Les Misérables: 25th Anniversary Concert

Claude-Michel Schönberg's musical version of Victor Hugo's 1862 novel has been a theatrical phenomenon since it first appeared as a concept album that was then staged briefly in Paris in 1980. But it's Cameron Mackintosh's English-language London production, which premiered in 1985 and recently celebrated its 10,000th performance, that's feted in this spectacular concert held in the huge 02 Arena in October 2010. The entire piece, sung like a modern pop opera, was presented in semi-staged form, and the enthusiastic crowd—many of whom watched via an enormous screen projected at the rear of the stage—responded with rock concert fervor. The mawkish but undeniably powerful story of ex-con Jean Valjean—pursued by the implacable Inspector Javert for breaking his parole—who adopts the daughter of a prostitute as his own child continues to have a strong emotional impact. The large orchestra and chorus perform lustily, while the soloists are a strong lot, with Alfie Boe (Valjean), Norm Lewis (Javert), Lea Salonga (Fantine), and Katie Hall (Cosette) standing out. The one wild card here is pop star Nick Jonas—as Marius, the student who falls for Cosette—who sings with precision and commitment, and performs his solos well. Post-concert addenda include speeches by Mackintosh and Schönberg, as well as encores by cast members from earlier incarnations of the show. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray version) and stereo, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)