A few weeks back, an idea popped into my head. I thought it would be pretty neat to have a playlist - sadly, with no Les Mis songs on it- inspired by what a character from my favorite musical, Les Miserables, goes through! Needless to say, I got to work compiling songs and I have a couple of Les Miserables inspired playlists for you tonight!
Some of the songs on these playlists are pop songs, such as Tied Together With a Smile, by Taylor Swift. However, some songs, such as A New Life (Jekyll and Hyde) are from musicals!
My first playlist is called the 'Every Word He Says Is A Dagger In Me' playlist. As you might have guessed by the title, this is inspired by the famous lovelorn Eponine.
The lyrics from each song that remind me of Eponine are:
-Tied Together With a Smile: Guess it's true that love was all you wanted/cause you're giving it away like it's extra change/hoping it will end up in his pocket/but he leaves you out like a penny in the rain
-A New Life: A new chance/one that maybe has a touch of romance
-Paradise: When she was just a girl/she expected the world/but it flew away from her reach/so she ran away in her sleep
-A Thousand Years: I have died everyday waiting for you/darling don't be afraid/I have loved you for a thousand years/I'll love you for a thousand more
-I'm Not That Girl: She who's winsome/she wins him/gold hair with a gentle curl/that's the girl he chose/and Heaven knows/I'm not that girl
-Come In With the Rain: Just know I'm right here hoping/that you'll come in with the rain
-Tomorrow Will Be Kinder: A brighter day is coming my way/yes tomorrow will be kinder
-Someone Else's Story: Sadly she realized she'd left him behind/and sadder than that she knew he wouldn't even mind
-Invisible: And you just see right through me/but if you only knew me/we could be a beautiful miracle/unbelievable/instead of just invisible
-Someone Like You: Oh if someone like you/found someone like me/then suddenly nothing would ever be the same/my heart would take wing/and I'd feel so alive/if someone like you/loved me
And now, a playlist inspired by our Les Mis lovers... 'A Night Bright As Day' playlist!
The lyrics that remind me of Marius and Cosette are:
-Two Is Better That One: I can't live without you/cause baby two is better than one
-Enchanted: This night is sparkling, don't you let it go/I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home/I'll spend forever wondering if you knew/I was enchanted to meet you
-I See The Light: All at once everything is different/now that I see you
-Everything Is Different: All I know is we said hello/and your eyes looked like coming home/all I know is a simple name/and everything has changed
-All I Ask of You: -Anywhere you go let me go too/love me/that's all I ask of you
-So Easy: This letting go is so beautiful/cause you make it so easy/to fall so hard
-As Long As You're Mine: Borrow the moonlight until it is through/and know I'll be here/holding you
-1, 2, 3, 4: Make it feel good when it hurts so bad/the best that I've ever had/I'm so glad I found you/I love being around you
-Out of My Dreams: When the mist is low and stars are breaking through/then out of my dreams I'll go/into a dream with you
-Ten Minutes Ago: I have found her/she's an angel/with the dust of stars in her eyes
There's that, everyone! And for being such an awesome audience, here are some extra Les Mis edits I made!
"To love another person is to see the face of God."
"There is nothing like a dream to create the future." -Victor Hugo, Les Miserables
Double feature tonight because I have had this saved in my drafts for a while now!
There's no doubt in my mind that I have somewhere already mentioned that my favorite musical ever is Les Miserables. Honestly, the theme, characters and music have changed my life. In fact, Les Mis was the musical that made me realize I want to pursue musical theatre professionally! That being said, it holds an extremely special place in my heart, so naturally I have listened to nearly every recording (professionally recorded or recorded by an audience member) that there is out there!
Today I will be talking about my favorite actors for each role, and why they stand out to me.
Jean Valjean: -Colm Wilkinson: Colm was the original Jean Valjean, and very possibly the best Valjean ever. I'm not sure anyone can live up to the incredibly high standards Colm set as JVJ! Cast: Original London and Broadway Casts. Strengths: Colm's voice is full of passion and forgiveness, two things Valjean is famous for. Whenever I listen to Colm singing, I feel as if he is Jean Valjean; he has suffered, he has overcome.
-Peter Lockyer: A Les Miserables veteran who played Marius Pontmercy on Broadway during its original run, Peter made his return to Les Miserables recently-but this time as Jean Valjean. Cast: The North American 25th Anniversary Tour. I saw this tour myself and was blown away. Strengths: His rendition of Bring Him Home. I cannot say enough about his voice in BHH. The song is situated at the top of a male's range, which makes it quite hard to sing, and even more difficult to sing to well. Peter's rendition is lovely.
Javert: -Andrew Varela: Just like Peter, Andrew Varela is also a Les Mis veteran (he has played Jean Valjean). Currently, he is reprising his role of Javert in a regional theatre production. Cast: The North American 25th Anniversary Tour. (What can I say? This is one of my favorite casts ever!) Strengths: One of the most common misconceptions, I think, is that Javert is the bad guy. If you ask me, he's not. Javert's not a fluffy, happy-go-lucky, let's-make-small-talk kind of guy, but he's not the bad guy. Varela plays Javert with heart, dignity, pride, and dedication, that makes it evident Javert isn't bad, just different. Varela was a delightful actor and singer, as well.
Fantine: -Genevive Leclerc: Genevive is currently playing Fantine once again in Les Miserables-Toronto. I cannot say enough about her portrayal of Fantine. Cast: Also the North American 25th Anniversary Tour. (Whoever cast that...THANK YOU!) Strengths: The moment I saw her onstage, I knew that she was one of the best performers in the entire show, but I fall more in love with her portrayal of Fantine every time I listen to an audio! One of the reasons I loved her portrayal of Fantine so much was because she combined hope with hopelessness, and misery with joy. Also, I must say that her vibrato is beautiful and comes through at the perfect times.
-Lea Salonga (Honorable Mention): Lea Salonga is pretty darn near perfect: she has voiced multiple Disney princesses, has had a highly successful Broadway career, and has portrayed both Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables anniversary concerts. Cast: The Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert. Strengths: Lea has a technically perfect voice, and a beautiful tone to it. Also, she has a fantastic belt.
Eponine: -Brittney Johnson: Brittney has been with Les Miserables for quite some time now. She is currently understudying Eponine once again in Les Miserables Toronto. Cast: North American 25th Anniversary Tour. I have to admit...I have never seen Brittney perform as Eponine. However, I have heard audio of her singing Eponine's On My Own, and ever since, Brittney has been my favorite Eponine. Strengths: Her belting blew me away. I've never heard anyone make the B note 'pretending' seem so effortless before. Also, her tone is perfect: she 'sounds' the part of Eponine- she sounds desperate but not whiny. If you listen to only one song off this list, make it this one. Here's hoping that someday she gets to play principle Eponine. Brittney has it in her to.
-Samantha Barks: She originally rose to fame on a BBC Channel reality singing contest show called I'd Do Anything, and after coming in third, her career soared. Samantha has taken on the roles of Sally in Cabaret, Nancy in Oliver, Eponine in Les Miserables, and most recently, was Velma Kelly in Chicago. Cast: 2011 West End, 25th Anniversary Concert, 2012 Les Miserables Movie. Sidenote: I think that Sam performed her best onstage, although she was fantastic in the movie. Strengths: I am a very big fan of Samantha's voice. She has a powerful and bold belt, and a sweet-but not too sweet- tone to her voice. Also, her acting is superb.
-Kerry Butler: Kerry, just like all the others listed here, is a post 10th Anniversary Eponine. Prior to the 10th Anniversary Concert, when Lea Salonga famously transformed Eponine into a belter role, Eponine was portrayed as very helpless, desperate, and kind of weak. Kerry used Lea's belty ideas but kept some of the older Frances Ruffle-esque ones and incorporated them both into her portrayal... wow. She is phenomenal. Cast: Broadway 1998-1999. Strengths: Her tone is perfect, and she has such a big, beautiful voice. Kerry isn't afraid to go for all the huge belt notes, which is admirable, and makes her performance a bold, standout one.
-Carrie Hope Fletcher (Honorable Mention): Carrie, who started acting by playing Young Cosette on the West End when she was much younger, has made her return to Les Miserables at age twenty to portray Eponine. Cast: West End 2013-2014. Strengths: Carrie portrays Eponine to be a romantic, which I personally like. In her On My Own, Carrie makes it clear that Eponine is fed up with the injustices she has been facing, and looks to Marius as her only salvation. Carrie has a wonderful singing voice, and is a great actress!
Cosette: -Rebecca Caine: In my opinion, Rebecca is pretty much untouchable as Cosette, just like Colm. Rebecca is a musical theatre/opera performer, and you could definitely hear it in her voice. She has a bright and optimistic tone in her voice which makes her the perfect Cosette. Cast: Original London Cast. Strengths: Many people don't know this, but originally, Cosette had her own aria, called I Saw Him once! It is a lovely song, and Rebecca's voice makes it hopeful and romantic. However, it was cut before show even made its Broadway debut and I can't understand why. Listen to it below.
Marius Pontmercy: -Michael Ball: I know, I have an obsession with Original London Cast members. Michael originated the role of Marius on the West End production and went on to portray the character again in the 10th Anniversary Production. Cast: Original London Cast, 10th Anniversary. Strengths: Michael is an emotional Marius, which I love about his portrayal. Some people who play Marius portray him to be a bit of a -well...how do I put this nicely- jerk. Marius is definitely not a jerk; not in the musical, anyway. However, Michael isn't afraid to show Marius' softer side, and really he really gets into character.
-Eddie Redmanye: Eddie Redmayne is a British film actor who has been nominated for a handful of prestigious awards for his portrayal of Marius Pontmercy in the 2012 Les Miserables film. Cast: 2012 movie. Strengths: Even though Michael will forever be my favorite Marius, Eddie is a close second. Much like Michael, following his friends' deaths, Eddie didn't attempt to act completely put together. When Eponine died, Eddie's Marius kissed her on the forehead (a detail from the book that I appreciate Eddie put into the movie!). And can I mention his face when he first sees Cosette? It is brilliant. His voice is fantastic, as well, and reminds me a bit of Michael's.
-Jonny Purchase: Jonny Purchase is currently performing as Combeferre in the London production, while understudying for Marius. Cast: 2013-14 London Cast. Strengths: Based on what I have heard just from listening to audio recordings of Jonny as Marius, he is pretty fantastic. For starters, his vibrato is perfect. When he goes up on the lyric "the very words that they have sung/became their last communion", his voice is full of power and heartbreak. Here's hoping that Jonny stays with Les Miserables long enough that I can fly from the US to London to see him perform as Marius.
-Craig Mather: Craig's debut EP "View of You" (which I will definitely be ordering because of how talented Craig is!) is to be released November 11th, and he is currently in a band called About Juliet. Cast: London 2012-13. Strengths: Craig is young. Marius is young, and sometimes doesn't yet know how to handle situations. Through Craig's portrayal of Marius, it is obvious that Marius is still growing up. Of course his Empty Chairs at Empty Tables is wonderful- he does a fantastic job of making it clear that Marius is still haunted by all that he has endured-especially when he sings about phantom faces at the window. Craig's A Little Fall of Rain with 2012-13 understudy for Eponine Lily Frazer might be my favorite version of the song. The urgency and concern for Ponine in her voice is perfect.
Enjolras: -David Burt: David is famous for his many performances in West End shows such as Little Shop of Horrors, Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar. He originated the role of Enjolras. Cast: Original London Cast. Strengths: I love the character Enjolras. He embodies the heart and soul of the revolution so much that he is referred to as 'The Chief'. That being said, to me, casting the perfect Enjolras can make or break a production. David's Enjolras isn't belty as Ramin Karimloo portrayed him. He is composed, refined. My favorite lyric Enjolras sings is always 'It is time for us all to decide who we are'. In fact, how well an actor sings that line is how much I enjoy their portrayal. David sings this line beyond perfectly; the tone in his voice makes the audience aware that he knows what needs to be done and intends to do just that.
-Jason Forbach: Jason will be understudying Enjolras and playing Feuilly in the 2014 Broadway Revival of Les Mis. Prior to that, he will be in a production of Miss Saigon. Cast: 25th Anniversary US Tour. Strengths: Jason plays a strong, passionate Enjolras. Through every line he sings, it is evident that Jason's Enjolras knows his motives and everything he does is for the good of the people he is representing. Jason sings each lyric with passion, and more importantly, hope for the future.
-Aaron Tveit: An original Next to Normal and Catch Me If You Can cast member, Aaron has appeared in shows on Broadway such as Wicked (Fiyero) and Hairspray (Link Larkin). Aaron currently stars on Graceland, a crime show on T.V., and is currently working on another movie. He has said that he cannot wait to return to Broadway. Cast: 2012 Movie Cast. Strengths: Aaron Tveit has passion as Enjolras. In Red and Black, the longing, desperation, and tears welting up in his eyes are authentic. Singing wise, Aaron, a Broadway veteran, is top notch. His vibrato is perfect, and his voice easily reaches up to Enjolras' highest notes. Impressive.
If you made it all the way down here, WOW! I am stunned because honestly? I don't think I could have made it all the way down here! Do we have any favorites in common? Do you know of any people not mentioned on this list who are worth a listen to? Let me know! Comment!
Mini update on my life art-wise before I get into tonight's rant. Little Shop of Horrors has sadly ended. Our shows were November 15th, 16th, and 17th, and I already cannot wait to get my music for our next show, which is going to be The Sound of Music! I'm psyched because I really enjoy older, more traditional shows in addition to contemporary ones. I audition in December, and I hope to get the role of Liesl. It's farfetched, considering the fact I am an underclassman and Liesl is a larger role. Yet something in me thinks I could play that role quite well. Only time will tell!
Back on track.
As you read, the title of my post tonight is What I Did For Love. A few weeks ago, I talked about my song obsessions, and What I Did For Love (from A Chorus Line) was one of them. I can honestly connect to it. I have made dozens of sacrifices for love that didn't quite feel like sacrifices at all because I was happy to do them for art.
I have given up any type of a normal sleep schedule due to getting home late from rehearsals. I have allowed myself to be let down time after time of not getting cast. I have given up dairy for weeks on end so my voice won't crack. I have woken up at four in the morning to finish my novel. I have put my heart on the line for my voice to be heard through my writing. I have opened myself up to rejection. Those are all sacrifices. But looking back on these decisions, I would do anything for 'love'.
No matter where I go in my life, if I end up a writer who is also an actor and is blessed enough to write books while doing eight shows on Broadway every week or if I end up a small town high school History teacher, I will never forget the many lessons the arts have taught me.
I have learned to always jump at an opportunity, because there is a good chance that it will never come around again.
I have learned that 'good luck' doesn't exist, and it is up to you to make your own luck in this world.
I have learned that everyone should have someone that makes them look forward to tomorrow, and no matter what that is for you, you should pursue that.
I have learned that if you do not believe in yourself, no one will ever believe in you.
I have learned that confidence and a smile is key.
I have learned to be humble, gracious, and to take a step back to look at the big picture.
I have learned so many things through practicing art forms that I cannot remember nearly all of them.
So I urge anyone who feels that the arts is where they are meant to be to pursue those dreams, no matter how unlikely success is. Because if that's truly where your heart is, you won't forget, and you can't regret what you did for love. :)
Hello Readers! Here is some mid-week inspiration for you!
I don't know about you, Readers, but I am a strong believer in fate-that what happens to a person is destined to happen. Everyone has a path that they believed they are destined to walk...things they are supposed to do, people they are supposed to meet. Sometimes these plans we have for ourselves don't
work out. But that doesn't mean that the path we are then on is the wrong path. It simply means that we are walking the path we were meant to walk all along.
As an artist of any type - writer, actor, singer, dancer, painter, drawer - this is imperitive to remember. If you don't understand that your personal value does not decrease just because someone does not see all the potential in you that you know you have, you'll lose yourself along the way just to conform to what other people expect you to be. Never, ever, ever belittle yourself because of what someone else thinks of you. It is one of the biggest mistakes an artist can make.
I am sure everyone who is reading this blog has had a seemingly impossible dream before. It is human nature; we want something for ourselves that is bigger than us. And probably nearly everyone has been told that their dream was 'improbable'. Well, once again, that's what happens in life! But forget those small minds who doubt you and bring you down. Focus on the ones that uplift you - anyone who believes in you. For me, that is my family and my friends.
Perfection is over-rated. We spend years hunting down perfection, trying to look perfect, appear perfect, the works. The truth is, perfection is unattainable, no matter who you are. You weren't born to be perfect, you were born to be human. 'Human' has flaws, it has weaknesses, it has downfalls. But human also has strengths, heart, soul, meaning.
Through dreams, we think about what we want for ourselves for the rest of our lives really count. Our dreams create - and dictate - our futures. Without a dream, or without multiple dreams, life would hardly have a meaning. It's up to you to create your future through the dreams you have today.
