I recently saw Les Misérables for the first time on Broadway December 22, 2001. I have been a huge fan of the musical for a long time (even though I never saw it), and the book is my favorite of all time. I had waited a year to see this show, and let me tell you, I was not dissapointed in the least. It was absolutely incredible and completely enjoyable.

I was seated in the left section of the orchestra about 12 rows back. Not bad, I would have preferred front row however, and will get that the next time I go.

This was my first Broadway experience and I was not dissapointed. It opened up a new form of artistic performance to me. I thought it was incredible. From the very beginning to the very end.

All the actors were excellent at their parts. Ron Sharpe, understudy for Valjean, gave a great performance. Dana Meller was a very good Eponine. Ben Davis was a great Enjolras. The actor who played Thenardiér was very funny and enjoyable! I loved everyone, they all did a great job and made the performance come alive.

The story is a bit huge to explain, so I will leave it to the reader of this epinion to find out on their own by seeing or hearing this musical in some fashion. However, I will say its personally my favorite story, and I don't think any other Broadway musical's story could compare to it. It is a timeless classic full of action, adventure, romance, war and drama. It'll make you smile, and it'll make you cry.

The sound quality was pretty good. The actor's voices were all incredible and you could hear them all well. The orchestra in my opinion should have been a bit louder, it is off to the left side of the stage, I could not see them. Perhaps because I was on the left side where the left wall on the side of the stage blocked them the volume was low, I don't know, I wouldn't mind hearing it a bit louder though.

The lighting was fantastic! very well done all throughout. Look Down was perfect and great, Stars was so dreamy, the sewers were very cool and very well done.

The sceneries in this show are very well done as well. The barricades are VERY impressive, forming the streets of Paris and then turning into the barricade. Very intricate and very huge and impressive, bringing alive the classic tale of the french insurrection of 1832. The rotating turntable that makes up the stage is a very interesting idea, and the characters make good use of it. I was very impressed.

There was nothing bad about this musical. I thought it was a perfect experience and completely worth the $250 I spent to see it with my girlfriend. I'd gladly go again any time I have that much money. It was a perfect day and I left with a huge smile.

The performance on stage is really something. Me coming from a background of never seeing a musical before, and only hearing the cast recordings of les miserables, I was really impressed. The music comes alive, I got so absorbed into the whole performance. It made me laugh and cry. It was really something.

I'd recommend this to absolutely anyone, whether you're a child or an old man. It's a touching story that is meant to inspire good in you. And it is performed perfectly. If you are looking for something to do when you visit New York City, make sure you schedule Les Miserables in somewhere. It would definitely be a highlight of any trip to New York City.

Recommended: Yes