Les Misérables

We saw Les Misérables on Saturday afternoon. It is one of my favorite musicals. I remember playing songs from it on the piano and listening to the soundtrack on cassette. I must admit that it took me forever to read through Victor Hugo's novel. Exceptionally thick books with tiny fonts have a way of intimidating me.

Yesterday's performances were awe-inspiring. The role of Jean Valjean was filled by an understudy who simply captivated the audience. The performers who portrayed Eponine and Enjolras were exceptional. Songs that stood out included "Who Am I", "One Day More" and "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables".

My favorite song has to be "Red and Black". Enjolras sings it as he tries to drum up support for the student rebellion against the government. His words of war contrast with the words of love sung by Marius, who has just met Cosette, Valjean's adopted daughter.

ENJOLRAS
It is time for us all
To decide who we are
Do we fight for the right
To a night at the opera now?
Have you asked of yourselves
What's the price you might pay?
Is it simply a game
For rich young boys to play?
The color of the world
Is changing day by day...

Red - the blood of angry men!
Black - the dark of ages past!
Red - a world about to dawn!
Black - the night that ends at last!

MARIUS
Had you been there tonight
You might know how it feels
To be struck to the bone
In a moment of breathless delight!
Had you been there tonight
You might also have known
How the world may be changed
In just one burst of light!
And what was right seems wrong
And what was wrong seems right!

Red... I feel my soul on fire!
Black... My world if she's not there!
Red... The color of desire!
Black... The color of despair!