10. That’s how old I was when I saw my very first live play on stage and perhaps more importantly, my very first ever musical ? Miss Saigon, to be exact. At that age I loved every single second of it from the songs to the dancing to the sheer magnificence of watching those talented people perform in front of you live! But the songs, interspersed with the plot, was my very favorite part of the entire experience. As a Disney movie lover seeing real life people break into song like it was part of everyday was a delicious experience!
So Maybe My Playlist Isn’t Like Yours
But I like it anyway
From Sarah Brightman in the Phantom of the Opera to the award-winning Stephen Sondheim I scour record stores, secondhand video shops for any obscure CD, DVD of anything related to Musicals. At the advent of the internet, online shopping and, dare I say it, Youtube, I’ve had more opportunity to enjoy the wonderful world of musicals.
While my peers in high school and college filled their mp3 players with mainstream and pop songs I flooded mine with an eclectic collection of Sarah Brightman’s maddeningly gorgeous voice, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s catchy tunes, Sondheims masterpieces and everything else in between. You should have seen the looks I got on the tram when I would accidentally sing a part out loud – didn’t happen too often but I didn’t really care overmuch.
Those Singing Lessons
Maybe I really should have taken them after all
The Gloried Microphone by Tom8115 @flickr When my mother went to New York about 2 years back I was still in college so she made the painful decision of not bringing me along. When, in tears, I asked her why she hadn’t brought me along she answered simply that I would sing at her to death until we went to Broadway. She was probably right. But it still hurt.
I am one of those shower divas, meaning I can only sing in the shower and never anywhere else. When I was a child and one of my brothers had given me the ‘Cats’ soundtrack on cassette tape I was too in love with it to be embarrassed about singing in front of other people. When my mother suggested that I get a singing lesson I was too embarrassed to have some ‘expert’ tell me how to sing it. Again, she was probably right. Who knows, maybe I could have been in my own musical. (Or not.)
It’s All Heart
And a great deal of dancing
My limited exposure to musicals means that I don’t know much about it. Even with the internet I can’t see anything live although I try to get as much shows as I can locally. I never profess to be an expert, in fact I’m probably the exact opposite to that. But, for me, musicals whether I watch them or just listen to them, are an integral to me as a person. When I want to cry or when I simply feel lazy a simple listening or watching session is enough to energize my life. And, in the end, that’s the most important thing.
Are you looking to take your family to the theatre and stay overnight? Have you thought about a theatre break family package? You can save money by booking both the show and the hotel together as a package.
Here you will find a collection theatre breaks for families – some of the best London west end family shows and family friendly hotels together, at the best prices.
Take full advantage of getting to see one of London’s West End Shows for families, and afterwards stay over in one of the best family friendly hotels. For me one of the benefits of doing it this way is that we get to have a nice family outing together, without the long, tiring journey back home after, where the kids are screaming and everyone is exhausted and grumpy. Instead, after the show has finished you can head back to the hotel, relax and enjoy the facilities for the rest of the evening, and head home the next day when everyone is well slept and refreshed.
Sometimes it can be hard to find a family friendly UK break. Theatre breaks are perfect for families with children of all ages (yes even grown up ones!). The excitement of getting to see a show together and spend some family time, without all the rushing!
Here you will find a selection of the best West End shows for families, and the best London hotels for families reviewed and rated, and you can combine the show you would like to see with the hotel that is most suitable for your family, to create your perfect family theatre break.
Family Theatre Tickets UK
Enjoy a Family Trip To London!
At the top half of the page you will find a selection of the best west end shows for families. And the second half of the page lists and reviews several family friendly hotels that you can stay at. If you click through using the links given you will be able to combine the show you would like to see with the hotel you would like to stay in for your ideal family theatre break.
PRICES START FROM AS LOW AS £140 FOR A FAMILY OF 4. THIS INCLUDES YOUR ACCOMMODATION AND SHOW TICKETS!
Prices are correct as of February 2013 and are an estimate only. They will vary depending on the deal you chose and are subject to change.
The Lion King
West End Show For Families
The Lion King is a visually stunning production which brings to life this captivating family tale using costumes and colourful performance. If you loved the film you will love the show. Simba’s journey, portrayed through dazzling dances and displays of colour, make you feel as though you are in Africa!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SHOW IS AIMED AT CHILDREN AND ADULTS ABOVE 7 YEARS OLD. CHILDREN ABOVE 3 YEARS ARE PERMITTED IF THEY CAN SIT IN THEIR SEATS AND ARE ACCOMPANIED BY ADULTS AT ALL TIMES. STROBE LIGHTING IS USED DURING THE SHOW
Matilda the Musical
Based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel, this show is loved by children and adults alike. The songs are composed by Tim Minchin and along with Director Dennis Kelly, brings fun and hilarity to the story.
If you don’t already know the story Matilda is an extremely intelligent young girl who possesses psychokinetic powers. She is neglected by her family and finds solace in a female teacher who is impressed by her wit, and an unlikely and touching bond if formed.
THIS SHOW ONLY ADMITS CHILDREN AGED 6+
Billy Elliot
Billy Elliot the film was a HUGE hit, and the show has the added benefit of music from Sir Elton John! This is a spectacular show better suited to older children and teenagers, as well as adults. With lots of singing and dancing, this high energy performance will leave you all buzzing with plenty to talk about over dinner.
The story is about a boy from a small mining town where life is tough and the men are tougher. He is being brought up by his single Dad and life if not easy. When Billy takes an interest in ballet his father is not best pleased but Billy is enthralled by the dance and starts a quest to become a successful male ballet dancer. It’s an emotional tale full of ups and downs and ultimately a feel good show.
THIS SHOW DOES CONTAIN SOME BAD LANGUAGE AND IS RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN ABOVE 12 YEARS, ALTHOUGH CHILDREN OVER 7 WILL BE LET IN. UNDER 16’S MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.
To book your family theatre break to see Billy Elliot click here: Theatre Breaks with Superbreak
War Horse
Set at the beginning of world war 1, this is the gripping tale of a young boy’s love for his horse. When Albert’s horse Joey is sold as a war horse to serve his country, the young boy sets out on a risky and dangerous journey to find the horse again. It’s based on a novel by Micheal Morpurgo and has been called a work of genius.
THIS SHOW IS SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS OVER 10 YEARS OLD
To book to see War Horse click here: Theatre Breaks with Superbreak
Shrek
This is a new production based on the film Shrek, with all the familiar characters including Donkey and Fiona. This musical is full of comedy value and a real treat for the ears.
PLEASE NOTE THAT SHREK THE MUSICAL ONLY ADMITS CHILDREN AGED 5+
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a magical tale with lots of imagination about a young boy living in poverty with his family whose luck changes the day he finds a golden ticket inside a bar of chocolate. This story is so well known and well loved that is has been made into a film several times over, most recently starring Johnny Depp as the eccentric and interesting character of Willy Wonka.
The story was written by Roald Dahl and is brought to the theatre by Sam Mendes.
THIS SHOW WILL PREMIER IN JUNE 2013 AND IS EXPECTED TO BE A HIT. BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
Stomp
Stomp is a unique and amazing show, not least because the music is created using everyday objects such as dustbin lids and brooms and the choreography is based around that. It’s ingenious and fascinating to watch as the performers build the music and routines up to a crescendo.
This is an award winning family show that will stay in your memory for a long time to come.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The hotels listed below are a sample of what is available with one of these packages, along with reviews. They are up to date as of February 2013, however this is intended for information only and no guarantees can be made that the hotels will be available at the time of your trip.
Travelodge London Docklands
This hotel is a good choice for the budget conscious, although the facilities are still very comfortable and clean. It’s a 3 star, family friendly hotel located in the London Docklands, with easy access from the A13, and is about 2.5 miles from the west end. If you stay here as part of your package you will save yourself some money, so perhaps you can treat yourself to an extra special family dinner.
There is a cafe restaurant at the site as well as on site parking (although there is a small charge for the parking).
London Novotel Excel
This hotel is ideally located really close to the centre of London with stunning views over the Thames and a fabulous restaurant facility. This is a very clean and luxurious hotel and provides a tranquil retreat amongst the hustle and bustle of central London.
There are also gym facilities on site.
Novotel London Greenwich
This is a luxury 4 star family friendly hotel located in Greenwich, which is an area of London that is steeped in history. The hotel is located by the train and DLR lines providing very easy access to central London. There is wi-fi, a gym and two restaurants.
This is a truly lovely hotel with excellent reviews.
The Savoy
If you like a little more luxury this option is for you. Perhaps it’s a special occasion and you want to treat your family to a special family London trip?
This iconic hotel has hand a recent refurbishment and is now proud to offer its customers the best of luxury. It’s a very traditionally British hotel with an Edwardian theme.
Jersey Boys is one of the best musicals of the era. It started with a musical band and after getting a huge success in music industry Jersey Boys came into the musical theater world. In theaters Jersey Boys has achieved the marvelous fan following and likes. Now 2013 season is on for Jersey Boys and tickets are on sale. There is a high demand of Jersey Boys tickets and it seems that this musical is going to break all the records of highest grossing shows like Wicked and The Lion King So, don’t let this chance go away to watch the best musical of today’s world.
Jersey Boys
One of the Best Musicals
Start to count the ways as why you want to move with the Cheap Jersey Boys Tickets? Let’s have a move with your favorite collar boys this year as they are back with the same tune to entertain more audiences. But before entering this charming and attractive show you must know why it’s popular among the millions of audiences. First of all the symphonies played in the musical are touchy and loveable! The songs and tale absolutely fit with each other as the audiences get fully surprised. It’s not an ordinary musical, has been honored with Tony Award in 2006. Frankie Valli and the four seasons has blasted the stage with this soul capturing event. The astonishing thing is that the craze of people for this play is not decreasing in fact it’s continuously in increase and every time feels the viewers that they are watching this first time. No one knows what the attraction show has but in spite this all they insist to hold cheap Jersey Boys tickets.
The play is a source of courage for the teenagers! In fact a massive number of spectators come to see these collar boys. They travel from far distances to watch this highly esteemed play. Due to these attractions the play performs again and again and returning back to maintain this entertainment chain. Moreover this Broadway production is well arranged, running for last 8 years. They have production houses in all major countries Singapore, Las Vegas, Australia and London. One thing that snatches the attention of the audiences is the hit songs that have familiar themes like “Oh, What a Night,” “Sherry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and many others. A few weeks ago the live theatre musical brought millions of dollars at the box office. A queue of couples just came to experience the magnet single “Girls’ Night Out,”, the track enriches the tale of the 4 blue collar guys who rose up from the streets of the Newark to the peak of the rock music glory also has a remarkable appeal for guys. The Jersey Boys Tickets are totally flat from the scratch ad one can’t get bored soon until he watches it again and again. If you take analysis of the small aspects of the show you will surely follow it ushers that compel audiences to do something.
Jersey Boys Tickets
Take the full advantage of this live musical. If you have recently turned to teenage then it’s a chance for you to taste this jukebox through the cheap Jersey Boys tickets. Start browsing now from your home just in few seconds you will easily grasp tickets according to your choice. Moreover if you have limited budget then it more easy for you because many sites are available on the internet are offering 10% discount. No matter you are working in an office or full time employee and unable to retrieve tickets. Because all tickets are delivered at home prior the event.
Some of The Biggest Musicals
Recall The French Revolution With Les Miserables The Musical Les Miserables the musical show is going on many venues and places over the globe. Particularly in London, Pennsylvania and Michigan. These three places are the hottest venues and stations for the Les Miserables. Les Miserables is a show which provides a full dose of entertainment, thrill and the emotional touch of French Revolution memories. Fans are getting them selves reserved for the upcoming shows of this marvelous historical Musical theatre show. So, book your self too to enjoy Les Miserables.
Fifth Longest Running Show in Broadway History The Lion King Disney’s landmark event The Lion King has attained the title of Fifth Longest-Running show in the history of Broadway on August 15 2012. At the Minskoff Theatre on August 15 this spectacular musical has completed its 6,138th performance surpassing the genuine Broadway production of “A Chorus Line”, which had previously held that position. Approximately this Tony-winning musical has run almost 91 years since its Broadway premier on November 13, 1997.
The Book Of Mormon Is Coming To Dallas For 2013/2014
The season of 2013 and 2014 of the Book of Mormon is gearing up and is coming to Dallas for its national tour to dazzle the theatergoers with true theatrical entertainment. People all around the world are looking forward for this show that is going to take place at the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Winspear Opera House as part of the Lexus Broadway Series. The Book of Mormon is the musical of the century and people watching the show enjoys the heaven on Broadway. The Book of Mormon since its premier rave reviews from fans and critics as well. The musical began its run for the first time in March, 2011 and since then has been capturing the souls of the adult audience. There is a big hand of the stellar cast that always offer cherished show. The fully packed performances on the national tour will be worth watching.
Musicals are one of my favorite things in life. I look forward to the production, the music, but mostly the story itself. For those who have not had the pleasure of the musical theatre experience, it is so much more than people just singing and dancing on a stage. Musicals really capture the essence of living, life and any emotional experience anyone could relate to; as long as you are able to open your heart and mind to the fantasy and wonderment of it all. The following are my personal favorite musicals. These are the musicals which have left a lasting impression on my life and touched me through the amazing stories being told and music lyrics. In some cases I feel the songs could have been written for my life. Perhaps, that is why I relate so much to these musicals because in a way they are pieces of my life both past and present. These musicals bring me comfort; they are like “home” to me. I hope you enjoy my favorites and maybe if you’ve never been to a musical or seen these shows, you may be intrigue enough to experience them for yourself.
Wicked
Wicked is the “Untold story of the witches of OZ”, which is loosely based on the book by the same name by Gregory Maguire. The two main characters are Elphaba (Later to be referred to as the Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda, later Glinda (also known as the Good Witch of the North) and how they became who we all know of them through “The Wizard of Oz”. Elphaba was an outcast and misunderstood from the very beginning. She was never accepted due to being born “green” and no one taking the time to get to know the real person inside. She was judged for misperception due to people’s ignorance and fear. Galinda, on the other hand, lived a charmed life surrounded by many family and friends that adored and loved her. She always seemed to manage to get her way and things came easy for her in life. Beauty was a trait Galinda processed, she knew it and used it to her advantage any way she could, always. Eventually, Elphaba and Galinda attend school together and needless to say have nothing in common and “loathe” each other. As is true in life, people normally have more in common than not, and Elphaba and Galinda do find their common ground and work in “tandem”, becoming close friends.
Wicked is my favorite musical by far, and Elphaba is my favorite character. If there was any character I was most like and could see several life reflections through their own actions that would be Elphaba. I have spent most of my life being an outsider and misunderstood. I’ve never been the “popular “one, nor have my opinions or feelings come across as me coming from a place of “good”. In the past I’ve often been way too sensitive to others reactions towards either me, the way I look or even my compassion for the treatment of animals. Elphaba processes all these qualities throughout Wicked and although in the end, her friend can see her as the kind, humane and “good” person she truly is, people want to believe what they are told. After a few whispers in the ear and a reputation is a difficult thing to change in the eyes of others, once doubt creeps in.
The music within Wicked is brilliant and the lyrics are amazing. Two songs from the Musical stand out for me, especially in my life right now, they are “For Good” and “I’m Not That Girl”. “For Good” speaks of gratitude and forgiveness for a person who has changed your life and made you a better person. Through the ups and downs of a relationship you learn and grow. It has to be one of the most brilliantly written “Thank you” letters I’ve ever heard. “I’m Not That Girl” tells of letting go and the realization that you are not the “one” for the man that you love. Anyone’s that has felt this kind of pain knows that these words express it all. Wicked makes you think, brings to light social issues and also is a spectacular feast for the eyes, ears, and the heart. It’s “Wonderful!”
Rent
Rent is the story of seven friends in New York; some straight, some gay and some of which are surviving HIV/AIDS. There is several love stories intertwined within the friendships, which makes for some drama throughout the musical, and what is life without some drama? The two main love stories are between MiMi and Roger, the straight couple, who are both HIV positive due to drugs use. The other couple is Angel and Collins, also both positive and they are the gay couple. There’s also a love triangle between a straight man and his former girlfriend whom now is dating a lesbian.
The couple I relate to the most is MiMi and Roger. They are constantly on and off and have trouble communicating properly, although they do truly love each other. This is reminiscence of my last relationship. The couple I’d like to strive to be more like is Angel and Collins. Everyone actually admires the relationship Angel and Collins have, as they both entirely love and respect each other as they are, and they’re very supportive and giving. A line from “Goodbye Love” states “I’d be happy to die for a taste of what Angel had-Someone to live for-unafraid to say I love you%u2026”
Rent has some amazing and heart wrenching musical lyrics. Some of the stand out songs are, “I’ll Cover You”, “Will I”, “Without You” and “Seasons of Love”. My personal favorite would have to be “I’ll Cover You”, a song sung by Angel and Collins to each other to profess their love for one another. They recite to each other “I think they meant it when they said you can’t buy love. Now I know you can rent it. A new lease you are, my love, on life-be my life.” It’s absolutely beautiful. Rent teaches us all the art of compassion, tolerance and acceptance, reminding us that there is “no day but today”.
The Lion King
The Lion King is the musical based on the Disney film of the same name. I had absolutely loved “The Lion King” the movie, when I heard they were making it into a musical I was excited and a little apprehensive as well. Well, I had nothing to worry about because this musical is brilliantly spectacular. The way they bring everything to life is truly an amazing feat and I’m in awe every time I go to see the production.
I’m sure we are well aware of the story line for this musical due to the popularity of the movie. The reason this musical is so near and dear to my heart is for the following reasons. I’ve always been drawn to “cats” of all kinds since I was a young boy. There is some kind of connection between myself and the king of the beasts. Whether it be Lions or Tigers, both I find to be the most beautiful animals in the world. So, obviously when this film and then musical came about I was instantly on board. Not only did The Lion King have my favorite animal front and center, but the story line was one I could relate to as well. Simba losses his father and struggles with his place in society and coming to terms with what is truly the right path for him to choice in life. I too have lost my father and have done my fair share of running away from my problems, or thinking I was doing so. Throughout my trials I’ve always felt the presence of my father looking out for me and guiding me along the way.
As in all great musicals, the music tells a lot of the story and once again The Lion King provides some of the best music and lyrics. The music was written by Elton John, whom I have been a huge fan of since I was a child. Another reason I loved The Lion King. Of course, the stand out song is “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”. The Lion King is definitely a must see. What’s better than a production that gives us Hakuna Matata? It means no worries for the rest of your days. What a wonderful thought.
American Idiot
American Idiot is the story of three young men, their friendship and the paths they each choose while trying to find themselves. All three, Johnny, Will and Tunny plan on leaving the small town they are from and hitting the big city to pursue the life they dream of, whatever that may be. Will ends up having to stay in town as he is taking on the responsibility of getting his girlfriend pregnant. Tunny joins the military and Johnny heads to the city on his own. All three experience eye opening life changing events.
The two characters I related to most were Will and Johnny. I also have gone through the struggles that come with having a child at a young age and not being fully prepared for the responsibilities that come with this full time job. Will felt trapped and angry that he wasn’t able to leave town with his friends and experience a new life. Living with regret and resentment never ends well. Johnny on the other hand is pushed into a brand new world of too much freedom and decadence. He eventually finds himself a prisoner to addiction and all it involves. He hooks up with a girl and they use each other as a crutch for continuing down a path of destruction. This too is something I’ve experienced in my life and as Johnny did in American Idiot, one must decide when enough is enough and commit to a better way of life.
Again, the music plays the most important part of the show. The songs which I truly love in American Idiot are “When It’s Time”, “21 Guns” and “Wake Me up When September Ends”. The lyrics in “when It’s Time” go straight to my heart every time. Some of them go as follows:
“I feel lonely for
All the losers that will never take the time to say
What was really on their mind instead they just hide away%u2026We are all born in a world of doubt
And there’s no doubt
I figured out
I love you”.
Priscilla: Queen of the Desert
Priscilla: Queen of the Desert was my first official Broadway Musical. I went to New York City last May and appropriately went to see one of the gayest musicals out there today. Being gay myself, I loved every second of it. It was gay heaven! This musical is a celebration from start to finish, full of musical renditions of many dance classics from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The icing on the cake for me was that they sing a couple songs from Madonna, and anyone who knows me knows I’m a bit obsessed with Madonna. It’s a healthy obsession. Priscilla is about three guys in Australia who take an adventure on a bus they nickname “Priscilla”. This musical is based on the movie “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”.
The character I relate to most in the show would have to be Tick. He is taking the bus trip as a favor to his ex-wife who needs an act for her business, located in a distant city in Australia. Tick is a drag queen and asks a couple of his friends to join him for the trip. Tick is a bit apprehensive about arriving at the gig, due to him having a Son with his ex and his Son doesn’t know of him or that he’s gay. Nor does he know he’s a drag queen on top of it all. Although, I am and have never been a drag queen, I do have children. As a gay man you often have reservation on how your children feel about you being gay. Also, I do know what it is like to have a child not in your life as well. Yes, I know I said this show was a celebration and it is. It just has some touching moments as well, such as in life-right?
If you are looking for a fun night out with good laughs, great visuals and loads of music that everyone can sing along, then Priscilla definitely is the show for you. I don’t know anyone that could leave the theatre after seeing this show and not have a smile on their face. This is one of those musicals that I will be planning on going to see as many times as I am able. As all the other wonderful musicals on my list, this one is imprinted within my mind and I look forward to more years of reconnecting with Priscilla over and over.
the first musical ever to be staged on roller skates
Starlight Express has to be one of my most favourite musical theatre shows. I first saw Starlight Express in London in the 1980s and have seen it a couple of times. The most striking aspect of this musical theatre production is that it is set, as many people know, with characters (who play railway engines and rolling stock) on roller skates. The actors speed their way around the stage and the audience in a dramatic and lively production that is supported with some great tunes. It was originated by impresario and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Richard Stilgoe
The story is based on the dream of child in which his toy train set comes to life. It is essentially a love story with Cinderella like overtones. Originally Andrew LLoyd Webber wanted to do a version of the children’s stories of Thomas The Tank Engine by Rev. W. Awdry, however that never happened. I really like the main theme song Starlight Express, although my favourite song is There’s Me sung by the character C.B. When I took my young sons to see it they really liked the dramatic image and character Elektra the electric train.
The original show ran on the London’s West end for 7461 performances and it has been performed on Broadway too. The production has evolved over the years with songs being added and dropped. 1992 saw the launch of The New Starlight Express which cut 12 original songs added five. One the ‘losses’ was my favourite song and also the characters C.B and Belle. By 2008 the show was very different from the original. For fans of all versions there is the excellent Theatre Musical.com Starlight Express section.
Jean Valjean, central character of Les Miserables, has been played by a host of great actors on stage and screen. Hugh Jackman is the Valjean of the new Les Mis movie musical. Jackman is a talented singer and stage performer who seems perfectly cast, but he follows in a line of great footsteps from previous Jean Valjean actors and singers. Meet here just some of the famous faces and voices who have starred as the former convict trying to be a good man in an unforgiving world.
Also discover the story of this man who raised himself up only to find others trying to drag him back down to the misery of life as a convict without hope.
Image credit: Portrait of Yvan Tourgueniev via Wikimedia Commons. Chosen for a resemblance to descriptions of Jean Valjean in his older years.
Who Was Jean Valjean?
Peasant, Convict, Mayor, Father
Jean Valjean Book Illustration (AllPosters.com)
Jean Valjean has many identities. The 3 volumes (or books) of the novel Les Misérables, written by Victor Hugo, follow his life from where he takes it up in middle age on being released as a convict up until his final days as an old man.
Valjean’s story is a sad one, but ultimately is a story of hope. He was born into poverty and describes himself in his early years as stupid and ignorant, though his later achievements show this to be a product of his background and not any lack of ability. Driven to theft by the hunger and suffering of his sister and her children, he was arrested and sent to the galleys as a convict. This was a brutal life, each day being a day of forced labor, chained to other convicts. His only thought was one of escape, and each time he attempted escape and was recaptured his sentence was extended.
So it was that Jean Valjean lost all of his youth and what could have been the most productive days of his life as a convict, engaged in mindless and back-breaking work. When he was finally released he was already a middle-aged man who bore the stigma of having been a ‘dangerous’ criminal for so many years. Only by running from the law and changing his identity could he have a chance to make his way in the world.
Religion is a strong theme in Hugo’s novel, and it was the mercy of a bishop that set Valjean on a new path of serving his God through good works and moral conduct.
Valjean worked hard, taking every opportunity to study and learn, and treated all he met with kindness and fairness. A natural businessman, he found great success which he used to make his town profitable, and reluctantly became Mayor. But Valjean’s success was short-lived, because on the tail of this reformed convict was a prison guard turned police inspector, who had resolved to capture the man who had evaded the law.
Jean Valjean, Illustration from Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables available from AllPosters.com.
Valjean, Javert, Fantine and Cosette
The Man Who Hunted Him Down, The Women He Wanted to Protect
The pursuit of Jean Valjean by Inspector Javert has captured the public’s imagination since Hugo first published his epic tale in 1862. The story creates a hero of a villain as Valjean overcomes his past and struggles to do what is morally right. And in Javert the man of law becomes an anti-hero, relentless in his determination to bring Valjean down.
Interwoven into their story is that of Fantine, a ‘fallen woman’, and her orphaned daughter Cosette. Via this tragic woman and the care of her neglected child, Valjean learns to love and even has a chance to take on the role of a father, making up for the family he never had.
However, Valjean finds that being a good man and taking care of the child he loves as his own means living a life on the run from the law.
Les Miserables on Stage and Screen
A Timeless Tale of Struggle and Redemption
Jordan Bennett as Valjean (Convict)
The story of Jean Valjean has been told many times in many ways. The first Les Misérables movie was made in 1909 and since then there have been many adaptations of the novel for theater and film.
It is the global success of the stage musical version of Les Misérables that has contributed most to the popularity of this story. Created by the now legendary French composer and lyricist duo, Schönberg and Boublil, ‘Les Miz’ made its debut in London in 1985 and has gone on to make musical theater history around the world. Jean Valjean is barely off the stage throughout the stage production, which is sung-through, meaning there is no pause in the singing for spoken lines. He therefore sings frequently in duets and counterpoint with other characters. His own famous song from the show is the emotional Bring Him Home. These challenges for both voice and acting make it one of modern-day musical theater’s greatest roles.
Les Misérables has not been neglected on the big screen either, and the coveted role of Valjean has been played by some of our most talented actors. For the first time in 2012/13 the movie and the musical meet as Hugh Jackman performs as Valjean in the first full movie version of Les Mis.
Image credit: Jordan Bennett as Jean Valjean. This image released into Public Domain by the actor via Wikimedia Commons.
Colm Wilkinson as Prisoner 24601
The Original Les Miserables Cast’s Jean Valjean
Colm Wilkinson on the cover of his album
Colm Wilkinson already had a singing career in his native Ireland before he created the stage musical role of Jean Valjean. In fact, some may remember him as Ireland’s entry to the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest. Colm earned his country a respectable 5th place in the contest, which is known for political voting. Fellow original Les Mis cast members Frances Ruffelle and Michael Ball have also separately performed at Eurovision, representing the UK.
Colm had already released his own album and assisted Andrew Lloyd Webber in the creation of the Phantom in the early stages of The Phantom of the Opera by the time he was cast as Valjean in the original London cast of Les Misérables. Wilkinson also opened Les Mis on Broadway after a casting struggle with Equity. He is held in high regard by many Les Mis fans as not only the first but the greatest Valjean. Colm turned 41 in the debut year of Les Misérables, making him a good fit for the middle-aged Valjean, and set the standard not only for the voice but also for the appearance of future Valjeans.
Colm Wilkinson followed his Les Mis role with the Phantom in the original Canadian cast of The Phantom Of The Opera, with Rebecca Caine (the original Cosette in Les Miserables) as Christine.
He resumed his role of Valjean in the legendary 10th Anniversary Dream Cast Concert of Les Miserables at London’s Royal Albert Hall and formed part of The Valjean Quartet of four of the greatest Jean Valjean performers singing Bring Him Home as part of the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert celebration.
Colm Wilkinson has a cameo as the Bishop of Digne in the Les Misérables movie. He has a Christmas Concert tour in Canada at the end of 2012 and also can sometimes be seen on tour in his homeland of Ireland. His most recent screen appearance was as Lord Thomas Darcy in The Tudors.
Colm Returns to Les Miserables
Wilkinson as the Bishop of Digne in the Les Mis Movie
The 25th Anniversary Concert Valjean
Alfie Boe on his album cover Love Was a Dream
British performer Alfie Boe brought a new interpretation of Jean Valjean to us when he starred in the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert. It seems Boe can hardly be mentioned without referring to the fact that this talented singer was set for a career as a car mechanic. Fortunately for us, Boe auditioned for opera, going on to make a name for himself, and his versatile talent led to his selection as Valjean both in the 25th Anniversary O2 Concert in London and on the West End stage.
Alfie is one of the four Valjeans in The Valjean Quartet as they sing Bring Him Home. He has released a number of successful albums and in 2012/13 is touring the UK in concert.
Learn More About Alfie Boe
A Popular New Jean Valjean
Other Popular West End and Broadway Performers as Valjean
A Small Selection of Musical Theatre Talent
Everyone has a favorite Valjean and if you had a room full of Les Miz fans you would find that though some names would come up again and again, it would be impossible to agree on the ‘best’ Jean Valjean performer. I can’t begin to do justice to all the men who have played the central character of Les Miserables in London’s West End or on Broadway in New York, still less the international and touring productions. The below are just a few of the highly-rated Valjeans you may have heard of or been lucky enough to see in live performances.
John Owen-Jones has made one of the more recent appearances as Jean Valjean but the performer first appeared in the role when he was just 26. Owen-Jones took on the role for the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Tour and appeared as Valjean both in London and on Broadway. He has also starred as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and in 2012 is touring in this role. He was one of the four performers in The Valjean Quartet. Follow John Owen-Jones on Twitter.
Simon Bowman became part of musical theater history when he created the role of Chris (with Lea Salonga as Kim) in the original cast of Miss Saigon. His other West End roles have included Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera and he has been both Marius and Valjean in Les Mis in London. He joined Owen-Jones, Wilkinson and Boe in The Valjean Quartet.
Randal Keith impressed audiences with his Valjean when he toured in the role in the US, and performed on Broadway, plus in China and Korea. He was the final Valjean in the show’s Broadway run. Keith has also starred in The Phantom of the Opera in the States and has performed a number of other musical theater roles.
J. Mark McVey has been another popular Jean Valjean in the USA, winning a Helen Hayes award for his touring performance and playing the role on Broadway and in the Hollywood Bowl Les Miserables concert. Recently, fans have been again enjoying Mark’s performance in the US 25th Anniversary Les Misérables tour. Mark has released 2 CDs to date. Follow J. Mark McVey on Twitter
Back in London, Ramin Karimloo has been treating the West End to his Valjean before going on a tour of his own in 2012. Ramin, who is of Iranian descent, is one of the youngest Valjeans. He has also starred as the Phantom both in the original production and creating the role in Love Never Dies. He was Enjolras in the 25th Anniversary Les Miserables Concert and played the father of Christine Daaé in the 2004 movie version of The Phantom of the Opera. Ramin starred in The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011. Follow Ramin Karimloo on Twitter.
Jean-Paul Belmondo
A 1995 Variation on the Les Miserables Story
Jean Paul Belmondo (AllPosters.com)
Not an adaptation that stays true to the novel, but an interesting twist on the original tale. In this version from 1995, Jean-Paul Belmondo plays 3 men. One of these is Jean Valjean himself, one a father with a story that has tragic parallels with that of Valjean, and the third man is his son who aids Jewish refugees at the time of the persecution of the Jews during the Second World War.
Belmondo is a French screen legend, with the majority of his film work dating from the 1960s and 1970s. He is known both as a comedy actor and an action hero (famously doing all of his own stunts).
Liam Neeson
Les Misérables Movie 1998
Liam Neeson (AllPosters.com)
Liam Neeson headed a cast of stars in a film adaptation of the Les Misérables novel. Neeson’s Valjean was pursued by Geoffrey Rush as Javert, and he tended to Uma Thurman as the dying Fantine, later taking on care of her daughter Cosette played (as a teen) by Claire Danes.
Neeson stayed true to the novel with a morose and physically imposing Valjean who towered over Cosette and was more than a match for Javert (Neeson is 6′ 4″). However, he shared some tender moments with his Fantine that gave the impression that these two could under different circumstances been happy together.
Liam Neeson is of course a much-loved actor known for roles in popular movies such as Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and The Dark Knight Rises as well as playing national figures such as Rob Roy and Michael Collins. He is also the voice of Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia and one of his most acclaimed roles was as Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List.
Trailer for 1998 Les Mis Movie
Neeson vs. Rush… It Doesn’t Get Much Better!
I admit, I can’t wait to see Jackman and Crowe, but Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush were also dream casting in this non-sung version of Les Miserables.
Leading French actor Gérard Depardieu became Jean Valjean in a TV mini-series in the year 2000. He was joined by John Malkovich as Javert, with Charlotte Gainsbourg as Fantine.
Depardieu is well-known beyond France for his roles in Hollywood movies such as Green Card and The Man in the Iron Mask, and has a prolific career in French-language cinema ranging from Jean De Florette and Cyrano de Bergerac to Obélix in the various Asterix and Obelix movies.
Recent projects include Ang Lee’s Life of Pi.
Les Miserables Movie in 2000
Depardieu and Malkovich
This looks like a stunning adaptation of the novel. As a bonus for Eponine fans, her part hasn’t been cut from this particular version.
Hugh Jackman
Jackman Takes the Stage Valjean to the Big Screen
Hugh Jackman (AllPosters.com)
Hugh Jackman’s performance as Jean Valjean in the Les Misérables movie musical has been eagerly anticipated. Jackman is a popular actor both in Hollywood blockbusters such as the X-Men Trilogy and also in musical theater.
It’s hard to imagine better casting, as the star brings experience of both stage and screen to his Valjean. Jackman has already proven that he has the voice to perform nightly on Broadway in a one-man show, the charisma to host the Academy Awards, and the versatility as an actor to be a box-office favorite in a variety of movies. He also has the tall stature of Valjean and, for what it’s worth, is about the right age for Jean at the earlier stages of the movie.
Jackman can be seen starring as cowboy Curly in the musical revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, in which one of his co-stars was original Les Mis London cast member Peter Polycarpou. He is expected to follow Les Miserables with the role of the great entertainer P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman on Earth and will also making another appearance as Wolverine in The Wolverine.
Photo of Hugh Jackman available from AllPosters.com.
Hugh in Valjean Costume
Jackman’s video from the set of Les Mis
Into the Woods is a Tony Award-winning musical with music and lyrics from Stephen Sondheim and written and directed by James Lapine.
Sondheim’s elaborate musical score is the background for the story that intertwines the original Grimm fairy tales of Cinderella, Jack and the Magic Beanstalk, Little Red Ridinghood and Rapunzel as we follow these characters in search of their wishes.
What they discover in the woods is an important life lesson—the consequences of those wishes—and perhaps that they might have been better off not wishing them in the first place.
Take a trip with me into the woods and discover this unique musical.
Image from Into the Woods Cover, music available to download on Amazon.
Discovering Into the Woods
We discovered Into the Woods, when it was presented as one of the play options for my daughters childrens’ theater group to perform for the summer.
I knew the story involved darker fairy tales, so looked at the plot summary on Wikipedia before letting my daughters watch the DVD of the American Playhouse production. One thing that was clear is that the stories were based on the original Brothers Grimm tales with more more blood, mayhem, deception, killings and scary creatures.
After becoming familiar with the musical my daughters discovered reading the Once Upon a Time Book that some of the text from the Into the Woods play has been taken directly from the original Brothers Grimm Tales.
Some of the things she discovered were Cinderella’s stepsisters getting their toe and heel cut off to fit into the shoe, Rapunzel’s Prince gets blinded falling from her tower and Little Red Ridinghood and Granny getting swallowed by the wolf and then cut out by the huntsman.
I got them the Once Upon a Time book because we are also fans of the ABC show Once Upon a Time show, a television show based on the Brothers Grimm tales.
Into the Woods Jr. Book
Into the Woods – Darker Tales
The Broadway musical uses several of the Brothers Grimm’s real fairy tales, the tales that are much more graphic, violent and often gruesome than the Disney version’s we’ve grown up with and intersperses these stories with a new story about a Baker and his Wife and what they go through to start a family.
The Amazon review for the American Playhouse DVD version describes Into the Woods as:
Fractured fairy tales of a darker hue provide the remarkable context for Into the Woods, which deconstructs the Brothers Grimm by way of Rod Serling.
Another reviewer wrote this about the Into the Woods soundtrack, “It is a marvelous deconstruction of fairy tales and how the wishing and the getting is what really important, not obtaining it.”
In these fractured fairy tales, Sondheim and Lupine weave many cleaver story twists, metaphors and meanings into this grown-up fairy tale that will leave you thinking about the importance of the journey, living in the moment and what goes into living happily ever after.
NOTE: Parents may want to familiarize themselves with the story plot, twists, death, deception, adultry and mayhem before deciding to let their children watch the play.
Disney Goes Into the Woods
Disney is aiming for a Christmas Day premiere of its version of the Tony Award Winning Musical. Johnny Depp and Meryl Streep were the first two actors confirmed for this new version of Sondheim’s play.
Depp is set to play the Wolf with an unknown Little Red Riding Hood and Streep, the Witch who is involved in stirring up a lot of mischief for the Baker (James Corden) and his Wife (Emily Blunt) and also plays a major role with Rapunzel (unknown). Tracey Ullman is in talks to play Jack and the Beanstalks Mother (she should be great!) and Daniel Huttlestone as Jack.
Other actors linked to this new version include Jake Gyllenhaal and Chris Pine as the two handsome princes for Rapunzel and Cinderella (Anna Kendrick). Christine Baranski plays Cinderella’s step mother.
It is going to be very interesting to follow the making of this film and then see Disney’s take on the real Grimm Brother fairy tales, rather than the cleaner versions we’ve seen for years.
Cast for Into the Woods
These are the people, so far, who have been linked to the Disney version of Into the Woods:
1. The Baker – James Corden
2. The Baker’s Wife – Emily Blunt
3. Jack in the Beanstalk – Daniel Huttlestone
4. Jack’s Mother – Tracey Ullman
5. Cinderella – Anna Kendrick
6. Cindrella’s Step Mother – Christine Baranski
7. The Princes – Chris Pine (Cinderella’s) and Jake Gyllenhaal (Rapunzel’s)
8. The Wolf – Johnny Depp
9. The Witch – Meryl Streep
More on the Disney Version of Into the Woods
Articles about the latest revival of Into the Woods for Disney, as we discover the different cast members.
Johnny Depp in Into The Woods: A Dream Come True, But He Worries About His Singing | E! Online
Johnny Depp can’t wait to play The Wolf in the movie adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony award winning musical Into the Woods.
Anna Kendrick & ‘Into The Woods’: Actress In Talks For Cinderella Role
Let’s hope the glass slipper fits — Anna Kendrick may be taking on the role of Cinderella. The 27-year-old actress is reportedly in talks to join the upcoming adaptation of “Into the Woods,” led by director Rob Marshall (“Chicago”).
“Into the Woods” Film Eyes “Les Miserables” Star to Play Jack – Playbill.com
Young actor Daniel Huttlestone, who starred as Gavroche in Tom Hooper’s film of “Les Misérables,” is in talks to join the cast of the “Into the Woods” film, Deadline.com reports.
Tracey Ullman in Talks to Join Disney’s ‘Into the Woods’ (Exclusive)
Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, and Chris Pine are among those playing classic fairy tale characters in the adaptation of the Broadway musical.
Disney’s Starry Into the Woods Film Sets Christmas 2014 Release – Playbill.com
The film adaptation of Into the Woods, the dark, Tony Award-winning fairytale musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, will be released in theatres Dec. 25, 2014, Walt Disney Pictures announced June 13.
Disney Release Dates: ‘Into the Woods’
Disney has announced release schedule updates, which includes a date for the ‘Into the Woods’ musical movie and a new title for ‘The Muppets’ sequel.
Into the Woods Synopsis
Available from Amazon Into the Woods musical intertwines the original Grimm fairy tales of Cinderella, Jack and the Magic Beanstalk, Little Red Ridinghood and Rapunzel with the story of a Baker and his wife who want a child.
Through the 3 hour + musical we follow Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood, Jack, Rapunzel and several Princes along with the Baker and his Wife on the paths that they take searching for their Happily Ever After. What they all discover, venturing into the woods, is that life may not always go the way we wished for or turn out to be quite so happy.
The first act is more lighthearted and focuses on the wishes made by Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood and the Baker and his Wife as they all venture into the woods in search of their wishes.
Much of the first act is spent watching the Baker and his Wife go in search of “the cow as white as milk, the cape as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn, and the slipper as pure as gold” to make a magic potion that will help them have a child. The first act ends after everyone’s wishes have come true. This is the act that is adapted into the Into the Woods Jr. version for Childrens’ Theaters.
The second act soon becomes darker and much more somber. Some recommendations are that the second act may be too heavy for younger children (under six). In this act we take a look at what happens to our original characters now that they are living their “happily ever after.” Cinderella, Jack and the Baker and his Wife are still wishing and enter into the woods again in search of what they are missing. The second act includes more mayhem, treachery, adultery and several deaths, but it also features many of the show stopping musical songs including “No More,” “No One Is Alone,” and “Children Will Listen.”
My daughters were more disturbed by the Princes wishing for new Princesses (after they’d already gotten their first ones) than the deaths and mayhem, but the Princes’ wandering eyes became a good teachable lesson about the boys and men they may date in the future.
Into the Woods – Video Clip
This clip from the 1988 Tony Awards features Joanna Gleason, Chip Zien, Phylicia Rashad with the rest of the original cast of the Broadway production.
Music from Into the Woods
The song most recognized from Into the Woods is probably “Children Will Listen” which was made popular by Bernadette Peters. The song has also been recorded by Betty Buckley, Barbara Streisand and Mandy Patinkin.
Other recognizable songs from the play are “Last Midnight,” “No One Is Alone,” and “No More.”
There are several different versions of the music from Into the Wood available for listening. The original Broadway Cast that features Bernadette Peters and Joanna Gleason was the one that we listened to first after watching the DVD.
There is also the London Cast version from 1991 and the Broadway revival of 2002 that featured Vanessa Williams as the witch.
Once we heard that my daughters’ theater group would be doing Into the Woods as a summer production we started listening to the music. Initially listening to the rather complicated arrangements of different voices singing over each other at the same time was a bit challenging, but it wasn’t too long before my daughters’ both had the music down and were singing right along. The music gets stuck in your head.
Into the Woods London Cast Soundtrack available on Amazon.
Into the Woods Musical Numbers
The musical numbers from Into the Woods on the original Broadway Cast Recording include:
1. Into the Woods (Prologue)
2. Cinderella at the Grave
3. Hello, Little Girl
4.I Guess This Is Goodbye / Maybe They’re Magic
5. I Know Things Now
6 A Very Nice Prince / First Midnight / Giants in the Sky
Equus – starring Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths.
Equus the Play has been a hot topic of discussion amongst the theatre community for a long time.
In the Fall 2008, Broadway was graced by Harry Potter stars, Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths. They starred in the West End, sell out transfer, of Peter Shaffer’s Equus at The Broadhurst Theatre, NYC.
In this article you will find opinion of Equus the play, Equus reviews, and interviews with the stars of Equus, as well as how to get your hands on a copy of Equus the film, as well as the Equus play script and the Equus study guide.
Equus Theatre Poster, featuring Daniel Radcliffe
Isn’t it beautiful?
So, What Did I Think of Daniel Radcliffe in Equus?
honest, I thought it was alright, but I wanted more from Radcliffe. I saw the second preview, so his performance was still finding it’s feet (there was a rather embarrasment moment at the end, where Richard Griffiths had to show him how to bow!)
I really wanted to love this show, as I was in a production of it with a theatre company a few years previously, but I was left with a strange taste in my mouth. I couldn’t help feeling that there are better actors out there who could take on the role. Radcliffe was, for me, just OK. He didn’t have enough diversity in his performance, the only diversity was in his vocal projection – quiet, loud, or shouting. Richard Griffiths was superb, as I had hoped. The production as a whole was ‘revived’ from it’s original conception in the 70s, recreating the wired horse masks, as using a minimalistic set.
This show has created huge controversy, primarily due to one scene in Equus that sees Daniel Radcliffe nude, completely starkers, naked, no clothes, nada (and we’re not talking just shirtless either)…yes, gasp you might!
Daniel Radcliffe gets nude on stage
…or Harry Potter Gets His Wand Out
seeing Radcliffe’s disappointingly bland and shouty performance, I couldn’t help feeling that it was stunt casting that gave him the part. Having a name like, Daniel Radcliffe, in a lead role that goes fully naked on stage, is a guaranteed sell out. Who isn’t interested to see whether or not he actually takes his clothes off?
I find something awkward about it. I don’t know why. I’m not a prude by any means. I only find it distasteful because Radcliffe is so strongly associated with Harry Potter – an icon of children’s literature. Millions of children look up to him and adore him…and in the late 2000′s he was still a teenager and is appeared naked infront of hundreds of people. It’s just, I don’t know, kinda weird.
I suppose I also wouldn’t mind so much, if it wasn’t the topic of conversation every time someone talks about the show. If there’s a publicity shot for the show, it’s of Radcliffe topless. No one stops and talks to him about the fundamental issues of playing a young teenage character growing up and needing psychiatric care. No one talks about the interesting stage design or the beautiful horse masks. All people seem to care about is Daniel Radcliffe getting taking his clothes off and showing everyone his wand, so to speak.
Is Daniel Radcliffe Right For The Part?
Is it stunt casting? Are there better actors out there? Is Radcliffe too associated with Children’s Literature to go naked on stage?
Is Daniel Radcliffe right for the part of Alan Strang?
Alan Strang (Radcliffe)
Equus Synopsis and Study notes
*may contain spoilers*
Equus tells the story of a troubled stable lad, Alan Strang, who has an unusual relationship with his horses. Worshipping his god, Equus, it all seems relatively harmless. Then interactions with the stable girl, Jill, takes a course of action that leads him to be submitted to a psychiatric care. Persuaded by his life long confident, Dr. Martin Dysart, child psychologist, takes on the boy and begins to unravel what happened, and what led him to brutally attack and blind six horses with a metal spike – all the time dealing with his own demons.
Originally opening as a play in the 1970s, starring Anthony Hopkins as Dysart, Equus has gone on to marvel audiences and inspire discussion. Amazon currently stock a study guide to Peter Shaffer’s
Equus as a digital download.many
universities and drama departments study the text and play, as it raises interesting debate about the nature of theatre and rituals, as well as innocence and loss. An intriguing set of characters guide us through this troublesome story. Questions are raised about identity, religion and sex. How did a teenage boy become so ensnared in a faith, to the extent that his staunch beliefs would give him such powerful feelings of guilt and shame, that would lead him to attempt destroying his very own god. Emotionally charged, gripping and captivating. An extraordinary play that will stay with you, even after you’ve left the theatre.
Want to Know More About Daniel Radcliffe?
What other theatre has Daniel Radcliffe been doing since Equus?
Since Equus, Daniel Radcliffe has been busy! Not only did he have to finish off the Harry Potter films, but he has gained a few more theatrical accolades under his belt.
He went to Broadway and starred in the musical How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. The musical was a super hit and went down very well with critics.
In the middle of 2013, he then went to star in The Cripple on Inishmaan as part of the Michael Grandage season at the Noel Coward theatre, London. Another challenging role, not only by virtue of having to perfect an Irish accent, but also because he had to play his role with half his body contorted into a cripple-like stance. I saw it in June, and it was excellent!
What are the Twitterati saying about Equus?
Alan and Gill, the Stable Girl
This is the prelude to Daniel Radcliffe’s controversial sex scene that-never-actually-happens in Equus
Eponine is one of Les Miserables’ best-loved characters. This girl has it tough, dragged down into a life in the gutter by her parents, but she rises above their vulgarity and acts with courage and self-sacrificing love. In the musical theater version of ‘Les Miz’, Eponine is known above all for her song On My Own, a lament for non-requited love everywhere. Young British actress Samantha Barks is the newest on-screen Eponine in the major movie musical version of Les Misérables, having also played the role on stage.
Who Was Eponine Thenadier?
Hugo’s Ragged but Spirited Heroine
Eponine was the daughter of Monsieur and Madame Thénadier, an unpleasant couple who were paid to care for the young Cosette but instead treated her as a slave.
Eponine was the eldest of three Thenadier children. At the beginning of the story had only one sibling, a sister who was less than 2 years younger than ‘Ponine. The little sister was called Azelma. The girls were named after characters in the trashy romance novels their mother liked to read. A little later on there was also a baby brother who their mother disliked and ignored.
The Thénadiers at that time were not dirt poor but had a thriving business, though they were often in debt. The two girls were nicely dressed and healthy. In fact, Eponine and her sister were rather spoiled as children. Although their mother Mme Thénadier had a vicious streak, she took this out on Cosette. Hugo wrote that if it hadn’t been for Cosette, the Thénadier girls would have received blows from their mother as well as her caresses.
With no better role model than their own mother, the sisters were in turn mean to Cosette (who was almost exactly the same age as Eponine). It’s hard to blame them for this, when Eponine and Cosette first met the pair played together like sisters but in time they were taught to see her as no better than the family dog.
While Cosette was eventually adopted by Valjean and brought up as a young lady, Eponine shared the fate of her parents whose criminal activities dragged them all into living as thieves and scroungers on the streets of Paris.
‘Ponine and Gavroche
Brother and Sister
Gavroche Jondrette (aka Thénadier)
Gavroche is Eponine’s Brother
In the novel it is explained that Gavroche (pictured right), the streetwise lad who helps the student rebels, is in fact the younger brother of Eponine. This isn’t made clear in the stage musical. For some reason, though Mme. Thénadier loves her daughters, the boy is rejected and left to fend for himself on the streets. By this time the family is known by the alias Jondrette.
Eponine as a Young Woman
Eponine had no chance to make a decent person of herself, but in the staged version of Les Mis her actions showed that in spite of her circumstances she had a loving heart and a fighting spirit. In the novel she was much more of a lowlife, described as ‘creepy’ by modern-day readers for her stalking of Marius, almost luring him to his death. However, even in the book she redeems herself at the last moment.
Eponine dies a sad death, knowing her love is hopeless and that her hard life is unlikely to ever get any easier. More of a rebel than the naive and sheltered Cosette, tough but longing to be loved, Eponine is a favorite character for girls and women everywhere.
What Did Eponine Look Like?
Young French Orphan Girl, 1823
Eponine as a Child
Her hair was either dark or chestnut, and Eponine is usually played by brunettes in contrast to the (normally) blonde mother and daughter Fantine and Cosette.
Both as infants and as little girls Eponine and her sister were described as very pretty: “vivacious, neat, plump, rosy, and healthy, and a delight to the eye”.
Eponine the Teenager
When Marius first encounters Eponine she is 16 years old and looks younger. “She was a frail, emaciated, slender creature” wearing “nothing but a chemise and petticoat. She already had missing teeth and a “hoarse, strangled voice”.
When he meets her again some time later, Eponine has “grown poorer and prettier… She was barefooted and in rags…”
Eponine has already been in prison thanks to her father’s activities, and she is already a little like a wild animal. “She had bits of straw and hay in her hair… because she had slept in the loft of some stable. And in spite of it all, she was beautiful.”
A Model for Eponine?
It wasn’t easy finding an image of someone who might look like Eponine. Not surprisingly, portraits were pretty much restricted to wealthy women in this era. They wore fine clothes and jewels, and were well-fed.
The image above is by Delacroix, the French artist who painted the famous French Revolution image Liberty Guiding the People and shows an orphan girl in 1823 who might well have been Hugo’s model for Eponine.
Eponine as She Appears in Les Miserables Illustrations
Actresses Who Have Played Eponine
Les Miserables Eponine Thénadier on Stage and Screen
Although Eponine is one of the most popular of the Les Misérables characters, it seems when being cast she is not seen as one of the big roles in quite the same way that Cosette is.
In the musical theater version of Les Mis, Eponine has one big solo (On My Own) and also a moving duet with Marius (A Little Fall of Rain), which makes it quite a substantial part to play.
However, in the non-sung film adaptations of the novel her role has often been made more marginal and has not attracted the big-name actresses who have been cast over the years as Fantine or even as Cosette. She doesn’t even appear in the 1978 TV film credits, suggesting her part was cut altogether.
Frances Ruffelle
The Les Miz Original London Cast’s Eponine
Frances Ruffelle was the first Eponine of musical theater, creating the role with the original London cast of Les Misérables and winning a Tony Award for her performance in the same role on Broadway.
Ruffelle made an appearance in the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert and she has a small role in the new Les Misérables movie musical as a prostitute.
She has done a variety of theatre and TV work and has released several albums. Frances Ruffelle was also the UK’s 1994 entry into the Eurovision Song Contest.
Her daughter is singer Eliza Doolittle. Eliza’s father is Les Misérables (stage) director John Caird. Ruffelle and Caird are no longer married.
Les Mis Original London Cast Recording
Frances Ruffelle, the Original Eponine
Frances Ruffelle joins Colm Wilkinson as Valjean, Patti LuPone as Fantine, Michael Ball as Marius, and the rest of the legendary original Les Miz cast.
Frances Ruffelle: We Will Be Free
1994 Entry for UK into Eurovision Song Contest
Eurovision is an annual, Europe-wide song contest. These days the UK does not take it very seriously although some other countries do, but there were a number of high quality entrants in the 1990s including France Ruffelle and, a few years earlier, her Les Mis co-star Michael Ball. (Colm Wilkinson, original Valjean, was the entry for Ireland in 1978.)
The 1994 Eurovision Contest was famous as the event at which the interval-act Riverdance burst onto our screens and into our lives, becoming a global phenomenon.
Lea Salonga
A Musical Theater Star Who Has Been Both Eponine and Fantine
Lea Salonga (album available on Amazon.com)
Lea Salonga, from the Philippines was like Samantha Barks just a youngster when she first shot to fame. Already known in her home country, she became part of musical theatre history when cast as the original Kim in Miss Saigon back in 1989.
Lea has one of the most beautiful voices in musical theater (and beyond). Her career has seen her take a number of leading roles in London and on Broadway, in addition to releasing albums and even doing voice work for Disney.
She was Eponine in the Les Miserables: The 10th Anniversary Dream Cast in Concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall, with Colm Wilkinson as Valjean, Michael Ball as Marius and Ruthie Henshall as Fantine.
Fast forward 15 years and, Lea (more mature but not looking a day older!) rejoined a Les Misérables cast as Fantine in the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert, making her a Les Mis legend. (Samantha Barks made her screen debut as Eponine in the same concert.)
Lea Salonga as Eponine
Member of the Les Miserables ‘Dream Cast’
Linzi Hateley
Another Classic Stage Musical Eponine
Linzi Hateley is a name that will be familiar to many loyal Les Miserables fans. This stage actress played Eponine in London for 2 years.
Linzi was an enchanting Eponine who found a place in the heart of those lucky enough to see her in the role. Not only a beautiful voice but just the right youthful look, even more so if, as the novel seems to hint, Eponine was the Thénadier sister with chestnut hair. If you have never seen Linzi Hateley as Eponine or if you want to relive the magic, take a moment to watch the video below.
She has appeared in many other stage productions, including starring opposite Philip Quast (the 10th Anniversary Les Miserables ‘Dream Cast’ Concert’s Javert) in the London cast of The Secret Garden (2000). She has released 3 albums of her own.
Linzi has a small role in the 2012 Les Misérables movie.
Linzi Hateley: An Enchanting Eponine
Linzi Played Eponine for 2 Years
Samantha Barks
Eponine on Stage and on Screen
Samantha Barks is set to be one of the most memorable Eponines of all time, having won the role not only in the 2012 Les Misérables movie musical with its all-star cast but also in the magnificent 2010 Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert and on-stage in London’s West End.
Samantha had a very public start to her career as an actress and singer. She was ‘discovered’ when she made it through to the final 10 young women auditioning for the part of Nancy in the London revival cast of Oliver! This 17 year old captured the hearts of the British public and of Andrew Lloyd Webber and legendary producer Cameron Mackintosh with her beauty and talent. She also proved she could move well, giving her an edge over the other finalists.
The part of Nancy went to Jodie Prenger, a young woman with a big voice who better fit the voting public’s image of the character. Samantha did however take on the role of Nancy in the touring production of Oliver! following her role of Eponine in Les Mis in London.
Samantha is from the Isle of Man in the British Isles. Gossip has it that she briefly dated Nick Jonas, who played her Marius in the 25th Anniversary Concert. Sam has a Twitter account SamanthaBarks where you can keep up with her news.
Samantha Barks Sings ‘Memory’ from Cats
Samantha Barks and Rachel Tucker Compete
Samantha and Rachel had to compete in a sing-off in I’d Do Anything, a reality TV show casting for the part of Nancy in the musical revival of Oliver! Neither won the role from this show, but Rachel went on to star as Elphaba in Wicked and Sam played Nancy in the UK tour of Oliver! as well as Eponine in Les Mis.
This is where they started. They’ve come a long way!
What About Taylor Swift?
Wasn’t Taylor Cast for Eponine?
There were reports at the beginning of 2012 that country singer Taylor Swift was to be Eponine, and she was rehearsing with the rest of the cast. For some reason, this particular casting decision was not set in stone and didn’t work out.
Swift is young, talented, popular and supremely successful. In 2011 she was the highest earning artist in the popular music industry, beating the likes of Celine Dion, U2, Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga and Adele.
It’s not known whether her voice or screen acting wasn’t quite the best fit for Eponine or whether she had too many other commitments. Either way, the role finally went to Samantha Barks who, while virtually unknown in the US, had proved herself as Eponine on stage and screen in the UK.
Asia Argento
Eponine in Les Miserables TV Film 2000
Italian actress Asia Argento was Eponine in the TV mini-series that starred Gerard Depardieu as Valjean and John Malkovich as Javert.
Asia’s was probably as big a role as Eponine has had in any of the major movie and TV versions of Les Misérables prior to the movie musical of 2012.
The actress was born in 1975 and can also be seen in Marie Antoinette, which starred Kirsten Dunst. Much of her work is in R-rated horror movies and erotic thrillers. She played Christine Daaé in a 1998 horror version of The Phantom of the Opera (not the musical version).
I am not only a fan of the Phantom Opera musical and film, I am also a fan of Emmy Rossum. Her voice is amazing and it’s hard to believe that she was only 17-years-old when she began filming the 2004 Phantom of the Opera Movie. That’s quite an accomplishment for such a young singer and actress. I think Emmy Rossum made a perfect Christine and the costumes that were chosen for the movie were terrific. Christine’s hair and make up was innocent, yet seductive.
If you are planning to dress up as Christine for Halloween, Cosplay or for a Phantom of the Opera theater production you will need to figure out how to replicate her beautiful hair and make up. Her look is actually quite easy to achieve. You can get Christine Daae hair by styling your hair with a curling iron or using a more gentle no heat method.
If you don’t have long hair you can wear a spiral curl wig or a Christine Daae theater wig. Although the Christine Daae character in the Phantom of the Opera movie had dark hair, many theater productions feature a blonde Christine character. If you have blonde hair there is no need to buy a dark haired wig, just tell everyone you are a blonde Christine!
Christine Daae Wig Options
If you don’t have long hair or you don’t think that your hair color looks much like Christine’s then you can wear a wig as part of your Phantom of the Opera costume. You can choose a curly dark hair wig or blonde wig, depending on your personal preference. If you are an Emmy Rossum fan you will probably prefer to wear a dark brown wig, but if you fell in love with the musical featuring a blonde Christine Daae then you may want to wear a pretty blonde wig.
The Original Christine Daae Had Long Blonde Hair
In the original Phantom of the Opera novel, Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, Christine Daae was described as a beautiful young Swedish women with golden blonde hair and blue eyes. This is the reason that many people decide to dress up as blonde Christine for Cosplay events.
Christine Daae Theater Wigs
This dark brown Lace Front Christina Daae Wig is made by a professional theatrical wig maker. It is a terrific wig choice for those who need a wig that is durable and realistic looking for a Phantom of the Opera theater production or Cosplay event.
How to Create Beautiful Tight Spiral Curls
I personally love Christine’s feminine spiral curls. If you have long hair you can create beautiful Christine Daae hair using a curling iron. If you do not want to use heat on your hair you can use spiral hair curlers, but you will have to leave them in overnight. The following spiral hair tutorials show you how you can create the same type of curls as actress Emmy Rossum in the Phantom of the Opera film.
My daughter Heather (featured in the photo) has gorgeous blonde hair. Her hair is naturally wavy and straightens out as the day goes on. Heather wanted to have pretty spiral curls for her Grade 8 graduation so we made an appointment with our hairdresser. I am able to do a pretty good basic curling job, but I’d rather rely on a professional for special events.
To achieve this look Heather washed her hair and let it dry naturally. The hairdresser used regular large size curlers (the hard kind) and regular hard plastic hair clips. Heather slept overnight with the curlers in her head (she propped her head up on pillows) then went back to the hairdresser at 2:30 p.m. the next day to have the curlers removed. The hairdresser then used a curling wand to define the curls and sprayed her hair with hairspray.
This look is perfect for graduations, weddings and of course it would be an ideal hairstyle for a blonde Christine Daae for Halloween or Cosplay. If you do not have the hair styling tools needed to get dreamy spiral curls then you may want to consider having a professional hairdresser do your hair for you. Although some hairdressers cost a fortune you may be able to find one that will curl your hair for a reasonable price (Heather’s hair cost $45) Just remember to bring along a photo of Christine Daae so the hairdresser knows exactly what type of curls you want.
