Longevity

Moci · Longevity

Now that it's getting towards Les Mis' 21st anniversary, how do you feel the show will hold up in the future, do you think it'll be seen as a masterpiece that will still sound fresh and have an impact on audiences, or will it just seem dated and a product of the 80s and one of the shows which should be respected because of what it achieved originally, not because it seems as if it was written yesterday.

I'd lean more towards the first option, but I think it'll take a new approach to some of the material, as opposed to reproducing the original, with new orchestrations in places and a new directorial vision, but that would be some things that shouldn't be changed- it shouldn't need to be so reinvented that there are ribbons for the chain gang and a red barricade etc. However, I do believe that it'll hold up musically and also in the effect it'll have on audiences, as the characters are universal- I think the worldwide effect of the show has proved that. I believe that it'll still seem as powerful in the future as it does now.

Your thoughts?

flying_pigs

This is kind of OT but I just had a thought for what they could do for the 21st Anniversary, they could put all the songs and bits of songs they cut out through the years!

I hope Les Mis continies to be seen as a masterpiece and generations will keep loving it! (If it holds on for that long!)

Mr. Todd

Well cosnidering the fact that the book was written 200 years ago and was able to influence two modern day composers to write Les Mis I would say that it will last. It's the story and the timless characters that we identify with and relate to. Plus not to mention the universal truths that Les Mis presents. I think that audiences for years to come will not only enjoy Les Mis but also revere it as one of the best shows ever on Broadway.

olly

I think it will last, though it will come off stage for a while, it will be revived. I just hope that they don't change it too much.

javertsw

It will definately last.
Something that has had such an impact worldwide couldn't be forgotten.

Kragey

As long as there are timely revivals--and not excessive, because sometimes, a bit of breathing room to keep people "waiting" is nice--Les Mis will probably be strong enough to survive.

Aimee

I think Les Mis will live on 'forever'. I hope its a long time before they change the original concept/production but it will happen eventually.

[I wonder where the copyright actually stands on this. I know G&S had to be doen 'traditionally' for many years after their deaths.]

I think it is such an amazing piece and timeless in its message that you can look at the news every day and see somewhere in the world here people are struggling for freedom. It will always carry that message 'until the earth is free' which sadly, is a long way off.

Janni

I think all of these 80�s musicals such as Cats, Phantom and of course Les Mis will forever stay as the entry into a new time of musical theatre. Les Mis can cheer audiences today as it has 20 years ago, and most important it�s score is well sold and present in western civilization if not worldwide. Best chances to live on forever...likely difficult stage-wise, but I don�t think anyone would ever lay hands on the score.

Moci	Longevity Now that it's getting towards Les Mis' 21st anniversary, how do you feel the show will hold up in the future, do you think it'll be seen as a masterpiece that will still sound fresh and have an impact on audiences, or will it just seem dated and a product of the 80s and one of the shows which should be respected because of what it achieved originally, not because it seems as if it was written yesterday. I'd lean more towards the first option, but I think it'll take a new approach to some of the material, as opposed to reproducing the original, with new orchestrations in places and a new directorial vision, but that would be some things that shouldn't be changed- it shouldn't need to be so reinvented that there are ribbons for the chain gang and a red barricade etc. However, I do believe that it'll hold up musically and also in the effect it'll have on audiences, as the characters are universal- I think the worldwide effect of the show has proved that. I believe that it'll still seem as powerful in the future as it does now. Your thoughts?
flying_pigs	This is kind of OT but I just had a thought for what they could do for the 21st Anniversary, they could put all the songs and bits of songs they cut out through the years! I hope Les Mis continies to be seen as a masterpiece and generations will keep loving it! (If it holds on for that long!)
Mr. Todd	Well cosnidering the fact that the book was written 200 years ago and was able to influence two modern day composers to write Les Mis I would say that it will last. It's the story and the timless characters that we identify with and relate to. Plus not to mention the universal truths that Les Mis presents. I think that audiences for years to come will not only enjoy Les Mis but also revere it as one of the best shows ever on Broadway.
olly	I think it will last, though it will come off stage for a while, it will be revived. I just hope that they don't change it too much.
javertsw	It will definately last. Something that has had such an impact worldwide couldn't be forgotten.
Kragey	As long as there are timely revivals--and not excessive, because sometimes, a bit of breathing room to keep people "waiting" is nice--Les Mis will probably be strong enough to survive.
Aimee	I think Les Mis will live on 'forever'. I hope its a long time before they change the original concept/production but it will happen eventually. [I wonder where the copyright actually stands on this. I know G&S had to be doen 'traditionally' for many years after their deaths.] I think it is such an amazing piece and timeless in its message that you can look at the news every day and see somewhere in the world here people are struggling for freedom. It will always carry that message 'until the earth is free' which sadly, is a long way off.
Janni	I think all of these 80�s musicals such as Cats, Phantom and of course Les Mis will forever stay as the entry into a new time of musical theatre. Les Mis can cheer audiences today as it has 20 years ago, and most important it�s score is well sold and present in western civilization if not worldwide. Best chances to live on forever...likely difficult stage-wise, but I don�t think anyone would ever lay hands on the score.

	Musicals.Net Forums -> Les Miserables
Page 1 of 1

The Resource For Musicals

Longevity