cltaylor3
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Please Help Fans!Hello! 
I'm at college at the moment, studying les Mis and was wondering if any of you can help me...?
I've seen the West End Stage Show (loved it!) and I'm currently reading the novel but my coursework is about:
why people are a fan of the show?
What do people like about it?
Why do some people see it more than once and how often do they go?
If anyone could answer these questions and get back to me, or have any other information you think could help, that would be fantastic
Thanks so much,
Claire x
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Robinflamingo
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I've seen Les Mis five times live, and innumerable times on my concert DVD. I have six different versions of the CD as well.
Why? I am always ALWAYS moved by the emotion and the richness of the score and lyrics. If I'm having a bad day, all I have to do is crank up One Day More on youtube, and it's better. And if I'm crabby, watching Neil Patrick Harris do Confrontation makes me laugh every time.
People say "How can a show where everyone dies make you feel good?" Well, because you feel like they haven't lived their lives in vain. They believe in something and act on it. Hope that helps!
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cltaylor3
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Thanks very much!
That's exactly the sort of reponse I was after
X
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Orestes Fasting
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I've seen the stage version upwards of 70 times (no, that's not a typo), and I think Les Mis is particularly well-suited for repeated viewings because it's a fairly elaborate show. The plot is complicated, the cast is large; there's always something new and interesting to pay attention to, even when you know all the words and stage directions by heart. Especially when you know them by heart, because you're more sensitive to varying interpretations.
Last year, when the Broadway revival was still running and I had easy transport to New York, I would literally see Les Mis once a week, usually with discount tickets or student rush. Now that that production has closed, I go see interesting-looking regional productions every few months if they're within driving distance.
I'm not going to try to answer why I'm a fan of Les Mis, because it's like asking somebody why they're in love with their significant other. I adore the show and the book, and I could go on about their merits for some time, but the question "Why Les Mis in particular?" doesn't have an answer besides "Because I love it."
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Ulla Dance Again!
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1. Being a fan is subjective - many people are drawn to the show for different reasons. It could be the score, or the characters, or the revovling stage even! There are so many aspects to the production which make it fascinating. (Personally, one of the reasons I'm a fan is because of the underlying message of human empowerment and spirit).
2. Going back to human empowerment - it sends a message of hope. Not to mention based on a novel that is the second most read piece of literature (next to the Bible). And as stated above, there's always something new to catch. Personally, I think people like it because of the story, the characters, and the music. Here are people who struggle against society and may not reach their goal but they are so passionate about what they believe in. And if I should die in the fight to be free, where the fighting is hardest, there will I be. It's that message of "I'm going to die trying instead of letting things go on they way they've always been carrying on." In some way, we - as the audience - can connect with that.
3. I've had the interesting experience of working backstage on a production of Les Miserables as well as seeing it twice. If you take that into account, I've see it at least 20 or so times. However, an honest answer would be I saw that particular production 2 and 1/2 times (the 1/2 being the night I snuck out into the house and watched most of Act II). Add on touring, New York, a student edition, and Tenth Anniversary Concert DVD... it's roughly six or seven times total. When I saw the show in October, it renewed this energy and overwhelming sense of excitement I had upon first seeing Les Miserables five years ago. I told the cast that it's one thing to make people cry during particular scenes but quite another to bring back that enthused sense of "I can't wait for what's going to happen next!"
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eponine5
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| Ulla Dance Again! wrote: | | I told the cast that it's one thing to make people cry during particular scenes but quite another to bring back that enthused sense of "I can't wait for what's going to happen next!" |
I completely agree with this. Les Mis is an extremely plot-heavy show, but every moment in the show is done so well that it's not about finding out what happens, it's about how it happens.
If the power in Valjean's Soliloquy was all focused on his final decision to start a new life, then there would be little point in rewatching it. But What Have I Done? lets the audience see every bit of Valjean's struggle and thought process, and allows each actor to bring different things out of the song.
And, of course, the music is strong enough to be listened to over and over again.
I see the show about five to six times a year, and have been doing so consistantly since I first saw it a few years ago.
After I first saw it, within about a week I wanted to go and see it again. At that time I didn't remember all the music, and I certainly didn't catch all the intricacies of the plot after only seeing it once. But the overall impact of the story and the arcs of the characters must have been what made me want to find out more about it and keep going back.
I feel that I get something new out of it each time. Whenever people ask me why I've seen it so many times, the reply I give them is that it still makes me laugh, cry, and cheer more than any other show.
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cltaylor3
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Keep 'em coming..Thanks for all your help
If anyone else would like to add to this, PLEASE don't hesitate. I need all the help I can get 
thankyouuuu,
Claire x
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Quique
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It really is hard to put into words why I love this show so much. First off, it has been a part of my life since the age of 7. The first song I ever heard was Patti's rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream." I could not get that melody out of my head for weeks. I've been a hardcore fan since then.
The story. Apart from the beautiful music and lush orchestrations, this is what has drawn me to it more than anything else. It's timeless, inspiring, a masterpiece.
The characters. Like Behr says in his book "Les Miserables: History In the Making," all societies have their Javerts, Valjeans, Thenardiers, Fantines, and so on. They are as diverse as humanity itself, representing the best and worst. As looney as it may sound, they are like family to me. :S
More than 20 years after first discovering the musical, I've yet to get tired of it. When I listen to the music, I get this warm, comforting feeling. Nowadays, it has great nostalgic value. Almost every significant event in my life is in close proximity to one of the many times I've seen the show. It's the greatest, most fulfilling pastime/hobby.
DAMN you Cameron for shutting down our 3rd national tour!!!! 
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jackrussell
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Re: Please Help Fans! | cltaylor3 wrote: |
why people are a fan of the show?
What do people like about it? |
For me, it's first and foremost the music. I like emotional (or bombastic) French pop so hearing that score played with a decent-sized orchestra and good singers always works for me. Unlike some musicals, the lyrics are generally OK as well.
Secondly, it's the concept. Telling an epic story entirely through contemporary music works really well and in my mind is more in the tradition of 19th century Italian opera than most modern operas are.
Thirdly, it's the reference to the novel, which is a classic. I do believe those who have read the novel get more out of the musical. While the show can't include everything, it does allude to various parts of the novel that have been left out, so this adds richness.
| Quote: | | Why do some people see it more than once and how often do they go? |
I don't believe in seeing it too often - I've been three times and own several versions on CD, all of which I listen to quite regularly. It is a show that stands up to repeated listening, as you generally appreciate the music more at a second or third hearing, and notice things you didn't previously. Also it's interesting to hear different singers play the roles. However, I try to resist going too often in case it were to lose its impact (though from the experience of others, it probably wouldn't).
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Quique
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Re: Please Help Fans! | jackrussell wrote: |
I don't believe in seeing it too often. |
I believe that, too!!
I've seen the show only 26 times in a period of 20 years mostly out of fear I'll get too used to it!! Seriously. 
I've had more than enough money during my fandom to see it many more times, but I'm TERRIFIED it'll soon become usual and commonplace. How's that for obsessive!!?? lol.
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Ulla Dance Again!
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When I worked on the show, it actually didn't bother me too much. Except getting depressed and having to leave the run early ... but despite that, it never grew old for me. Even when I came back and saw it twice (but each time I hadn't been to the theatre in about a week, so it was a bit refreshing).
I think it helps to give yourself some time before seeing a production because it makes you appreciate the show that much more.
Though, I can say this much, repeated viewings of particular scenes do reinstill a certain sentiment. No matter how many times I've seen/heard "Do You Hear The People Sing?" I feel quite triumphant.
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Quique
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I think I first got that silly fear back when the 3rd national tour had an extensive L.A. run in the late 90's. I believe I saw the show over 5 times during the run. By the 4th and 5th time, that magical feeling started to disappear, and so, I panicked! lol. I want it to be like my first time, every time!!! I didn't see see the show again until I went to NY later on that year. :S
Here's all the times I've seen the show. Notice how deliberately spread out each viewing is.
Les Mis�rables (27x)
- Shubert Theatre - Los Angeles
2nd National Tour - June, 1989
- Pantages Theatre - Los Angeles
1st National Tour - February, 1991
- Pantages Theatre - Los Angeles
3rd National Tour - December, 1992
- Civic Auditorium - Pasadena, CA
(2x)
3rd National Tour - January, 1994
- Terrace Theatre - Long Beach, CA
(2x)
3rd National Tour - December, 1995 &
January, 1996
- Imperial Theatre - Broadway
(2x)
July, 1997
- Civic Theatre - San Diego, CA
3rd National Tour - October, 1999
- Ahmanson Theatre - Los Angeles
(5x)
3rd National Tour - December, 1999;
January & February, 2000
- Imperial Theatre - Broadway
(2x)
July, 2000
- Terrace Theatre - Long Beach, CA
3rd National Tour - October, 2001
- Imperial Theatre - Broadway
August, 2002
- Imperial Theatre - Broadway
January, 2003
- Pantages Theatre - Los Angeles
(2x)
3rd National Tour - December, 2004
- Pantages Theatre - Los Angeles
(3x)
3rd National Tour - June, 2006
- Broadhurst Theatre - Broadway
21 July, 2007
- Hollywood Bowl - Les Miserables In Concert
10 August, 2008
*Weirdo*
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lesmisloony
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Hahaha, Quique, I admire your self-control.
| Quote: | | Though, I can say this much, repeated viewings of particular scenes do reinstill a certain sentiment. |
That's it exactly. For me, I'm quite obsessed with the Book and with collecting various film versions, but every once in a while a need to see the show will just attack me. I'm going through one right now (haven't seen it since early January, when I saw it twice in two days) but fortunately there's that Signature Theatre production going up a few hours away next month...
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Quique
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| lesmisloony wrote: | | Hahaha, Quique, I admire your self-control. |
It has NOT been easy. 
I've always been anal about stuff like that but, nowadays, I sort of resent the fact I'm like that. I mean, now that the official production isn't playing anywhere in the U.S., I regret not seeing it as many times as humanly possible. Grrr.
If I were a multimillionaire, I swear, the first thing I'd do is mount a permanent production of the show in L.A.!!!!
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EponineMNFF
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| Quique wrote: | | If I were a multimillionaire, I swear, the first thing I'd do is mount a permanent production of the show in L.A.!!!![/color] |
Yes, please! 
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cltaylor3
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..some more questions..Anything else you'd like to add?
What's your favourite scene/ song?
Do your friends enjoy it too? If so, what age are you/they?
Do you think you have to be a certain TYPE of person to enjoy the show/novel?
Thanks for you help
X
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Factory-Girl
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1: My favorite song changes constantly. When listening to the CD with a friend, I'm known to remark "this is my favorite song!" then repeat the same comment a few tracks later. But then again, I've never been a decisive person, so perhaps others all know their exact favorite songs. I do, however have several favorite individual lines or stanzas, such as "Tell me quickly what's the story, who saw what and why and where? Let him give a full description, let him answer to Javert!" "And if I should die in the fight to be free, where the fighting is hardest, there will I be!" "There's a boy climbing the barricade!" (that one's an inside joke, though) and many, many more.
2: Well, my school did it last year, so my friends finally figured out why I'm obsessed. Though the school edition is kind of watered down, it convinced them to listen to the real show, which I'd been trying to get them to do for months. My friends are stubborn. ^^ But we're all teenagers in high school, even though I've discussed the show with friends of mine who are in college, middle school, or adults. There's no real age to the show...
3: Not really... I mean, if you're the kind of person who despises reading, obviously the novel won't do much for you... but generally, the show's got something for everyone. Someone's felt the dedication of Les Amis or the pain of a father losing his daughter or even (don't hurt me) some girls empathizing with Eponine's unrequited love. So unless you're set against it from the beginning, i.e. "I absolutely despise musicals and this one is no different" and you come in with an open mind, you're bound to find something about it to love. Not everyone is set out to be a hardcore fan; maybe their attention span doesn't range for the full length of the show, maybe they find parts of it dull or confusing, but chances are they'll find something they rather liked about the show.
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cltaylor3
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You guys have been fantastic
If there's anything else you'd like to add, go ahead, the more responses I can get the better
What has been your favourite version? Who is your fav character? Feel free to invent your own questions! Has anyone read the novel? If so, do you prefer the novel or the show?
You have my everlasting love and thanks,
Claire x
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lizavert
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*takes a deep breath*
Okay then. Why I like LM.
I have to agree with Orestes on the reason why. I can't really explain it, and heaven knows I've tried. It's a beautiful story, with interesting characters. The heart of the story is about hope, I think it is anyway, hope that at some point in the future, mankind will wake up and stop hurting itself. It's also about faith in humans ability to grow and become more than what they were before. I don't think that there is a certain type of person who responds to the show. As someone else pointed out, there's a little something for everyone. The only criteria I've found for liking the show is an open mind.
I have read the book multiple times. In fact, I'm reading it again right now. It's a book that stands up to many readings. There's usually something new that I find in it every time I pick it up. I love both the novel and the show. But I prefer the Brick more, because it's full of little details that you miss in the show. But I will never pass up a chance to see the show. The music is still powerful after the God only knows how many times I've heard it.
My favorite song from the show? Egads! Tough choice. I'm going to say...One Day More. Although I pretty much like the whole thing.
My favorite character used to be Javert, but I also have grown to appreciate the Amis, Valjean, and Cosette. Nowadays, my favorite character seems to change on a daily basis.
The only other people I know who like the show are my grandparents. At least in the same way that I do. I do have some friends that like the show, they just aren't obsessed with it.
My favorite version of the story, that isn't a book, would have to be the 1957 Jean Gabin version. It's a lovely version wilth all sorts of book details that make me very happy. It's french version, and to all those of you who haven't seen it, get it. The dubbing isn't great, but whatever you spend on it is worth it.
Holy long-winded post, Batman!
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cltaylor3
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Thank you SO much  That's perfect!
XXX
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Orestes Fasting
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Yeah, the musical, as lovely as it is, is a pale shadow of the book. It represents the bulk of the plot more-or-less faithfully, but half the value in the book is Hugo's commentary, the time he spends talking about history/politics/religion and the detail he lavishes on minor characters and incidents that aren't vital to the plot. The plot is just the skeleton of the book, and there's no way to capture Hugo's narration on stage.
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cltaylor3
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Hi guys,
I am now writing my report on the stage show and would like to thank you all for your contributions!
If anyone has anything else they would like to add, PLEASE don't hesitate! I have 5000 words to fill
Why do you like the show?
What does it mean to you personally?
Why do you think it appeals to so many people?
Why is this musical different from the others?
What do you like about the staging of the performance?
What is your favourite song?
Thanks again
XXXXX
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