Interview: LES MISERABLES' Paul Wilkins, Kerrie Anne Greenland, Emily Langridge Reveal Why Their Show Tugs at Your Heartstrings

By Jared Echevarria

Manila, Philippines--The first-ever international tour of Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed new production of Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil's LES MISERABLES (LES MIS) must close this Sunday, May 1, after three extensions. With nearly sold out tickets day in and day out, this production can easily be one of the most successful productions staged at the relatively brand new theatre The Theatre at Solaire.

When asked why the more than 30-year-old musical remains a crowd drawer until today, Helpmann Award winner Kerrie Anne Greenland, who plays Eponine, easily said that "ignorance and poverty still persist on earth and stories such as this are invaluable to everyone."

Originally written by the leading French novelist and poet of the Romantic Movement in France, Victor Hugo, LES MIS is set many years after the French Revolution; France is plagued with several social issues such as poverty, moral and philosophical clashes and rebellions.

According to Ms. Greenland, though LES MIS had its share of romantic moments culminating with the marriage of young lovers Marius and Cosette there are also other elements that made it enduring and beloved such as the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean, which explores his personal journey towards redemption.

Australian soprano Emily Langridge, who plays Cosette, said that the young audiences can relate to it easily because the themes in both the original novel and the show are timeless and something that everyone can experience such as "love in any context, for the country, for the family, and for a partner."

West End leading man Paul Wilkins, who plays the young revolutionary Marius, added that the story of the revolution in LES MIS shows that an uprising can happen at any point in time if the people wanted it to happen, and you will never know what the outcome will be.

The word "revolution" became pivotal for Ms. Greenland to share some of the surprises in this new production, which the audiences will surely love and appreciate: "The music, the set, and the costumes are all phenomenal plus the fact that the musicians come from both the Philippines and Australia...there are a lot of beautiful passionate solos that really highlight the Filipinos' fervor and heart for music."

One particular scene that proves her point is the oboe player's solo right after the fall of the barricades in Act Two. According to Mr. Wilkins, the oboe player is really into it and creates a very emotional atmosphere worthy of the show's story. He even shared that during their first rehearsal with the orchestra, musical director Laura Tipoki cried because of how it was beautifully played. When the oboe player was asked how he was able to produce such feeling, he said he was "thinking of a song going up to heaven."

LES MIS is obviously a serious tearjerker; most in the audience shed tears during its most memorable scenes, accompanied by the show's hauntingly beautiful score. Good thing the characters of Monsieur and Madame Thenardier are strategically created and developed to add a little bit humor in an otherwise heavy show.

Cameron Blakely and Helen Walsh play the roles of the eccentric, abusive Thenardiers whose main song "Master of the House" is considered one of LES MIS's iconic numbers. "LES MIS is a powerful piece and covers all known emotions," he said.

The international touring production of LES MIS features Helpmann Award winner Simon Gleeson as Jean Valjean, Earl Carpenter as Javert, and Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine. They are joined by Cameron Blakely and Helen Walsh as Monsieur Thenardier and Madame Thenardier, respectively, Helpmann Award winner Kerrie Anne Greenland as Eponine, Paul Wilkins as Marius, Emily Langridge as Cosette, and Helpmann Award nominee Chris Durling as Enjolras.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century revolutionary France, LES MIS is a hit musical that has been seen by over 70 million people worldwide in 44 countries and in 22 languages. Having won more than 125 major awards around the world, it has been hailed as the most stirring, moving musical ever. Its score includes "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "Stars," "Bring Him Home," "Do You Hear the People Sing?" "One Day More," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," and "Master of the House."

LES MIS is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel. Adapted by Trevor Nunn and John Caird, it has additional material by James Fenton.

Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed new production of LES MIS is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell and designed by Matt Kinley. Original costumes are by Andreane Neofitou, additional costumes by Christine Rowland, lighting design by Paule Constable, and sound design by Mick Potter. The executive producer of the international touring production is Michael Cassel.

Catch its last week at The Theatre at Solaire (Solaire Resort and Casino, Aseana Avenue, Paranaque City). Purchase tickets at TicketWorld.com.ph.

LES MIS's international production will transfer to the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore from May 31 until July 17. For tickets, visit Sistic.com.sg.

Photos: Oliver Oliveros

1. Kerrie Anne Greenland (Brisbane, Australia), 2. Emily Langridge (Brisbane, Australia), and 3. Paul Wilkins (Manila, Philippines)

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