow and boring, but not enough to drag my opinion of this down. Honestly, anyone who thinks this is a stinker just doesn't understand this. It's just...brilliant.
The emotions evoked by the second act are simply overwhelming. The spirit of love and camaraderie until death are portrayed so brilliantly and effectively. Absolutely a must-see for any die-hard intellectual movie viewer.
The emotions evoked by the second act are simply overwhelming. The spirit of love and camaraderie until death are portrayed so brilliantly and effectively. Absolutely a must-see for any die-hard intellectual movie viewer.
Beautiful...
crazy_child_of_the_south27 January 2005
...is the only word I can think of here.
Since hearing the Les Mis soundtrack a few months ago, I have been a die hard fan. Unable yet to see the show, I saw this in a shop and decided to buy it.
How glad I am that I did. This is amazing. All the cast are fabulous, especially Ruthie Henshall, Lea Salonga, Michael Maguire, Michael Ball and Phillip Quast. I wasn't as impressed by Judy Kuhn (I may be biased as I despise the character of Cosette) but she still gives a fantastic performance.
A word of warning though: bring out the tissues, and don't wear mascara during 'A Little Fall Of Rain' 10/10
Since hearing the Les Mis soundtrack a few months ago, I have been a die hard fan. Unable yet to see the show, I saw this in a shop and decided to buy it.
How glad I am that I did. This is amazing. All the cast are fabulous, especially Ruthie Henshall, Lea Salonga, Michael Maguire, Michael Ball and Phillip Quast. I wasn't as impressed by Judy Kuhn (I may be biased as I despise the character of Cosette) but she still gives a fantastic performance.
A word of warning though: bring out the tissues, and don't wear mascara during 'A Little Fall Of Rain' 10/10
Lea Salonga's voice shines flawlessly!!!
jp318312 April 2002
This is the ultimate Les Miz. Truly a dream cast when you have Colm Wilkinson, Philip Quast, Michael Ball, and the rest of the performers on one stage at the same time. I don't know what some people were talking about when they said that Lea's performance was too "bitter". Lea performed "On My Own" straight from the heart. If she sounded bitter when the song began, it's because the lyrics needed to sound that way. When she got close to the middle, her voice became gentle because her character, Eponine, is dreaming of Marius. When the words turned to realization at the bridge, her voice became strong with a sense of regret. And I love the way she pants when the song is close to ending, we get the sense of Eponine's hopelessness. Let the crowd judge since three of her four performances all had ovations. One more standout scene was her death which made lots of Eponine fans cry. The fact that she was chosen as the definitive character despite of her ethnicity is undeniable. If she had the chance of originating the role, other performers like Frances Ruffelle would get lots of criticism for not measuring up. I recommend the video to anyone just to see Lea's scenes and lots of others like: the face/off songs of Valjean and Javert, the "One Day More" finales, and the very funny "Master of the House". Do you hear the people sing?
Dream Cast Indeed!
nolirizali-127 August 2007
Drawing cast around the globe made this Les Miz concert a dream cast indeed. Lea Salonga (Eponine) and Phillip Quast (Javert) were the best singers/performers among the cast. Their respective voice qualities and stunning performances were truly amazing. They're simply the best!!! Michael Ball (Marius) was great as a singer. Wasn't quite impressed with vocal qualities of Judy Kuhn (Cosette) nor Colm Wilkinson (Valjean), however, Wilkinson did very well in acting. Ruthie Henshall (Fantine) was good but I prefer Patti Lupone's more matured, deep voice.
I've heard quite a number of Les Miz performances (either recorded or live on stage) and I would say Lea Salonga's "On My Own" and "A Little Fall of Rain" renditions were the best so far. Same credit holds true for Phillip Quast's rendition of "Stars".
I would definitely recommend this DVD as a must-have for musical fanatics...
I've heard quite a number of Les Miz performances (either recorded or live on stage) and I would say Lea Salonga's "On My Own" and "A Little Fall of Rain" renditions were the best so far. Same credit holds true for Phillip Quast's rendition of "Stars".
I would definitely recommend this DVD as a must-have for musical fanatics...
superb, but no DVD of a production can beat seeing it live
TheNorthernMonkee14 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILERS Recently celebrating it's 20th Anniversary, the famous musical "Les Miserables" is a magical story based on the novel by Victor Hugo. As fresh today as it was originally, the story and the music are powerful and pull at the heart strings from the start to the brilliant finish. With recordings like this one, anyone can witness the miracle of "Les Miserables", but ultimately there is no replacement for actually being at the theatre itself.
Arrested for stealing a loaf of bread, Jean Valjean (Colm Wilkinson) is eventually released from the control of the law. Promising to live a better life, Valjean flees his bail to Paris and a little girl called Cosette (Hannah Chick and later Judy Kuhn) who he promised her dying mother he'd care for. Valjean is never truly free however, because a ghost from his past in the form of Inspector Javert (Philip Quast) is never far away.
Billed as staring all the masters of the production, this version of "Les Miserables" is magnificent. Culminating in an extra special of 17 Valjeans from around the world singing a song in their own languages, it is well worthy of possession.
As Valjean, Wilkinson brings the play to life as we witness the evolution of his character. Ultimately though, it is Quast as Javert who steals the limelight. The character of Javert is one of those individuals in plays and musicals who you find yourself loving, even though they are meant to be evil. It's a role everyone wants to play. Like Iago in Shakespeare's "Othello", it's not the main character, but it's the one that everyone remembers. Everyone wants to be Inspector Javert, and in this performance Quast emphasises that with a skilled and luxurious attempt.
There is a major flaw however with watching this DVD or VHS, and that's the simple fact that it's just not the same as being there. Like watching a sporting event on television, or watching a historical moment on a news channel, so many things are better seen in person. Whilst we can watch Valjean's adventures and we can sing along, watching them on DVD is not as much fun as making the effort to go to the theatre. The tactile nature of an event matters.
As entertainment, this production of "Les Miserables" is outstanding. It captures the beauty of the story and it has you trying to singing along. With superb performances by all cast members, it is an event to watch over and over again. Sadly though, it doesn't quite have the same aura about it as actually being there.
Arrested for stealing a loaf of bread, Jean Valjean (Colm Wilkinson) is eventually released from the control of the law. Promising to live a better life, Valjean flees his bail to Paris and a little girl called Cosette (Hannah Chick and later Judy Kuhn) who he promised her dying mother he'd care for. Valjean is never truly free however, because a ghost from his past in the form of Inspector Javert (Philip Quast) is never far away.
Billed as staring all the masters of the production, this version of "Les Miserables" is magnificent. Culminating in an extra special of 17 Valjeans from around the world singing a song in their own languages, it is well worthy of possession.
As Valjean, Wilkinson brings the play to life as we witness the evolution of his character. Ultimately though, it is Quast as Javert who steals the limelight. The character of Javert is one of those individuals in plays and musicals who you find yourself loving, even though they are meant to be evil. It's a role everyone wants to play. Like Iago in Shakespeare's "Othello", it's not the main character, but it's the one that everyone remembers. Everyone wants to be Inspector Javert, and in this performance Quast emphasises that with a skilled and luxurious attempt.
There is a major flaw however with watching this DVD or VHS, and that's the simple fact that it's just not the same as being there. Like watching a sporting event on television, or watching a historical moment on a news channel, so many things are better seen in person. Whilst we can watch Valjean's adventures and we can sing along, watching them on DVD is not as much fun as making the effort to go to the theatre. The tactile nature of an event matters.
As entertainment, this production of "Les Miserables" is outstanding. It captures the beauty of the story and it has you trying to singing along. With superb performances by all cast members, it is an event to watch over and over again. Sadly though, it doesn't quite have the same aura about it as actually being there.
unmissable!
dairycheezecow10 April 2007
Having been a big fan of les mis before buying this DVD i knew i'd enjoy it but wow!
Tis is the most phenomenal recording of the musical there has ever been. You don't need the full stage production, hearing the music performed by a huge orchestra, choir and undoubtedly the best cast there has ever been is breathtaking. You will laugh, cry and lose yourself in this brilliant show. particular attention should be drawn to colm wilkinson who owns the role of Van Jean and philip quast who's voice is so full of meaning and emotion you can't help but become spellbound.
watch it! you haven't lived until you've seen it.
Tis is the most phenomenal recording of the musical there has ever been. You don't need the full stage production, hearing the music performed by a huge orchestra, choir and undoubtedly the best cast there has ever been is breathtaking. You will laugh, cry and lose yourself in this brilliant show. particular attention should be drawn to colm wilkinson who owns the role of Van Jean and philip quast who's voice is so full of meaning and emotion you can't help but become spellbound.
watch it! you haven't lived until you've seen it.
Decent performance, but you better it live with actual staging.
awinnin121 November 2005
I like it. I don't love it. Simply because I have seen better people play some of the roles. I was lucky enough to see Patti LuPone and Frances Ruffelle (who later won a tony for the same part) as Fantine and Eponine in London back in 1985 and think they were much better than Ruthie and Lea. Also, Anthony Warlowe is much more convincing than Michael Maguire. Everyone else is pretty good though. I think Judy Kuhn is probably the best female singer in the cast and love her performance. Cosette is my favorite role and don't think anyone brings as much to it as she does; which is probably why she got nominated for a tony with such a small role.
3 hours of pure tedium
fubar-22 December 1998
a superb concert record of a great show
didi-517 August 2003
Seeing Les Miz on stage is a breathtaking experience, as it really has the atmosphere, the heart, the energy and the songs to do justice to Victor Hugo's great French novel. So it was no surprise that the Tenth Anniversary Concert really worked - it assembled perhaps the best group of singers (Colm Wilkinson, who created the role of Valjean; Philip Quast, Javert in Australia and on the UK tour (fabulous); Ruthie Henshall as a brittle Fantine; Lea Salonga as Eponine; Michael Ball recreating his role as Marius (and few people can sing Empty Chairs and Empty Tables as well as he does); and from the US, Judy Kuhn as Cosette).
I don't feel that we have been cheated out of a full film version; and in fact I hope they don't attempt it. This semi-dramatised concert does the job and keeps this fantastic musical on record for future generations. Roll on the 20th anniversary, and long may the production run in its London home, where the giant Cosette has become a landmark for tourists getting lost on Piccadilly!
I don't feel that we have been cheated out of a full film version; and in fact I hope they don't attempt it. This semi-dramatised concert does the job and keeps this fantastic musical on record for future generations. Roll on the 20th anniversary, and long may the production run in its London home, where the giant Cosette has become a landmark for tourists getting lost on Piccadilly!
Superb
TheLittleSongbird1 September 2011
What can I say that hasn't been said already. This concert performance of Les Miserables is simply superb and one of my personal favourite performances of any musical to date. The story and characters are vivid and the music is magnificent and one of those musicals where there isn't a single bad tune, Stars, Bring Him Home, On My Own and Empty Chairs and Empty Tables always had the most impact on me.
The performance is shot excellently, and while not the most visually appealing of all Les Miserables the settings and costuming are appropriate. The orchestral playing and conducting are superb too, and the performances are faultless. Michael Maguire and Judy Kuhn mayn't be completely ideal age-wise but I can forgive that when I hear how well they act and sing.
Michael Ball's Empty Chairs and Empty Tables is heart-wrenching, Lea Salonga is a lovely Eponine(though I couldn't help thinking that Kuhn would have been better suited while Salonga sang Cosette, but it doesn't hurt the performance at all) and Alun Armstrong is perfectly cast and very funny. Colm Wilkisnon is an expressive and dynamic Valjean, complete with a very moving rendition of Bring Him Home. Phillip Quast is superb as Javert, conveying his harshness as well as making him a sympathetic figure. Stars is also a contender for the best rendition of the performance, it was very commanding and magnificently sung.
Overall, a superb Les Miserables. 10/10 Bethany Cox
The performance is shot excellently, and while not the most visually appealing of all Les Miserables the settings and costuming are appropriate. The orchestral playing and conducting are superb too, and the performances are faultless. Michael Maguire and Judy Kuhn mayn't be completely ideal age-wise but I can forgive that when I hear how well they act and sing.
Michael Ball's Empty Chairs and Empty Tables is heart-wrenching, Lea Salonga is a lovely Eponine(though I couldn't help thinking that Kuhn would have been better suited while Salonga sang Cosette, but it doesn't hurt the performance at all) and Alun Armstrong is perfectly cast and very funny. Colm Wilkisnon is an expressive and dynamic Valjean, complete with a very moving rendition of Bring Him Home. Phillip Quast is superb as Javert, conveying his harshness as well as making him a sympathetic figure. Stars is also a contender for the best rendition of the performance, it was very commanding and magnificently sung.
Overall, a superb Les Miserables. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Brilliant
littlemissclare15 October 2004
I have always been a huge fan of the novel, which I read when I was 11, and likewise of the musical, which I have seen several times. I have a copy of this anniversary concert on tape, and just love it! The casting was brilliant, although I felt that Judy Kuhn as Cosette was not played quite up to the standard of the other characters, particularly Fantine, Eponine, Javert and Valjean. The two child actors of Gavroche and Little Cosette were astoundingly good, and they certainly gave the adults a run for their money. When I first saw it I was dismayed that the sequences of acting were omitted, however this doesn't detract from the wonderful performances of this beautiful musical and story, played out during the French Revolution of 1830. Overall brilliant, and can't wait until I have the opportunity to see it again. Highly recommended. C.W.
Les Mis in Concert...wonderful!
woodenshoesrule15 May 2005
If you love Les Mis then you'll love this DVD as well. It really captures the whole atmosphere of the show and includes all great songs of the musical. It's also a story that will still be valid hundreds of years from now! Just a few things that makes this DVD not a 10 out of 10. First of all: this is a concert (so it's different then seeing the real thing on stage) and that not all the lyrics were included which is too bad! Also you might not totally agree that this is "the Dream Cast"..I don't think it is, although it comes pretty close! I think Michael Ball and Philip Quast are WONDERFUL as Marius and Javert! And well...they are all wonderful. Their voices amaze me and so does the music and do the songs, so just enjoy the beautiful music...do you hear the people sing?
Wonderful in every way
freakyteenager66616 November 2005
I love this show completely I can't say anything bad this concert production I love how they mix in some of the scenes from the show and the cast picks blow me away and I loved how they end this with the all of the around the Valjean's and the overlapping part of "One Day More" (which is one of my favorite songs in the show. I loved the Eponine in the show she was in MISS SAIGON and the Fantine. And how they follow the show still and the score how they played it was amazing in anyway. A really great gala concert ever.
An Amazing concert to such an amazing show.
"ONE MORE DAY ALL ON MY OWN"
An Amazing concert to such an amazing show.
"ONE MORE DAY ALL ON MY OWN"
Simply Magnificent
javert8720 March 1999
Simply one of the greatest musical performances ever!!! The only thing better than the story and the music, is the quality of the cast. You cannot go past Philip Quast, as Javert, not only an excellent singer but a fine actor, who gives sympathy to a character that we should hate with a passion
Once in a lifetime event!
ayla12091 October 2000
WOW! That is all one can say about this fantastic concert. Where else could you see such a vastly talented cast in one place? Colm Wilkenson is *the* Valjean, and no one can sing Marius as well as the immensely talented Michael Ball. Philip Quast's Javert is powerful and commanding - his rendition of "Stars" will send chills down your spine!
One of the things I found moved me the most is the sound of the hundreds of voices in the choir singing such powerful songs as "One Day More" and "At the End of the Day". As they say, this truly is "The Dream Cast". Don't miss this one, it is fast on its way to becoming a classic!
One of the things I found moved me the most is the sound of the hundreds of voices in the choir singing such powerful songs as "One Day More" and "At the End of the Day". As they say, this truly is "The Dream Cast". Don't miss this one, it is fast on its way to becoming a classic!
Go and see performance first, later see DVD
Le5zek9 September 2010
It is my favorite musical and one of my favorite DVD. But I made mistake. I had seen DVD before I saw London performance. The problem is, that this performance is cut comparing to stage score. Not to much, but significantly. I understand of course, that score was to long for TV broadcast. But in my opinion too many important songs were cut. F.eg. solo of Valjean from "Thenardier Waltz of Treachery" and ending of this song (with young Cosette), first meeting of Marius and Cosette (The Robbery), and definitely duet of Marius and Valjean in "The Wedding". Lack of these songs and lack of stage movement causes understanding of full show difficult. So do not watch this movie before watching theatrical performance.
Stop complaining. It is really extraordinary performance. Singers are doing their best - Wilkinson, Quast, Henshall, Galloway, Salonga, Ball and Armstrong are simply breathtaking. Definitely best performances I have ever heard. Chorus consisting of 200 singers singing a cappella is incredible. 17 Valjeans ending show give you unique impression how different tenors might be good performers of this score. This DVD is perfect reminder of stage show. I hope 25th Anniversary performance planned on 3rd October 2010 in O2 Dome will contain stage movements and will be recorded for DVD broadcast too.
Stop complaining. It is really extraordinary performance. Singers are doing their best - Wilkinson, Quast, Henshall, Galloway, Salonga, Ball and Armstrong are simply breathtaking. Definitely best performances I have ever heard. Chorus consisting of 200 singers singing a cappella is incredible. 17 Valjeans ending show give you unique impression how different tenors might be good performers of this score. This DVD is perfect reminder of stage show. I hope 25th Anniversary performance planned on 3rd October 2010 in O2 Dome will contain stage movements and will be recorded for DVD broadcast too.
Probably better than any movie musical they would make
Marx_Bros_Fan8620 June 2009
While I would love to see the Les Mis musical adapted to the big screen, I doubt they would assemble a top notch cast like the Tenth Anniversary Concert. Sadly Hollywood would most likely sacrifice singing talent for good looks. Many of the cast members were originals in their respective productions. Colm Wilkinson, Michael Ball, and Alun Armstrong were cast in the Original London Production. Philip Quast was the original Javert in Sydney, Australia, while Michael Maguire and Judy Khun were in the Original Broadway Cast. Lea Salonga of Miss Saigon fame, Ruthie Henshall, and Jenny Galloway make up the rest of the main characters. This is my favorite Les Mis recording because the cast is so even in quality. The other three recordings have some superb performances, but there are a few people who stick out as inferior to the rest. The best performance in the concert is Quast, and of the four recordings in English, this is the best Javert performance you can buy. Quast also recorded the Complete Symphonic album, but his rendition of "Stars" is a tad bit better here.
It is unfortunate they had to abridge some songs and remove a few others, but the Tenth Anniversary Concert is still longer than the Broadway and London albums. I just wish they had kept Javert's Intervention. Unlike most concerts, the actors sing in costume and in character the whole time. They are backed by a full orchestra and a chorus of former Les Mis cast members. I haven't bought the DVD but if you're going to buy one Les Mis album, get this one.
It is unfortunate they had to abridge some songs and remove a few others, but the Tenth Anniversary Concert is still longer than the Broadway and London albums. I just wish they had kept Javert's Intervention. Unlike most concerts, the actors sing in costume and in character the whole time. They are backed by a full orchestra and a chorus of former Les Mis cast members. I haven't bought the DVD but if you're going to buy one Les Mis album, get this one.
Go see it live
fcouckey20 July 2004
"Les Misérables" is a true phenomenon of the theatre. The show boasts an huge number of followers who love the show. For them, I'm sure this concert version is just fine. For me though, the magic of the show comes through in only a staged production. Don't get me wrong, I think the music is great, but it's the spectacle of the show that keeps the audience coming back. Seeing actors simply standing in front of microphones singing the show pales in comparison to seeing them turning on revolving stages, climbing up barricades and jumping off bridges.
That said, I must remind myself that this was a concert version of the show. After all, actors just standing and singing is what a concert version entails. However, the music simply doesn't speak for itself. The magic is missing from this version. "Les Misérables" needs a set, staging, props and fog. For any fan of the show, this concert is a great way to relive the live, staged version they most likely saw. If, however, you have never seen the show, I want to press that this is not the best it gets. Go see it live, in a theatre, in full production.
In regards to the cast, to call it a dream is, I think, a little too much. There in-fact only one performer in this version who I would put on my "Les Misérables" dream cast list. Jenny Galloway as Madame Thenardier is hysterical in the comic relief role and steals every scene she's in. But more importantly, she is one of the few who puts their own, original, distinctive flavor into their character. Some of the other cast members turn in performances that other actors could have done just as well. I also admired Philip Quast as Javert. As for the lead role, (I know many will hate me for saying this,) but to me, Colm Wilkinson is not an ideal Jean Valjean. He somehow manages to put the strangest (incorrect) vowels into every word he sings. Sorry folks, but to me, correct pronunciation is a key.
That said, I must remind myself that this was a concert version of the show. After all, actors just standing and singing is what a concert version entails. However, the music simply doesn't speak for itself. The magic is missing from this version. "Les Misérables" needs a set, staging, props and fog. For any fan of the show, this concert is a great way to relive the live, staged version they most likely saw. If, however, you have never seen the show, I want to press that this is not the best it gets. Go see it live, in a theatre, in full production.
In regards to the cast, to call it a dream is, I think, a little too much. There in-fact only one performer in this version who I would put on my "Les Misérables" dream cast list. Jenny Galloway as Madame Thenardier is hysterical in the comic relief role and steals every scene she's in. But more importantly, she is one of the few who puts their own, original, distinctive flavor into their character. Some of the other cast members turn in performances that other actors could have done just as well. I also admired Philip Quast as Javert. As for the lead role, (I know many will hate me for saying this,) but to me, Colm Wilkinson is not an ideal Jean Valjean. He somehow manages to put the strangest (incorrect) vowels into every word he sings. Sorry folks, but to me, correct pronunciation is a key.
Les Overwrought!
j-lacerra23 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
There is only one word I can think of for this unmelodious extravaganza, now bellowing from my TV as I write: OVERWROUGHT! It has bleated, seemingly endlessly, for nearly two hours now, and I am yet to hear a decent song. The seats in the theater must be very uncomfortable, as I can think of no other reason for the standing ovations that have greeted some of these very competent performers smirkingly belting out this dreadful material. The plot also seems overwrought, and overwhelmingly depressing, although I seem to recall an old movie of this name being quite interesting ... perhaps with Charles Laughton.
Surely, the stage play must be much better in flow and dramatic exposition, but it no doubt has the same wretched music.
Why, you may ask, am I torturing myself by continuing to watch and listen to this show? Well, it was loaned by a friend who asks me to let him know which number(s) I like best. I honestly don't know what I am going to tell him.
Surely, the stage play must be much better in flow and dramatic exposition, but it no doubt has the same wretched music.
Why, you may ask, am I torturing myself by continuing to watch and listen to this show? Well, it was loaned by a friend who asks me to let him know which number(s) I like best. I honestly don't know what I am going to tell him.
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