I’ve been made aware of serval different versions of this, after we finish this concert, what one should we do next?

I love that you're so invested by just hearing the songs. The only drawback to the anniversary performances is that you're not getting the experience of them acting out the scenes along with singing. There are still touring companies, so if you ever get the opportunity to go see it, I'd highly suggest it. It's stunning.

“This is kind of depressing” oh my dude, you have no idea. Bring tissues.

I was in the choir for this concert 😁

Fun fact! The guy who plays Jean Valjean (Colm Wilkinson) came back in the 2012 film version of Les Miserables to play the bishop, literally and metaphorically passing on the silver candlesticks to a new Valjean. I thought that was a really nice touch. (Also, if you're worried about mispronouncing the title, most people just call it Les Mis, pronounced "Lay Mizz.")

"I like his voice" 😂. Yes, my dude.  That's Colm.  The man is a legend of musical theater.

She is incredible. No one ever will reach the raw tone she could as Fantine. This is pristine and perfection.

I feel like I’m the last type of person to love theater, but this was my mom’s favorite musical and this 10th anniversary she saw in person. I still watch it to this day

Ruthie Henshall who plays Fantine is well known in British musical circles as a superstar. It’s a shame she’s not better known outside of those spheres as she’s amazing.

Ruthie Henshall's I Dreamed A Dream tears your soul apart. "But he was gone when autumn came..." Wow! You feel the betrayal, the abandonment, the anguish Fantine suffered.

This concert celebrated the 10th anniversary of the original West End (London) production. Producer Cameron Mackintosh selected the line-up of performers from the casts of various productions around the world. Colm Wilkinson is stellar here as the main character Jean Valjean. He originated the English-language role in the West End in 1985, then went over to Broadway to open the musical there in 1987. Everyone has their favourite Valjean and he was mine. In 1987, when Les Misérables was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, it won 8, including Best Musical but Wilkinson shockingly did not win Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. I suspect it was because he split the votes with Terrence Mann (nominated in the same category for playing Javert), thus allowing someone else to win.

Cameron Mackintosh said that Les Miserables is a strange name for an English language show, and that during it’s first run he heard a ticket tout shouting “Lesbian Rebels! Lesbian Rebels! I’ve got tickets for Lesbian Rebels!” He decided against correcting him.

These actors are all top-level Broadway and West End professionals. Years of experience.  Similar to those who have  roles in Phantom of the Opera and Evita.

Colm is THE voice for Jean Valjean.  While everyone tries to have their own spin on it, he has been and always will be the bar all others are measured against.  I'd say he's the only singer inextricably linked to the character from Les Mis.

When you said "I love this" I almost teared up. This concert is one of my early memories- we had it on VHS and I would watch it over and over - it is so cool experiencing it again for the first time through your eyes.

The original Broadway production of LES MISERABLES was one of the first musicals I ever saw in the late 80s, so it has a special place in my heart. So glad you are watching and reacting to this! They called this 10th anniversary concert the "Dream Cast" for a reason.

Nothing will ever beat the 10th anniversary

Not only is Ruthie (Fantine) insanely talented, but she is one of the nicest people I have ever met.

I always have people watch this first when I introduce them to Les Mis! It’s beyond amazing.
Context on something that wasn’t shown. The bishop gave Jean Val Jean silver candlesticks when he was brought back by the soldiers. That’s why Jean Val Jean had such a reaction besides just being given the silverware that he stole. The Bishop essentially paid for his new life both physically and spiritually in that moment.

After watching it for the first time in the 80’s I was shocked to realize that there was no speaking dialogue, only singing, so it’s considered an opera. I was like, but I’m not into operas. Oh wait, maybe am…Since then I have seen it 7 more times in different places. Everyone should be privileged to see Les Mis at least once in their lifetime. It’s a masterpiece!