ORLANDO, Fla. – “I dreamed a dream” ... and in that dream, I did not wait this long to see one of the world’s greatest musicals ever, “Les Misérables.”
The Tony Award-winning musical is the final Broadway in Orlando production for the 2023-2024 season and runs at the Dr. Phillips Center through Sunday, June 30.
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If you are as unfamiliar with the storyline as I was, “Les Mis” is set against the backdrop of 19th century France where lead character Jean Valjean tries to redeem himself after spending 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread. It tells a riveting story of broken dreams, love, sacrifice and redemption.
Valijean, aka prisoner 24601, is played by Nick Cartell, who held the role for 2.5 years pre-pandemic and has been a Broadway actor since 2012.
The staging alone is incredible, let alone the magnificent orchestra and score of songs you’ll surely recognize including, “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “One Day More” and many more.
Opening night at the Dr. Phillips Center was packed. My husband and I always seem to bump into friends at these performances.
Last night, one of our friends, Alicia Decker, told us they had already seen the musical several times over the years and couldn’t wait to see it in the beautiful Walt Disney Theater in Orlando. I reached out to her this morning and this was her take:
“I absolutely loved the performance last night! I was sobbing like a baby during that last scene, as I always do! Éponine is my all-time favorite character because I love her songs and she did not disappoint. The men’s voices were so beautiful! I did not love Cosette, but I think it’s because her part is so high and ‘trilly’ but she did a good job considering. Jean Valjean was perfection! The sets and lighting were phenomenal and felt like their own characters in the show. It’s always such a beautiful show!”
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