Read and discuss the books that inspired Broadway musicals, enriching understanding and enjoyment of both!
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo was first published in 1862 and considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. It primarily follows the life of Jean Valjean, a force for good in the world acting with difficulty due to a criminal past, during the years leading up to the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris. Known for it's exceptional length, digressions, and countless side characters, we will be attempting to read this in two parts, covering Volumes 3-5 this meeting, with no expectation or obligation to read the entire volumes.
One of it's most prominent English language adaptations is the musical Les Misérables, produced originally in Paris in 1980, translated to English for a West End run in the UK in 1985, and finally making a Broadway debut in 1987. It features several songs that have made it into standard canons of musical theatre and auditions the world over. It ran on Broadway 2003, currently ranking the sixth longest running Broadway show of all time. It won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.
We typically meet the fourth Thursday of the month at the Northeast Neighborhood Library at 6:30pm in the Mezzanine Conference Room. This month, we will meet June 27, 2024. Please click "Register" or email Jeff at jeffrey.gluckman@dc.gov if you are planning to attend!
Expand your horizons with your library card!
Listen to the 2010 25th anniversary tour album ad free with Freegal.
Check out the DVD of the 2013 film adaptation of the musical.
Stream the 2019 public television series adaptation of the novel with Kanopy.
