Les Miserables used to be one of my favourite musicals in my childhood. I was really obsessed with most musicals and I feel bad for my dad who had to listen to it constantly. It lasted until I was about 16 and moved into jpop but since the Les Miserables movie was announced and came out, I rewatched the 10th anniversary concert for the xxth time. I also watched the 25th anniversary for the first time. I haven't seen the movie yet but I am quite eager to see what they've done with it. I understand Russel Crowe made a not-so-great Javert and that Hugh Jackman was underwhelming so I can only hope the acting and the scenery more than makes up for it. Speaking of Javert.
lol
I compared both the 10th and the 25th anniversary and while the nostalgia and vocals will always be fantastic in the old ~dreamcast~, the 25th is enjoyable to watch and does a better job at the scenery. The actors being in the background of the 10th detracts a little bit. Also, they cut out some things in the 10th that could leave somebody wondering what just happened? But they did a good job transitioning for the 25th showing more of the story. I also didn't mind the vocals too much, Alfie Boe and Norm Lewis were both fantastic and I honestly didn't mind Nick Jonas as much as some people probably did. He made a good youthful, naive, lovesick Marius. Samantha Barks was also lovely and I'm glad she was cast in the movie. Ramin as Enjrolas was also very nice but since I just watched Phantom not too long ago, I couldn't not keep seeing it. Also, Lea Salonga wasn't my favourite Fantine but I'm glad they incorporated her in. ~♥
My boyfriend doesn't know much about musicals so he really enjoyed the 25th concert. Also, unpopular opinion but I think he really liked Cosette and Marius's story so that surprised me a little as I don't see that around~ I would suggest this for somebody who has never seen Les Miserables if they want to get an idea of it. It's a good starting place.
As well, here is the full old 10th anniversary that is from 1995~
Both are lovely in their own way. Colm Wilkinson will always be my favourite Valjean and Philip Quast will always be my favourite Javert. I now like both of these for their own reasons They have their own upsides and downsides, but they're both lovely~♥
