Les Miserables dance recital theme

Les Miserables

Broadway epic musical

An epic historical musical set during the French Revolution with powerful ensemble numbers.

Best Time
Year-round, though the revolutionary themes suit autumn/spring
Dance Styles
Contemporary, Ballet
Songs
5 tracks
Category
broadway

About This Theme

Les Miserables is one of the most beloved musicals of all time, and its themes of justice, love, and redemption resonate powerfully. The score is emotionally rich, offering everything from intimate solos to massive ensemble numbers. For a recital, you can adapt the most powerful moments while keeping the emotional through-line intact. Do You Hear the People Sing builds to an incredible climax that showcases your entire cast.

Why This Theme Works

Do You Hear the People Sing is an anthem that gives everyone in your cast something important to do. The building energy and the waving of flags creates goosebump moments. The emotional range of Les Mis means you can create a recital that moves audiences deeply - from Fantine's despair to Eponine's longing to the hope of a better tomorrow.

Age Groups & Casting

Ages 3-5
Not typically included (mature themes)
Ages 6-9
Young Cosette, Gavroche, street children
Ages 10-13
Young Eponine, featured ensemble
Ages 14-17
Cosette, Eponine, Marius, Enjolras
Ages Adult
Jean Valjean, Javert, Fantine, the Thenardiers

Key Roles & Characters

Jean Valjean
Lead - transformation from prisoner to hero
Javert
Antagonist - rigid, powerful presence
Fantine
Tragic figure - I Dreamed a Dream solo
Eponine
Unrequited love - On My Own solo
Cosette
Romantic lead - graceful, hopeful
Marius
Young revolutionary - romantic and idealistic

Song Suggestions

1
At the End of the Day
Les Mis Cast | 3:00
2
I Dreamed a Dream
Patti LuPone | 3:36
3
Castle on a Cloud
Cosette | 2:00
4
Do You Hear the People Sing?
Les Mis Cast | 3:30
5
On My Own
Eponine | 2:45
5 songs Total: 14:51

Costume Ideas

19th-century France means earth tones for the poor, richer fabrics for the wealthy. Valjean transforms from prisoner rags to mayoral finery.

The students and revolutionaries wear red and black - waistcoats, caps, tricolour sashes. Fantine starts respectable and descends into poverty. The Thenardiers are comically shabby.

Flags (French tricolour) are essential props for the barricade scenes.

Staging & Set Ideas

The barricade is the iconic set piece - can be built from furniture, crates, chairs. Even a suggested barricade with flags works powerfully.

The factory, the streets of Paris, the Thenardier inn - these can be suggested through lighting and minimal furniture. The emotional weight comes from the performances, not elaborate sets.

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