FIRST TIME WATCHING Les Misérables - 10th Anniversary Concert | PART 5 

You asked how Eponine died. She took a bullet meant for Marius whom she loved. It’s so sad to think that being in his arms in the last few moments of her life was perhaps one of the happiest moments in her very sad life.

That part had two of the performances that make the 10th anniversary the best Les Miserables. Lea Salonga’s On My Own and her duet with Michael Ball of ‘A Little Fall of Rain’ are iconic. Those two along with the Philip Quast version of Javert’s song ‘Stars’ are what put this as the best version in my opinion.

So glad you are going to explore more musical theater!! Highly, highly recommend watching the 1987 version of Into the Woods!!!! It is so good (much better than the movie version Disney tried to do). To answer your question of how Eponine gets hurt and dies, she basically took a bullet for Marius while trying to get to the barricade

Michael Ball, (the actor who plays Marius) went on to play Javert 34 years later in the 2019 staged concert of Les Misérables. He said it was so special because it felt like coming home.

This was the dream cast Michael Ball doing Empty Table Empty Chairs is the master class on how to sing this song no-one has ever matched him doing it also Colm Wilkinson Bring him home is just brilliant you will enjoy part 6

There is a reason this 10th anniversary concert of LES MISERABLES is called the Dream Cast. Many of the performers chosen to take part originated roles in different productions around the world, but not all: Lea Salonga is someone who was a replacement on Broadway, in London and on the US national tour. But obviously they felt she was the best Eponine and put her in this dream cast concert. Jean Valjean is played by the original lead from London and Broadway, Marius was in the original London cast, Cossette was in the original Broadway cast, Javert was in the original Australian cast, Thernadier was in the original London cast. All other roles, like Eponine, were played by people who had some history with LES MISERABLES even if they didn't originate their parts.

Little Fall of Rain was where I started openly sobbing in the theatre in case you were wondering. “…and rain will make the flowers….” 😭

Lea Salonga (Eponine) is a double Disney princess.... she is signing voice for Mulan and Jasmine (Aladdin). Every other version of "On My Own" is judged against this one... hers is the gold standard.

Javert’s entire character deals in absolutes. Once someone steals, they are a thief. Thief’s are bad. There is no redemption. No change. Once his worldview is upended it upends him.

“I’m not saying much because I’m really invested in the story.” Isn’t that the highest compliment possible to the performance?

A few story notes for you for this section:

Shortening the context of "Eponine is fatally wounded" is like... the grossest understatement. In the book, she actually blocks a shot that was aimed at Marius. And BOY is the description ever graphic. I read it like 20 years ago and it still gives me the willies. Not a chapter to read right after you've had lunch.

Oh, here's another plot detail that may not be apparent: Act 2 begins with Eponine singing On My Own as she's on her way to deliver a letter from Marius to Cosette. But the letter doesn't reach Cosette... It was delivered to Valjean. So Valjean reads the letter and finds out about Marius's love for Cosette. That's why Valjean heads to the barricade to volunteer... He's going to find Marius and try to keep him safe.

No matter how many times I’ve seen Lea sing On My Own, I get chills every time.

Of all the themes in this story one of the strongest is mercy & redemption. Honor, character and freedom are there too but the bishop in act one and everything Valjean does to make up for what he did culminating in releasing Javert it is so moving. Yes, Javert has been Shook, he has no concept of mercy, he only understands law and duty. That is all I'll say.

I always kinda have to laugh at how tenderly Marius treats Eponine here - I like to say the musical gives his character too much credit, because in the book he kind of just uses her to do stuff for him and pretty much shrugs it off when she dies. But honestly, I’m glad the writers of the musical made him more empathetic because it’s a lot easier to root for him (book Marius is a little bitch) and I LOVE Michael Ball’s portrayal of him in this concert. It’s simply fantastic and so so moving.

The one who plays older Cosette is the singing voice for Disneys Pocahontas. And the one who plays Eponine is the singing voice for Mulan and Jasmine

Eponine joined the others at the barricade and was shot by the other side. It isn't covered in this version, but little Gavroche is also Eponine's little brother. Gavroche also recognizes Javert when his parents (the inn keepers) were trying to get Valjean arrested for "stealing" Cosette from them.

It’s totally ok not to be talking much. What I remember about seeing LES MIZ on broadway in the late 80s is that I cried buckets during the 2nd act.

Lea's name is pronounced Lay ah. I believe she was shot. Lea knows how to elicit emotion. Her diction is perfect.