From: saw8712@bcstec.ca.boeing.com (Steve A. Ward)
Subject: Re: Les Miserables
Organization: Boeing Computer Services
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1992 00:25:33 GMT

dpm@rti.rti.org writes:

>Hi!

>I am very excited to be going to see Les Miserables on Broadway just
>after Christmas.  As I am only vaguely familiar with the story, would
>someone please give a synopsis?  Also, is anyone familiar with the
>current Broadway cast, i.e. any opinions on this particular cast/show?

>I recently bought the international highlights CD.  Its captivating!

>Thanks.

>David


Well, I'm not much for writting small books, so I'll try to be as brief
as possible.  

Jean Val Jean (JVJ) is the main character and the story starts with him being
released at the end of an eighteen year prison term-  he was caught 
stealing a loaf of bread to help feed his sisters kids.  After being 
released from prison he finds that while on parole, his trials are not
yet over as everyone he comes in contact with scorns him.  Everyone but
a bishop who gives him dinner and a place to stay for the night.  In
return, JVJ steals some fine silverware from the bishop in the
middle of the night.  He is howerver, caught the next day by local
authorities suspicious of the origin of JVJ's silverware.  He is
brought back to the bishop to be accused/identified.  The bishop denies
any wrong doing by JVJ and adds to his stolen treasure some gold 
candlestick holders.  The authorities have no alternative but to 
release JVJ.

Due to the example of love the bishop has shown him, he is racked with
torment because of his current fallen state.  He vows to forever follow 
that example.  He also decides his freedom will only come by changing his 
name. 

The story picks up some years later in his life- he has become a mayor
and industrial hero of a town.  One night he comes across a wretched
lady who is being arrested by the police for prostitution.  Being the 
mayor, he comes to the ladies rescue.  He later learns that his factory
had unjustly fired her and eventually caused her current situation.
He also comes to find out she is supporting an illegitimate child she 
left at an innkeepers from another town.  The child's name is Cossette.
Because of here exposure to the street life, the lady has become
very weak.  JVJ cares for her all he can but she eventually dies.  Before
dying, she entrusts her Cossette to JVJ.

At the same time this is all happening, JVJ has been having another crisis.
Another man has been arrested and is being tried in his place (by changing
his name, JVJ had broken his parole and was wanted).  JVJ must decide 
whether to turn himself in & save the man- giving up all he has, or
let the man pay for JVJ's crime, allowing him to go free and care for
Cosette. He gives himself up, of course, and is put back in prison.  He
makes his escape by staging his own drowning.  After his escape, he 
retrieves Cossette and travels to Paris.  In Paris, he and Cossette find
sanctuary in a convent till Cosette has been raised.  When she has been
raised, they leave the convent and take up residence in Paris.  They 
live a solitary life (due to the fact he is still wanted) using the
great wealth JVJ accumulated in his industrial hero days (he invented
a manufacturing process).

Cosette falls in love with Marius (a revolutionist), much to JVJ's
dissapointment.  JVJ has built his whole life around her and he now
sees her slipping away.  He eventually risks his own life to save 
Marius, who then marries Cosette.  After the weeding, JVJ feels
he must tell Marius of his past.  Marius rejects him and leaves him
to solitude (Marius did not realize it was JVJ who saved his life 
because he was unconcious).  Marius, through some details I won't
cover, learns that it was JVJ who saved him, and, with Cosette &
a sorry heart, goes to get JVJ.  JVJ has grown old and is on his 
death bed.  [finale not included]



There are many characters, lives, and details, which I haven't even
begin to touch.  The musical is good but, compared to the book, it
doesn't hold a candle.  I've given you the basic story line from the
book- whereas the musical departs from it in some cases.  Don't get me
wrong, the musical is well worth the money.  The music gives the story
an extra dimension.  But I found the focus of the musical to be somewhat
different from the focus of the book.  The musical tended to emphasize
the some of the more gutteral (is that the right word) aspects that I
felt detracted from the book.  So my best advice would be to see the
musical, then read the book- that way you won't be dissapointed in either
endeavor.  Just one final note on the book, if you read the unabridged
version, it will require some perserverance on your part to make it
through some of Victor Hugo's writing style.  Well worth it though.
I'd have to say it has been the best novel I've ever read.  Have fun.

-- 
Steven A. Ward
The Boeing Company
internet: saw8712@bcstec.ca.boeing.com
phone: (206) 662-0239
Newsgroups: rec.arts.theatre