Let me get one thing out of the way immediately: I do not acknowledge that the Les Mis movie exists. The singing was…something. (Some better than others, but that’s another story.)
So instead, let’s talk about the 25th anniversary staged concert version. The singers in this were overall amazing. I mean, how could they not be? Some legends of Broadway and other stages such as Norm Lewis, Ramin Karimloo, Alfie Boe, Lea Salonga…and of course, Nick Jonas?
I don’t think he was well cast in this, as he was overpowered by the other singers. But he did ok. Just not what I would have preferred.
Let’s also talk about the concept of a staged concert. It’s not a full production, with sets and the whole nine yards. It’s also not a true concert where people are standing with their music books and just singing. It’s sort of a combination of the two – there are costumes and minimal blocking, so you do get the sense of the show, but not a whole large production.
I’m a fan of this for certain shows, and it does have to be done well to be effective. I think Les Mis can lend itself well to this type of show, and this concert version does it well. There are always going to be nuances that you miss in a concert version, but there will be things you pick up on more as well, since you aren’t consumed by the sets and other extraneous things.
Have you seen a concert version of a show? How did you like it?