On Thanksgiving night, I happened to tune in to PBS early enough to see most of a stunning performance of the musical "Les Miserables".  It was the 25th Anniversary production from London, starring Alfie Boe and others I'd never heard of (although I'd heard of Nick Jonas!).  The singing of the male leads was the best singing I've ever heard, bar none, but what I'm writing about here is the Christian message of the story, perfectly presented here.

The message is one of redemption.  Shown are people like the innkeepers who see the ruthless cruelty of life and let it turn them from God, yet also shown are others, led by Jean Valjean, who are turned to God by the same knowledge of the ruthless world.  

This December, Hollywood is sending forth its own production of "Les Miserables", based on the same music.  I wonder if the message of the Hollywood production will be as pure as that of this 25th Anniversary production from London?  I wouldn't think Hollywood could get it just right, but maybe!  I love the actress Anne Hathaway, but I wonder if she can sing with the power of Patti Lupone (who originally created the role of Fantine in "Les Miserables" in London, although she was not in this production, or can she sing with the power of Susan Boyle, who stunned Britain's Got Talent by her rendition of Fantine's "I Dreamed a Dream"?  Anyway, the message could still be intact if the director made it so.  

If you wish to send for the 25th Anniversary production it is on PBS's page.  If you order be sure to order only the DVD form, not CD, as the CD form has a different musical cast, and might not be as marvelous, although it might be.  This could make a great Christmas present for anyone who loves musical theater or who loves a Faith Triumphant story.   

And the movie may be good too!  Coming momentarily to a theater near you.

Mariel Rowina