Les Miserables 25th Anniversary In Concert

Okay, let’s talk about something epic. Something that involved a revolving stage. Something...French! I'm talking about Les Misérables. Specifically, the 25th Anniversary Concert.

Now, before you all grab your pitchforks, hear me out. I know, I know. It's a classic. Everyone loves it. But...is it perfect? (Spoiler alert: maybe not.)

The Dream Cast...Or Is It?

Let’s be real. The cast was STACKED. Alfie Boe? Amazing Valjean. Norm Lewis? A terrifying (and vocally superb) Javert. And Lea Salonga? Need I even say more?

But here’s where my unpopular opinion comes in. Was everyone perfectly cast? Hmmm...

Samantha Barks: The Undisputed Éponine

Let's start with a win. Samantha Barks as Éponine? Absolute perfection. She owned that role. No arguments. Case closed.

Seriously, if you disagree, fight me. (Just kidding… mostly.) Her "On My Own" still gives me chills.

The Enjolras Enigma

Now, here's where things get spicy. I love Ramin Karimloo. He’s an incredible performer. Phantom? Chef's kiss.

But as Enjolras? I don't know. Something felt a little…off. Maybe it was the wig?

Don’t get me wrong, he sang it beautifully. But did he embody the revolutionary fire? Debatable.

Nick Jonas: Marius...Why?

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. Or rather, the Jonas Brother on the barricade. Nick Jonas as Marius.

I’m not saying he’s a bad singer. He’s clearly talented. But next to the titans of musical theatre on that stage? He felt a bit…out of his depth.

Maybe it was just a marketing stunt. Maybe it was a genuine attempt to broaden the appeal. Whatever it was, it felt a little…forced.

The Staging: Epic or Overkill?

The staging was HUGE. Revolving stages! Projected images! Smoke machines galore! It was a spectacle.

But sometimes, I felt like it was too much. Did we really need the giant projected barricade? Couldn’t we just use our imaginations a little?

Sometimes, less is more. Especially when you have voices like Colm Wilkinson’s soaring through the theatre.

The Emotional Rollercoaster: Tears Guaranteed

Despite my minor gripes, let's be honest. The 25th Anniversary Concert is an emotional gut punch.

From "I Dreamed a Dream" to "Do You Hear the People Sing?" it’s impossible not to get swept up in the drama. Bring tissues. Lots of them.

And let’s not forget the encore. Seeing the original cast members join the new generation on stage? Iconic. Goosebumps. Every. Single. Time.

So, Is It Worth Watching?

Absolutely! Even with its flaws (and my very subjective opinions), the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert is a must-see for any musical theatre fan.

It's a celebration of an incredible show. It’s a showcase of amazing talent. And it’s a guaranteed evening of powerful emotion.

Just maybe, skip ahead during Nick Jonas's "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables." Just kidding! (Mostly.)