Podcast Summary: Les Misérables (Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris) - ★★★★★ REVIEW

Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey Jo)
Release Date: December 14, 2024

1. Introduction

Mickey Jo opens the episode with palpable excitement, expressing his deep passion for theater. He introduces himself as a professional theater critic dedicated to reviewing productions globally. Highlighting his enthusiasm, he shares that "Les Misérables" is probably his second favorite musical of all time, just behind "Into the Woods."

Notable Quote:
[00:00] Mickey Jo: "Oh, mon Dieu. Salut. By which I mean, oh my God."

2. Context and Background

Mickey provides a comprehensive background on "Les Misérables," detailing its origins and production history. He explains that the musical was written by French composers Claude Michel Schoenberg and Alain Boublil, with lyrics by Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, and translation by Herbert Kretzmer. Notably, the musical premiered in Paris before achieving widespread success in London under Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s production.

Notable Quote:
[02:15] Mickey Jo: "Les Misérables is a brilliant show. It is understandably epic."

3. Translation and Language

A central focus of the review is the innovative French translation of the musical. Mickey discusses the nuances lost and gained in translation, emphasizing how certain lyrics in French convey deeper emotional layers compared to their English counterparts. For instance, Éponine's lines become more poetic and emotionally charged in French, altering her character's portrayal from resilient and tomboyish to a more angsty and melancholic figure.

Notable Quote:
[10:45] Mickey Jo: "The French lyric riffs on the idea of my story. It is one that began in the sorrows of my childhood."

4. Staging and Direction

Directed by Ladislas Chola, the Parisian production introduces fresh staging elements that differentiate it from traditional renditions. Mickey praises the use of a gauze curtain and watercolour-esque projections, which add versatility and depth to the set design. However, he notes moments where the staging felt constrained by the vast Theatre du Châtelet, wishing for more expansive use of the stage to match the epic nature of the score.

Notable Quote:
[25:30] Mickey Jo: "There was a lot of clever innovation and versatility in the way they utilized a couple of set pieces."

5. Character Portrayals and Performances

Mickey delves into the standout performances of the production:

• Jean Valjean (Benoit Rameau): Portrayed with remarkable grit and determination, Rameau brings a raw authenticity to Valjean, making his redemption arc profoundly impactful.

• Javert (Sébastien Duchange): Duchange’s portrayal adds a nuanced humanity to Javert, especially in scenes where his internal conflict is palpable.

• Éponine (Ossian de Monty): De Monty's performance is highlighted as the most compelling of the night, delivering an emotionally charged and vocally powerful rendition that garnered loud ovations.

• Fantine (Claire Perrault): Perrault's heart-wrenching performance of "I Dreamed a Dream" stands out, capturing Fantine's despair and resilience.

Mickey also touches on the unique interpretations of secondary characters like Enjolras, Grantaire, and the Thenardiers, noting how the French cultural context adds new dimensions to their roles.

Notable Quotes:
[40:10] Mickey Jo: "Jean Valjean was portrayed by Benoit Rameau. Sung triumphantly, and played with a real determination and a grit and a force..."
[55:50] Mickey Jo: "Ossian de Monty played Éponine in what I think was probably my favorite performance from the entire show."

6. Audience Reception

Contrary to historical trends where Parisian audiences have been less enthusiastic about "Les Misérables," Mickey observes an extraordinary reception. The audience's multiple ovations and synchronized clapping reflect a deep appreciation for the production. He describes the ovations as something unforgettable, noting, "the French have this thing where if they really love something, they will all start to clap in sync."

Notable Quote:
[80:20] Mickey Jo: "It was an extraordinary ovation that the show received. It was multiple ovations."

7. Challenges and Insights

Mickey addresses the inherent challenges of translating such a complex musical. He emphasizes the delicate balance between maintaining the original's emotional weight and adapting it to fit the French language's lyrical and rhythmic structures. Additionally, he reflects on cultural differences, such as the French audience's dining culture influencing theater attendance times and preferences.

Notable Quote:
[65:40] Mickey Jo: "French is in many places a lot more syllabic. It takes more syllables to articulate a point..."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, Mickey Jo offers high praise for the Théâtre du Châtelet's "Les Misérables," encouraging fans of the musical to experience this unique production. He expresses hope for the longevity of this new translation and direction, affirming that even those with limited French proficiency can fully appreciate the performance thanks to bilingual subtitles and the universal power of the music.

Notable Quote:
[120:00] Mickey Jo: "I hope that there is considerable life for this new production, for this new translation."

He concludes by inviting listeners to subscribe for more reviews and upcoming content, including a review of "Hello Dolly" and a vlog detailing his 36-hour trip to Paris.

Closing Quote:
[125:30] Mickey Jo: "Have a stagey day. Subscribe."

Summary Highlights:

• Unique French Translation: Enhances emotional depth and poetic quality, altering character portrayals.
• Innovative Staging: Combines traditional elements with modern projections and versatile set pieces.
• Outstanding Performances: Particularly Benoit Rameau (Valjean), Sébastien Duchange (Javert), and Ossian de Monty (Éponine).
• Exceptional Audience Reception: Parisian audiences showed unprecedented enthusiasm and appreciation.
• Cultural Insights: Highlights the interplay between French cultural norms and theatrical experiences.
• Overall Praise: Mickey Jo rates the production highly, recommending it to theater enthusiasts worldwide.

Mickey Jo's review offers a thorough and insightful exploration of the Parisian production of "Les Misérables," providing valuable perspectives for both longtime fans and newcomers to the musical.