I have been to London twice this year, and on both trips, I decided to see a musical on Friday, the day of arrival.  This time my friend Uli went with me, and we saw Les Miserables.  I have been a huge fan of the story since seeing the movie with Charles Laughton and Fredric March when I was a teenager.  When the musical came out in 1980, I wanted to see it, but never did.  This time I put my money where my mouth is and saw it.  I was not disappointed.  The acting was superb and the music very good.  I don’t know that focus of the book, but the play took a more religious tone than the movies.  It’s always been a story of redemption.  As an ex-convict unable to find work, Jean Valjean’s life is changed by the kindness of a priest when he does not press charges against Jean for stealing the silver from the church.  Jean decides he must become a new man and repay that act of kindness by also being generous and saving lost souls.  However, as a former prisoner, this isn’t possible, and he decides to change his identity and violate his parole.  This brings in the other part of the story, one of obsession and blind obedience to the letter of the law.  He is constantly pursued by a policeman, Javert, who refuses to accept that a person can change.  The story covers a period of 20 years and ends shortly after the Student Revolt of 1832.  There are stories within the story, all dealing with Jean’s redemption and love for life.  It is a moving and beautiful story, and the music is memorable.  Next musical on the list is Monty Python’s Spamalot.