Thursday, October 27, 2016

Les Miserables - Manila

I was supposed to post this last April but I've forgotten all about it.  Since I'm stuck at home for the week recuperating from a bad bout of asthma, I'm continuing this post.

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When I was in high school, it was the time that Miss Saigon was launched. We would sing the whole album and memorized every line, especially the duets. Since we were into musicals, we also discovered Les Miserables. I can't recall who lent me the cassette tape but I think it was my dad who bought the album and we listened to it over and over again.

The songs were just enchanting and haunting. When they had the 25th Anniversary last October 2010 at the O2 at London, I remember scouring YouTube looking for videos of the event. One Day More will always be my favorite song from the musical and the cast then was just perfect (well, except for the Jonas brother. Yes, he can sing but I had different expectations for Marius).

I loved the musical so much that the last three times I was in the US the past 5 years, I tried my damned best to catch it in Broadway or wherever it was playing but the schedule does not seem to mesh with my itinerary. So when I heard the announcement that they will be coming here in Manila this year, I did not hesitate to buy tickets. And I certainly did not scrimp. Front row seats (well, 7th row that is) FTW!

I managed to persuade my husband to join me as he has seen it before in the US. We were at Solaire Hotel early on the showing date  as we haven't been there before. I couldn't help but have my picture taken of the big wall poster of the musical. I was so excited to be there and to finally see my dream realized.




We were so close to the stage and I didn't mind. I relished everything and tried very hard not to sing along.


I'm thankful to have finally seen the musical that I waited 25 years for. Next goal is to see Wicked and Book of Mormon.