Les Misérables

There was a time in my life where I found musicals to be a frivolous waste of time. I saw them as the fluff of an otherwise brilliant theater world. Playwrights like Tennesse Williams, Harold Pinter, Jean Genet and Edward Albee were masters. Meanwhile shows like Showboat, South Pacific and Anything Goes were simply pop culture drivel without artistic merit. I have performed in productions of Camelot, Bye Bye Birdie and The Music Man, but acting in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible has always been the only role I considered to have substance. Then, three things happened that would forever change my view of musical theater. First, I met Mrs. Orbson who absolutely loves musicals. Second, I got over myself. Yes I am brilliant, yes I can quote Shakespeare on command, but no I don’t want to be “that guy”. I prefer to be open-minded. I try not to judge until I have seen something for myself. Finally, and most importantly, Mrs. Orbson took me to see Les Misérables. My love affair with theater expanded in ecstasy as I watched the greatest musical and perhaps the greatest play I had ever seen. Orbson, theater and musical theater were now entangled in an exquisite ménage à trois.

This past weekend Mrs. O and I escaped our cave and ventured to Portland, Oregon to see the 25th Anniversary International Tour production of Les Misérables. This marked the 5th time I have seen the show live. We met up with a phenomenal friend and made our way to Keller Auditorium for the 3+ hour long performance. After five performances and owning three different Les Mis CD sets, I wasn’t sure if the performance would live up to my memories. I needn’t have worried. By intermission the performance swept me away to 19th century Paris where drama, action and romance collide in an epic musical display. From the exceptional performances to the stunning sets I had to stop myself from giving a standing ovation after every song. Les Misérables is a musical that I can study like literature – examining motifs in the very songs I am singing along to. This is a musical that makes me think as I watch a small group of students see the growing disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished. How’s that for relevant? As conditions worsen for the poor, the students, who themselves are well off, choose to revolt rather than stand idly by. They speak and fight for those cannot.

Of course any discussion of the Les Misérables would be pointless without mentioning the main character Jean Valjean. Here is a man who spends 15 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed a starving child. Here is a man who is then released into a world that neither welcomes him back nor allows him the opportunity to prosper. I will not spoil his story for you but his path to redemption and willingness to put other’s needs first were only overshadowed by a voice that most pop singers would sell their soul for.

Finally, there is Éponine. There is something about this character that I find more compelling then perhaps any I have ever come across in literature. That’s saying something considering how much I read. In this performance, Éponine was portrayed in a very different manner, but it really worked. Her rendition of “On My Own” was definitely one of the best I’ve heard. I want to talk more about her, but I really don’t want to spoil it for those who have never experienced the show. Suffice it to say, when you get the opportunity to see this musical, watch her closely, think about what she sacrifices and ask yourself who is the real heroine.

Needless to say, Les Misérables opened my eyes to all that a musical could offer. Musicals like Rent, Avenue Q, The Scarlet Pimpernel and Wicked have all made their way into my top theater experiences. I fully expect the Book of Mormon to jump into the mix soon. However, Les Misérables will always be my first and truest musical love.


So Very Relevant...





One of My Favorite Songs by my Favorite Character...

Dear Canada, May I Come In?

Dear Good People of Canada,

Hello, my name is Orbson Rice. I am writing to you today to ask for your help. Over the past 13 years my country, the United States of America, has went from a solid leader in the world to a bankrupt and incompetent nation. I am seeking asylum in your great country. I believe that my personal safety is at risk as seemingly infinite waves of Stupid infect the nation. I fear that I may already be succumbing to the Stupid. Last week I found myself watching the television show “Love in the Wild” and without thinking, programmed my DVR to record the next episode. I am ashamed. Please grant me asylum and allow me escape. Otherwise, I fear I may stop reading, stop watching CNN and Orbson forbid, may even join the Tea Party. That would be a fate worse than death. If given the opportunity, I believe I will be a tremendous asset to your great nation.

Over the past 6 months I have put myself through the rigorous “I Wanna be a Canadian Eh” (see I even spelled "eh" correctly) training program. I have learned to pilot a Zamboni, I have seen Canadian Bacon 17 times and having grown up in Detroit I know what a “blue line” and “icing” are. I also promise to leave my rude and obnoxious U.S. behavior here in the States and embrace your concept of “being nice to each other”. While this may be an adjustment for me at first, I am sure that with time I will be able to embrace the idea of “friendly”. Finally, I swear to Orbson that if I am allowed entry into your great country I will no longer mock the noble sport of curling. In fact, I will even grab a broom and try it out myself.

Oh Canada, who was recently named the second happiest country in the world*, please let this Orbson in. With your wild ideas of education (87% have a high school degree or more), high literacy, low crime and the second best reported overall health in the world, I believe you are just what this Orbson needs.

Sincerely,
Orbson Rice


*http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43287918/ns/business-world_business/


Currently Trending On? Reruns of Mythbusters! This is the type of show that should be on during primetime. Educational, loads of fun and lots of things blowing up!

Yo Assholes Did What? I’m sorry, did I hear someone say the words “Super Congress” Oh, this is not going to end well…

Reflections of Orbsonism: Take care of your home, then your neighborhood, then your city, then your state, then your country, then other countries. Take care of your planet always. Now ask yourself- have you made it outside of your home yet?

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