Les Miserables in Concert.

• Author: Rothenberg, Robert S.

One of the phenomenons of theatrical history has been the international success of "Les Miserables," the musical version of Victor Hugo's classic novel. The gripping depiction of good vs. evil amidst the swirling events of France's lop student uprising seems to have struck a universal chord, the show being met with acclaim in such unexpected venues as Japan and Israel, as well as virtually all of Europe, and continues to pack them in on Broadway.

In 1995, a concert version of the musical was performed at London's Royal Albert Hall to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the show. This video version of the event will delight those who have seen the musical as well as those who have not. A cast of more than 250 performers is featured, those portraying the main characters arrayed across the stage on chairs in full costume, rising and stepping forward on cue to sing their numbers. Words across the screen set the scene for each song, and major production...