Les Miserables Act 1- Books and Music
So if you didn't know already, every month on the third Tuesday, I compare books to musicals. It kind of like "If this song was a book it would be this one". This is the first post that I'm doing in the Musicals! series. I am only doing Act 1 because the musical is much longer than normal ones. I will post Act 2 in April. This will probably be the same case for musicals that are really long such as Hamilton.
I love Les Mis so much. I remember watching it endless times when I was younger. It is my favorite movie. When I was younger, my brother and I would run around singing all the songs. When we studied it in French earlier this year, I was overjoyed. We got to watch the movie (which took a week in class to finish) and there were many moments when I almost busted out singing along. Unfortunately, most of my classmates had to be jerks and talk the WHOLE TIME! The girl who sat behind me was terrible. She criticized everything! I'm getting a little off-topic here so let's get back to the masterpiece that is Les Mis.
A Little Background Info...
The musical Les Miséables, or Les Mis for short, was based on the worldwide sensation of the same name by Victor Hugo. The book was later adapted into a musical by Hugo's son, Charles.
The story follows ex-convict Jean Valjean as he is released from prison in 1815. Valjean breaks his parole and becomes mayor and owns a factory in the town of Montreuil-sur-Mer under the alias Monsieur Madeleine.
Eight years later at his factory, we met Fantine who had a daughter out of wedlock. Her daughter, Cosette, lives in the Thénardier inn. Unbeknownst to her mother, Cosette is treated were poorly. Fantine has been sending the Thénardiers money for the upkeep of her daughter. Fantine is then fired from her job. Later, Fantine is arrested by Javert, a guard who worked at the prison Valjean was in. Jean Valjean visits Fantine before she dies and Fantine asks him to take care of Cosette. But then Javert shows up and recognizes Valjean. After a fight, Valjean escapes. Javert then vows to bring Valjean back to jail.
Cosette was living in Montfermeil and Valjean takes her away from the Thénardiers who are not happy. They then live in a convent for the next few years.
Nine years later, in Paris, we meet Marius who is part of the Students of the ABC. He along with his friends Gavroche and Enjolras are recruiting people to help with the revolution. They are planning to build a barricade and fight. The Thénardiers also happen to be in Paris. They are robbing people and attempt to rob Valjean. But then they recognize Valjean and guess who shows up! It's Javert! After some great vocals from Eponine, the Thénardiers daughter, the Thénardiers tell Javert that Valjean had just fled the scene.
While this is happening, Marius spots Cosette and instantly falls in love. Late we see Marius at the ABC Cafe with his friend including Enjolras. Marius confesses that he has fallen in love with Cosette while Enjolras tries to bring him back to reality and reminds him of the war that they're fighting. Marius is then conflicted with the choice of being with Cosette and helping his friends.
Then, Marius asks Eponine (of forgot to mention they're kind of friends) to find where Cosette lives. While this is happening Cosette sings about how she too has fallen in love with Marius. Eponine leads Marius to Cosette where they confess their love for each other. Eponine waits in the shadows and we find that she was in love with Marius.
Thénardier and his band of thieves show up to hurt Valjean and Eponine threatens to scream, giving them away. This leads Thénardier away, angry at his daughter. After seeing Marius and Cosette together, Eponine knows that she will never be with Marius and signs an amazing song. Since Javert now knows that Valjean is back, he decides that he and Cosette will move to England. Cosette is heartbroken to leave Marius.
Soon it is time for the building of the barricade. The students of the ABC use everything they can find including tables, chairs, and even a piano. Javert shows up at the barricade as a spy and tells the students false plans. But then Gavroche reveals Javerts cover. The students are furious and throw Javert in a tavern for the people to decide his fate. Valjean is chosen to kill Javert but instead fires his gun into the air, freeing him. They are then attacked at the barricade. Marius finally threatens to blow up the barricade. This causes the French army to retreat. On Marius's climb to the top, however, a man tried to shoot him. Eponine, dressed as a boy, had been at the barricade all along. She covered the barrel of the gun so that Marius would not die. She gives him a note from Cosette telling him that she is off to England. Then Eponine dies in Marius' arms.
We now advance to the next day where Enjolras is getting everyone to rest. They share a drink and sing about their friendship. Valjean had found out about Marius and is now at the barricade too. But now it is time for the final battle. Enjolras tells all to go but Gavroche rallies everyone back together as they prepare for the final battle. While Enjolras and Marius discuss plans, Gavroche travels outside the barricade to gather amo where he is shot. Gavroche dies after being carried back into the barricade by one of the students. And so the battle begins. Valjean helps those who are fallen while Marius is at the front lines. Many, many people die as their enemies advance. They take shelter in the tavern and Marius is shot. Marius is then carried away by Valjean. Enjolras and all the students die.
Marius and Valjean escape to the sewers, Marius is still unconscious. Javert inspects the scene after the fight and realizes someone in the sewers. While in the sewers, Valjean spots someone and pretends that he is dead. That someone is Thénardier who is looting the fallen soldiers. Thénardier does not recognize Valjean and he springs to life. When Valjean escapes from the sewers he is greeted by Javert who is ready to kill him. But the tables turn and Valjean gets the upper hand, a chance to kill Javert. Again, Valjean shows him mercy.
Confused by the choice, Javert cannot throw him in jail, nor spear him. Javert then commits suicide, throwing himself into a river.
Marius wakes in his father's mansion and goes to the tavern. He sings about his dead friends. Marius goes back to the mansion and sees Cosette. In that moment, Valjean knows that Cosette will never stay with him forever. He knows that he'll have to give her up at some point. Marius and Cosette are engaged.
Valjean then takes Marius to talk privately and confesses his past. He is convinced that Valjean is of poor morals, and Valjean leaves without saying goodbye to Cosette.
Cosette and Marius are then married and guess who shows up at their wedding! The Thénardiers are there to loot everyone. But Marius recognizes them instantly. Thénardier then reveals what happened in the sewers. He shows Marius the ring that he thought was from a dead corpse. Marius then realizes that Valjean saved him. Thénardier tells Marius that Valjean is back at the convent, and the Thénardiers are thrown out of the party.
Cosette and Marius visit Valjean one last time before he dies and they both cry. Fantine then leads Valjean away to heaven. The movie ends with all the dead people singing as Valjean looks upon them. The End.
Oh my gosh, that was a lot to type. Well, 2 hours have gone- at least- and we can finally get what we came here for.
Musical!
Look Down
Look Down starts off the music with everyone in the prison hauling a ship onto the shores. The book I'm comparing this to is A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. A Wish in the Dark is a reimagining of Les Mis set in a Thai setting. Like Valjean, the main character, Pong, both break out of jail (parole in Valjean's case). I will do a whole post about how it compares to Les Mis.
The Bishop
After breaking his parole, Valjean seeks shelter with the bishop whom he steals from. After being caught and brought back, the bishop vouches for Valjean. The bishop, during his short time, shows kindness and that is why I am choosing Maybe a Mermaid. Anothoni tries her best to be kind.
Valjean's Soliloquy
A Tale of Magic by Chris Colfer is the book that I am choosing for Valjean's Soliloquy. When Brystel is finally free from her parents and chooses to use her newfound freedom to help others just like Valjean swears to use his freedom, to be honest, and kind. They both reflect kindness onto others.
At the End of the Day
Witch Born by Nicholas Bowling is the next book I have. Alyce has had a secret that could be the death of her if anyone found out, just like Fantine. During her time at Bedlam, Alyce does whatever she can to get through the day, and even after that, every day for Alyce is as much of a struggle as it is for Fantine. I have a review coming out soon for this book too.
Witch Born Book Review
Witch Born Book Review
The Docks (Lovely Ladies)
If The Docks was a book, it would probably be The Selection by Kiera Cass. Both are about pretty women. This one was a little trickier and although I do like this song... I don't know how to explain, you just kind of need to listen to it. (It'll make sense).
I Dreamed a Dream
So for this song, I would choose the book The Best Laid Plans, which is written by Camron Lund. Both this song and book focus largely on men and sex. While one is about being ready to have it, the other is the pain that came from it.
The Best Laid Plans Review
The Best Laid Plans Review
Fantine's Arrest
The Book Theif by Markus Zusak is the next book. Although Fantine and did not steal anything, she and Liesel are both strong-willed females who will not be taken advantage of by men. While one actually commits a crime, the other does not deserve to be thrown in jail.
Who am I?
If Who am I? was a book it would be Miss You Love You Hate You Bye by Abby Sher. Hank has to decide between saving her friend even if it means betraying her and staying silent. Valjean must decide if he will turn himself in to save an innocent man or stay out of it to keep his workers employed.
Fantine's Death
This song would be Onyx & Ivory by Mindee Arnett. Both end in tragic deaths. I was having trouble with that one so that's all I got.
The Confrontation
If this song was a book it would be Mistress of All Evil by Serena Valentino. Both reveal shocking secrets about Javert and Maleficent.
Review of Mistress of All Evil
Review of Mistress of All Evil
Castle in the Clouds
I don't think there is a better book than Blue Skies by Anne Bustard. Glory Bea and Cosette both miss their deceased parents very much but do find a way to visit them through memories and dreams.
Master of the House
This has always been one of my favorite songs. It took me a while but I had to find a book worthy of this song. The book I chose was Forged in Fire and Stars by Andrea Robertson. I felt a look of similarities between Teth and Mousier Thénardier in the fact that they were both crooks and swindlers.
The Bargain
Struck by Lighting seems like a very fitting book for The Bargain. Both Carson and the Thénardiers make a deal that will eventually lead to their downfall.
Suddenly
I am matching Suddenly with Matched(pun intended) by Ally Condie Cassia's world changes as soon as she sees Ky on the screen while Valjean's world changed as soon as he brings Cosette into his life. The bottom line, when these two characters bring love into their life, it changes for the better.
The Convent
So I didn't mention this earlier, but as Moursier Madeline, Valjean saves a guy from getting stuck under a cart and that guy repays Valjeans kindness during this song by giving him shelter at the convent. So because it sends the message that kindness comes back on itself, I am matching The Convent with Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. The movie for this book just came out so I'll be comparing the movie to the book sometime soon.
Stars
In Stars, Javert swears to protect his country from injustice just like Anthea swears to help save her kingdom in The Rose Legacy by Jessica Day George.
Paris/Look Down
In this song, we are introduced to Gavroche. Gavroche is young but determined just like the youngest Schyler sister, Peggy. Both will go on to show what little people can do and that is why my choice for Paris/Look Down is Hamilton and Peggy by LM Elliott.
The Robbery
The Robbery would be A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket if it was a book. An evil villain, a child at risk, and several illegal circumstances. What's a better comparison?
ABC Cafe/Red & Black
Red & Black was another song I loved as a child. I'm comparing it to Red Queen by Victoria Averyard. Both Mare and Marius have to choose between the rebellion there fighting and their true love. Plue their names are similar.
In My Life
Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch is the best choice for In My Life. In this song, Cosette longs to know the past life of her father while Lina discovers who her father is.
A Heart Full of Love
For A Heart Full of Love, I chose The Betrothed by Kiera Cass. Hollis finds her true while the other one waits in the shadows for her. In this song, Marius and Cosette meet while Eponine watches them.
On My Own
On My Own is currently my favorite song from Les Misérables. It's so heartbreaking and I just love Eponine so much. So, if On My Own was a book, it would be Sea Witch by Sara Henning. Evie falls in love with someone but they do not love her back which is heartbreaking.
One Day More
One Day More is the last song in Act 1 of Les Miséserables. There is so much going on in this song so I think it's fitting that I compare it to a book told from seven different points of view. That is why I am comparing it to Best. Night Ever.
Four hours later and I've finished. Oh, boy am I glad I'm not doing both acts. Sorry to leave you on a cliff hanger but Act 2 will come sometime in the future. I hope to post more stuff like this with other musicals too. I'm definitely planning to shows such as Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Chicago planned to come soon. Well, goodbye for now.
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