Is Les Miserables overrated?
By ben_monk
@ben_monk (1)
November 21, 2008 5:29pm CST
As a classic musical, Les Miserables has been around for a long time- 23 years and counting in the West End!
However, as the 25th year grows ever closer, is Les Miserables the undoubted greatest musical of or time or, in the words of Stephen Malkmus is it 'Real Emotional Trash'?
Let's find out.
6 responses
@oldchem1 (8132)
•
18 May 10
I had an Aunt who loved this opera so thought I'd try it, but it wasn't for me!
From the beginning it is so dismal, it begins in the darkness of a French prison-yard, where convict Jean Valjean has served 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. After skipping out on his parole, Valjean seeks to make a new life for himself, becoming a man of repute, noted for his generosity. He is not, however, able to avoid the troubles of 19th century France.
There is a little comedy in it but overall far too depressing for me
From the beginning it is so dismal, it begins in the darkness of a French prison-yard, where convict Jean Valjean has served 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. After skipping out on his parole, Valjean seeks to make a new life for himself, becoming a man of repute, noted for his generosity. He is not, however, able to avoid the troubles of 19th century France.
There is a little comedy in it but overall far too depressing for me
@karen1969 (1779)
•
17 May 10
I love Les Miserables, it is my favourite musical. I think the story is great and the songs are beautiful. I have several versions of the soundtrack on CD and the performance on DVD too and think it is all wonderful, a really magical show.
@singing1227 (315)
• United States
22 Nov 08
I absolutely love the music Les Miserables. For me, it is a timely love story. Plus, the musical score is phenomenal. I believe the show's long run on Broadway has to do with its high quality and enduring theme.
@bwaybaby (903)
• United States
11 Feb 09
I find it to be a bit overrated, although not as overrated as Phantom of the Opera. It's a pretty good show, but it can be a bit pompous at times. It was my first broadway show, but my mom played any song that mentioned God in it over and over again until I got sick of it.
@smartie0317 (1610)
• United States
21 Nov 08
I believe it to be overrated. I just find it a tad too depressing. I mean, I like darker stuff on occanison like The Phantom of the Opera. However, this just wasn't my taste. I'm a very picky person, though.
@songbird34 (28)
• United States
21 Nov 08
I happen to LOVE Les Mis! I am currently a music teacher, so usually love corny stuff no one else likes anyway. Even if the musical itself isn't the best that Broadway has to offer, it has wonderfully memorable songs. I sang "I Dreamed a Dream" in college, and it's still one of the best songs ever! Les Mis will always be one of my favorite Broadway musicals.
