Hello Beautiful People,
I have grown up around theater. I have seen Les Misérables on Broadway seven, no eight times. My dear friend, Joanna Howard, was Cosette in the national tour from 1992-1994. Some of my earliest memories are singing Castle on a Cloud and On My Own around the piano at Christmas parties.
Only later did I realize the beauty and magnificence behind the words of I Dreamed a Dream…
…and it still moves me to tears.
I know this show, Les Misérables, inside and out. Backwards and forwards. The music has long ago fused itself into my bloodstream and worked its way into my thoughts and soul. I recognize the score and the lyrics, anywhere. I was so happy when Katie Holmes sung On My Own as Joey Potter in Dawson’s Creek, and I smiled quietly when Sadie, in This is 40, was brooding in her room while listening to the soundtrack.
I lived in the house that knows Broadway soundtracks better than the rules of football. On long car rides we listened to the works of Sondheim, Alan Menken, Lucy Simon, and, of course, Cameron Mackintosh.
So, when the buzz came about the movie, I was intrigued.
Imperfections aside, this film moved us all. Perhaps it’s my emotional connection to the story, to the show, to the sweat and the tears and love that goes into each and every Broadway performance, but, nevertheless, I applaud the actors, the musicians, and the crew behind this film.
Samantha Barks, we loved your Éponine. Heart + Beauty + Strength + Wisdom…you brought it all to the table.
Anne Hathaway, well, I believe that she was able to evoke an emotion quite similar to the ones that come about when you see a show live. She. Was. Brilliant. In an interview, she spoke of how it seemed selfish to play I Dreamed a Dream “pretty”. Ms. Hathaway, your choice as an actress and as a singer was outstanding. It gave us goosebumps. It brought tears to all around us in the theater. It better grant you an Oscar nomination, or something is seriously wrong with the academy. And, just a tidbit, did you know that Anne’s mother played Fantine?
Eddie Redmayne, well, words will not serve our admiration justice. Outstanding. A pleasant surprise. There’s a reason why you won the Tony for Red. We can only hope to see more of you on both the stage & screen.
Friends, go see this movie. EVEN if you’ve seen it on the stage, it STILL is a film that should be seen. The story is timeless. It’s classic. It’s beautiful. It’s sad. It will fill you with hope & love & passion & life…becasue hey, that’s what truly amazing art does.
Live, Love, Learn,
Megan & The Write Teacher(s)
The girl’s eyes is very beautiful………