Les Misérables: the musical at the Théâtre du Châtelet - our review

From November 22 to December 31, 2024, lovers of theater and musicals will have the pleasure of rediscovering the iconic show Les Misérables. This new production, presented at the renowned Théâtre du Châtelet, promises to seduce a new generation of spectators while delighting the faithful.

This event at the end of 2024 marks the return of a legendary musical which, thanks to the universality of its story, has won the hearts of over 130 million spectators worldwide. Yet this is no mere revival: 45 years after this epic adventure began in 1978, thenew production of Les Misérables at the Théâtre du Chatelêt offers a chance to rediscover several songs that have become classics of the genre. French songs such as J'avais rêvé d'une autre vie, À la volonté du peuple, Mon histoire and Le Grand jour return to the stage, enhanced by innovative staging and refreshing interpretations.

What makes this new production particularly special is the collaboration with Alain Boublil. Renowned for his talent, he has reworked the libretto for the occasion, bringing his own personal touch while remaining faithful to the essence of the original work. His vision, combined with the meticulous staging, highlights the symbolic dimension of Les Misérables ' iconic characters such as Jean Valjean, Cosette, Javert, Les Thénardier and Gavroche. This approach ensures a balance between the depth of the story and the fluidity of the transition from one set to another, in the magnificent Théâtre du Châtelet at the end of 2024 .

Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo's humanist fresco, has always had the mission of deeply touching its audience. In this new musical production at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the scope of the story is amplified, echoing the author's famous quote:"As long as there is ignorance and misery on earth, books of the nature of this one may not be useless." And perhaps this is the reason for the timelessness of Les Misérables: they still resonate with the human condition, whatever the time or place.

• To be read
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• Shows and plays to see in Paris in December 2024

In conclusion, this new French production of Les Misérables is a not-to-be-missed event at the end of 2024, for all Parisian theater lovers. Whether this is your first experience with this musical or a nostalgic visit, the Théâtre du Châtelet is the ideal place to let yourself be carried away by this timeless story.

Our review:

The starkly beautiful set design unfolds a vivid tableau where light sculpts souls and magnifies moments of redemption. Each actor inhabits his or her role with overwhelming depth, transporting the spectator into a tormented Paris, where the silences are as eloquent as the lines.

More than a show, Les Misérables is the work of a fabulous team: from costumes to songs, from lights to musicians, the essence of human struggle is magnified by the vibrant effort of every artist who collaborated on this show. Rarely has a musical left us with such an impression of catharsis, blending admiration, compassion and reflection on the human condition.

Hats off to the artists!

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