Les Miserables

The Broadway musical, known for its catchy tunes, romantic themes, and entertaining performances, continually redefines itself by presenting increasingly complex subject matter. In the case of Les Misérables, Victor Hugo's mid-nineteenth century literary masterpiece and bestseller became the next frontier for the musical form. Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schonberg, and Cameron Mackintosh envisioned a revolutionary musical (no pun intended) that would assume an epic form, expressing grand, universal themes. Its three and a half hour-long length, relentless poetic language, and emphasis on heroic deeds give Les Misérables its epic-like quality. More notably, Les Misérables is one of the most tragic stories of all time, as emphasized by its grim title. The notion that literary tragedy can be the basis of a Broadway musical seems nearly impossible. How can a musical that kills nearly all of its characters remain uplifting, romantic, and entertaining? Edward Behr addresses this issue by stating that Hugo's underlying optimism was captured in the musical version, leaving audiences "both uplifted and in tears". While the numerous deaths and extreme misery of the characters warrant the audience's tears, the uplifting feeling is evoked in a more indirect manner. Les Misérables, the musical, derives its "universal appeal" from its pervasive spirituality and insistence upon Hugo's optimistic view of the human condition.

The misery portrayed throughout Les Misérables is always coated by an uplifting spiritual presence. The musical traditions of romance and humor are preserved in the midst of tragedy by the play's undying optimism. Unlike many of its early predecessors, Les Misérables is, by no means, an escapist musical. However, the spirituality that it offers and its insistence upon the "triumph of good over evil" make the world of the play rather attractive. By examining Les Misérables in this light, we understand why it "inspires a deeply emotional, joyful response", despite its tragic plot.