Les Misérables: The Complete Sym-phonic Recording

Cameron Mackintoshpresents

Les MisérablesA Musical

by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel SchönbergBased on the novel by Victor Hugo

Music by Claude-Michel SchönbergLyrics by Herbert Kretzmer

Original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel

Additional Material by James Fenton

Musical supervision and orchestrations by John Cameron

Musical direction by Martin KochSound by Andrew Bruce/Autograph

Musical staging by Kate Flatt

Costumes by Andreane NeofitouLighting by David HerseyDesigned by John Napier

Adapted and Directed by Trevor Nunn & John Caird

Original London Production Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and the Royal

Shakespeare Theatre

First Performance at the Barbican Theatre, Lon-don 8th October 1985

First Performance at the Palace Theatre, London 4th December 1985

First Performance at the Broadway Theatre, New York 12th October 1987

RUNNING ORDERCD ONE

1. PROLOGUE2. VALJEAN’S SOLILOQUY (What Have I Done?)3. AT THE END OF THE DAY4. I DREAMED A DREAM5. LOVELY LADIES6. FANTINE’S ARREST7. THE RUNAWAY CART8. WHO AM I? – THE TRIAL9. FANTINE’S DEATH10. THE CONFRONTATION11. CASTLE ON A CLOUD12. MASTER OF THE HOUSE13. THE BARGAIN – THE WALTZ OF TREACHERY14. LOOK DOWN15. THE ROBBERY – JAVERT’S INTERVENTION

(Another Brawl)16. STARS

CD TWO

1. EPONINE’S ERRAND2. THE ABC CAFÉ – RED AND BLACK3. DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING?4. RUE PLUMET – IN MY LIFE5. A HEART FULL OF LOVE,6. THE ATTACK ON RUE PLUMET7. ONE DAY MORE!8. AT THE BARRICADE (Upon These Stones)9. ON MY OWN10. BUILDING THE BARRICADE11. JAVERT’S ARRIVAL12. LITTLE PEOPLE13. A LITTLE FALL OF RAIN14. NIGHT OF ANGUISH15. FIRST ATTACK16. DRINK WITH ME17. BRING HIM HOME18. DAWN OF ANGUISH19. THE SECOND ATTACK (Death of Gavroche)20. THE FINAL BATTLE21. THE SEWERS – DOG EATS DOG22. JAVERT’S SUICIDE23. TURNING

CD THREE

1. EMPTY CHAIRS AT EMPTY TABLES2. EVERY DAY (Marius and Cosette)3. VALJEAN’S CONFESSION4. THE WEDDING CHORALE – BEGGARS AT THE

FEAST5. EPILOGUE (Finale)

The Company

Jean Valjean GARY MORRIS (New York)Javert PHILIP QUAST (Sydney)Chain Gang GARY BEACH, TIM BOWMAN, REECE HOLLAND (Los

Angeles)JORDAN BENNETT, RAYMOND SAAR

Farmer GLYNN KERSLAKE (London)Labourer JAMES FRANCIS JOHNSON (London)Innkeeper’s Wife DIEDRE FORREST (London)Innkeeper JULIAN FORSYTH (London)The Bishop of Digne KEN CASWELL (London)Constables PETER GANTENBEIN, BRUCE WINANT (Los

Angeles)Fantine DEBBIE BYRNE (Sydney)Factory Girl ALINE MOWAT (London)Foreman TIM BOWMAN (Los Angeles)Workers GARY BEACH, BRUCE WINANT (Los

Angeles)Woman Workers LAURA HAMILTON, PAULA SIMPSON, DIEDRE FORREST

(London)BECKY NORMAN, JACKIE MARKS, SUSIE FENWICK

Sailors GARY BEACH, RAYMOND SAAR, BRUCE WINANT (Los Angeles)

Whores WENDY POLLOCK, JACKIE MARKS, SUSIE FENWICK (London)Old Woman BEVERLY KLEIN (London)Crone KAY COLE (Los Angeles)Pimp IAN DRING (London)Bomatabois MARTIN SMITH (London)Fauchelevent BRUCE WINANT (Los Angeles)Young Cosette MARISSA DUNLOP (London)Madame Thénardier GAY SOPER (London)Thénardier BARRY JAMES (London)Drinkers KAY COLE, TIM BOWAN, JORDAN BENNETT (Los

Angeles)RAYMOND SAAR, BRUCE WINANT, GARY BEACH

Young Couple ANNE MARIE RUNOLFSSON, STEPHEN BREITHAUPT (Los Angeles)

Gavroche ROSS MCCALL (London)Old Beggar Woman JILL MARTIN (London)Prostitute JACKIE MARKS (London)Pimp DON GALLAGHER (London)Eponine KAHO SHIMADA (Tokyo)

Thénardier’s GangMontparnasse JORDAN BENNETT (Los Angeles)Babet PETER GANTENBEIN (Los Angeles)Brujon GARY BEACH (Los Angeles)Calquesous BRUCE WINANT (Los Angeles)

Marius MICHAEL BALL (London)Cosette TRACY SHAYNE (New York)Combeferre TIM BOWMAN (Los Angeles)Feuilly WILLIAM SOLO (Los Angeles)Courfeyrac JORDAN BENNETT (Los Angeles)Enjorlas ANTHONY WARLOWE (Sydney)Joly REECE HOLLAND (Los Angeles)Grantaire KENNY D’AQUILA (Los Angeles)Lesglas STEPHEN BREITHAUPT (Los Angeles)Jean Prouvaire BRUCE WINANT (Los Angeles)Army Officer RICH HERBERT (Los Angeles)Paris Women JILL MARTIN, DIEDRE FORREST, BEVERLY KLEIN (London)

JACKIE MARKS, CAROLINE QUENTIN, ULRIKA BUTTKAREN BROUGHTON, PAULA SIMPSON,JENNA RUSSELL, MARY-LOUISE CLARK

Major Domo GRAHAM GILL (London)

The Ensemble

DAVID ALDER, PAUL BADLEY, JOLYON BAKER, JOHN BARR, JACQUELINE BARRON, GRAHAM BICKLEY, KEITH BURNS, COLIN CAMBELL, MARY CAREWE, REX TAYLOR CRAIG,

TRICIA DEIGHTON, DAVID DELVE, MICAHEL DORE, MICHELLE FINE, MICHAEL FITCHEW, LEON FERGUSON, JEAN GILBERT, SIMON GRANT, SHARON HALLIDAY, MARY HAMMOND,

LIZA HAYDON, JAMES HEAD, PAUL HEGGARTY, STEPHEN HILL, NICK HOLDER, GARY HUDDLESTONE, GRACE KINIRONS, TONY PEDRETTI, PETER POLYCARPOU, SIAN REEVES,

JANE ROBERSON, HOLLY RUSSELL, MYRA SANDS, OLIVE SIMPSON, GARETH SNOOK, JEREMY TAYLOR, MANDY TRAVIS, CLIVE WALTON, ELIZABETH WATTS

THE SYNOPSIS

PROLOGUE: 1815, DIGNEAfter 19 years on the chain gang, Jean Valjean finds that the ticket-of-leave he must display condemns him to be an outcast. Only the Bishop of Digne treats him kindly and Valjean, embittered by years of hardship, repays him by stealing some silver. Valjean is caught and brought back by the police and is astonished when the Bishop lies to the police to save him. Valjean decides to start his life anew.

1823, MONTREUIL-SUR-MEREight years have passed and Valjean, having broken his parole and changed his name to Monsieur Madeleine, has become a factory owner and Mayor. One of his workers, Fantine, has a secret illegitimate child. When the other women discover this, they demand her dismissal.

Desperate for money to pay for medicines for her daughter, Fantine sells her locket, her hair, and then joins the whores in selling herself. Utterly degraded, she gets into a fight with a prospective customer and is about to be taken to prison by Javert when “The Mayor” arrives and demands she be taken to hospital instead.

The Mayor then rescues a man pinned beneath a cart. Javert is reminded of the abnormal strength of con-vict 24601 Jean Valjean, who, he says has just been recaptured. Valjean, unable to see an innocent man go to prison, confesses that he is prisoner 24601.

At the hospital, Valjean promises the dying Fantine to find and look after her daughter Cosette. Javert ar-rives to arrest him, but Valjean escapes.

1823, MONTFERMEILCosette has been lodged with the Thénardiers, who horribly abuse her while indulging their own daughter, Eponine. Valjean pays the Thénadiers to let him take her away to Paris.

1832, PARISNine years later, there is unrest in the city because of the likely demise of the popular leader General Lamarque, the only man left in the Government who shows any feeling for the poor. A street-gang led by Thénardier and his wife sets upon Jean Valjean and Cosette. They are rescued by Javert, who does not re-cognize Valjean until he has gone. The Thénardiers’ daughter Eponine, who is secretly in love with the stu-dent Marius, reluctantly agrees to help him find Cosette, with whom he has fallen in love.

News of General Lamrque’s death circulates in the city and a group of politically minded students stream out into the streets to whip up some support for a revolution.

Cosette is consumed by the thoughts of Marius, with whom she has fallen in love. Eponine brings Marius to Cosette and then prevents an attempt by her father’s gang to rob Valjean’s house. Valjean, convinced it was Javert lurking outside his house, tells Cosette they must prepare to flee the country.

The students prepare to build the barricade. Marius, noticing that Eponine has joined the insurrection, sends her away with a letter to Cosette, which is intercepted by Valjean. Eponine decides to rejoin her love at the barricade. The barricade is built and the revolutionaries defy an army warning to give up or die. Javert is exposed as a police spy. In trying to return to the barricade, Eponine is killed.

Valjean arrives at the barricade in search of Marius. He is given the chance to kill Javert but instead lets him go. The students settle down for a night on the barricade and in the quiet of the night, Valjean prays to God to save Marius. The next day, the rebels are all killed.

Valjean escapes into the sewers with the unconscious Marius. After meeting Thénardier, who is robbing the corpses of the rebels, he comes across Javert once more. He pleads for time to deliver the young man to

hospital. Javert lets Valjean go and, his unbending principles of justice having been shattered by Valjean’s own mercy, he kills himself. Unaware of the identity of his rescuer, Marius recovers in Cosette’s care. Valjean confesses the truth of his past to Marius and insists he must go away.

At Marius and Cosette’s wedding, the Thénardiers try to blackmail Marius. Thénardier says Cosette’s “father” is a murderer and as proof produces a ring which he stole from the corpse the night the barricade fell. It is Marius’ own ring, and he realizes it was Valjean who rescued him that night. He and Cosette to Valjean where Cosette learns for the first time of her history before the old man dies.

The LibrettoCD • ONE

[1] PROLOGUE

1815, Toulon. The Chain Gang, overseen by brutal warders, work in the sun.

CHORUSLook down, look downDon’t look ‘em in the eyeLook down, look downYou’re here until you die

1ST CONVICTThe sun is strongIt’s hot as hell below

CHORUSLook down, look downThere’s twenty years to go.

2ND CONVICTI’ve done no wrongSweet Jesus, hear my prayer

CHORUSLook down, look downSweet Jesus doesn’t care

3RD CONVICTI know she’ll waitI know that she’ll be true

CHORUSLook down, look downThey’ve all forgotten you

4TH CONVICTWhen I get freeYou won’t see me‘Ere for dust

CHORUSLook down, look downDon’t look ‘em in the eye.

5TH CONVICTHow long, O LordBefore you let me die?

CHORUSLook down, look downYou’ll always be a slaveLook down, look down,You’re standing in your grave.

JAVERTNow bring me prisoner 24601Your time is upAnd your parole’s begunYou know what that means.

VALJEANYes, it means I’m free.

JAVERTNo! It means you getYour yellow ticket-of-leaveYou are a thief.

VALJEANI stole a loaf of bread.

JAVERTYou robbed a house.

VALJEANI broke a window pane.My sister’s child was close to

deathAnd we were starving.

JAVERTYou will starve againUnless you learn the meaning of

the law.

VALJEANI know the meaning of those 19

yearsA slave of the law.

JAVERTFive years for what you didThe rest because you tried to runYes, 24601.

VALJEANMy name is Jean Valjean.

JAVERTAnd I’m JavertDo not forget my nameDo not forget me24601

CHORUSLook down, look downYou’ll always be a slaveLook down, look down,You’re standing in your grave.

VALJEANFreedom is mine. The earth is

still.I feel the wind. I breathe again.And the sky clearsThe world is waking.Drink from the pool. How clean

the taste.Never forget the years, the

waste.Nor forgive themFor what they’ve done.They are the guilty – everyone.The day begins…And now let’s seeWhat this new world.Will do for me!

He finds work on a farm.

FARMER

You’ll have to goI’ll pay you off for the dayCollect your bits and pieces thereAnd be on your way.

VALJEANYou have given me halfWhat the other men getThis handful of tinWouldn’t buy my sweat!

LABOURERYou broke the lawIt’s there for people to seeWhy should you get the sameAs honest men like me?

VALJEANNow every door is closed to meAnother jail. Another key. An-

other chain.For when I come to any townThey check my papersAnd they find the mark of Cain.In their eyesI see their fear‘We do not want you here.’

He comes to an inn.

INNKEEPER’S WIFEMy rooms are fullAnd I’ve no supper to spareI’d like to help a strangerAll we want is to be fair.

VALJEANI will pay in advanceI can sleep in a barnYou see how dark it isI’m not some kind of dog.

INNKEEPERYou leave my house!Or feel the weight of my rod.We’re law abiding people hereThanks be to God.

They throw him out of the inn.

VALJEANAnd now I know how freedom

feelsThe jailer always at your heelsIt is the law!This piece of paper in my handThat makes me cursed through-

out the landIt is the law!Like a curI walk the street,The dirt beneath their feet…

Disconsolate, he sits down out-side the BISHOP OF DIGNE’s house. The BISHOP comes out.

BISHOPCome in, Sir, for you are weary,

and the night is cold out there.Though our lives are very

humbleWhat we have, we have to share.There is wine here to revive you.There is bread to make you

strong.There’s a bed to rest ‘til morning.Rest from pain, and rest from

wrong.

VALJEANHe let me eat my fill.I had the lion’s share.The silver in my handCost twice what I had earnedIn all those nineteen years –That lifetime of despairAnd yet he trusted me –The old fool trusted me –He’d done his bit of goodI played the grateful serfAnd thanked him like I should.But when the house was still,I got up in the nightTook the silver,Took my flight!

Taking the silver cup, he runs off… but is brought back by two CONSTABLES

CONSTABLE 1Tell His Reverence your story.

CONSTABLE 2Let us see if he’s impressed.

CONSTABLE 1You were lodging here last night.

CONSTABLE 2You were the honest Bishop’s

guest.And then, out of Christian good-

ness.When he learned about your

plight

CONSTABLE 1You maintain he made a present

of this silver

BISHOPThat is right.But my friend, you left so earlySurely something slipped your

mind.

The BISHOP gives VALJEAN two silver candlesticks.

You forgot I gave these alsoWould you leave the best be-

hind?So, Messieurs, you may release

himFor this man has spoken true.I commend you for your duty

And God’s blessing go with you.

CONSTABLES leave, BISHOP ad-dresses VALJEAN.

But remember this, my brotherSee in this some higher plan.You must use this precious silverTo become an honest man.By the witness of the martyrsBy the Passion and the BloodGod has raised you out of dark-

nessI have bought your soul for God!

VALJEAN is left alone.

[2] VALJEAN’S SOLILOQUY(What Have I Done?)

VALJEANWhat have I done?Sweet Jesus, what have I done?Become a thief in the night!Become a dog on the run!And have I fallen so farAnd is the hour so late

That nothing remains but the cry of my hate,

The cries in the dark that nobody hears

Here where I stand at the turning of the years?

If there’s another way to goI missed it twenty long years

ago.My life was a war that could

never be wonThey gave me a number and

murdered Valjean.When they chained me and left

me for deadJust for stealing a mouthful of

bread.

Yet why did I allow this manTo touch my soul and teach me

love?He treated me like any other.He gave me his trust.He called me his Brother.My life he claims for God above.Can such things be?For I had come to hate this

world.This world that always hated me!

Take an eye for an eye.Turn your heart into stone.This is all I have lived for.This is all I have known.One word from him and I’d be

backBeneath the lash, upon the rack.Instead, he offers me my free-

dom.

I feel my shame inside me like a knife.

He told me that I have a soul.How does he know?What spirit comes to move my

life?Is there another way to go?

I am reaching, but I fallAnd the night is closing in,And I stare into the void –To the whirlpool of my sin.I’ll escape now from the worldFrom the world of Jean Valjean.Jean Valjean is nothing now.Another story must begin!

He tears up his yellow ticket-of-leave.

[3] AT THE END OF THE DAY

1823, Montreuil-sur-Mer. Outside the factory owned by the Mayor, Monsieur Madelaine (Jean Valjean in disguise).

THE POORAt the end of the day you’re an-

other day olderAnd that’s all you can say for the

life of the poorIt’s a struggle, it’s a warAnd there’s nothing that any-

one’s givingOne more day standing aboutWhat is it for?One day less to be living!

At the end of the day you’re an-other day colder

And the shirt on your back doesn’t keep out the chill

And the righteous hurry pastThey don’t hear the little ones

cryingAnd the winter is coming on fastReady to killOne day nearer to dying!At the end of the day there’s an-

other day dawningAnd the sun in the morning is

waiting to riseLike the waves crash on the sandLike a storm that’ll break any

secondThere’s a hunger in the landThere’s a reckoning still to be

reckoned andThere’s gonna be hell to payAt the end of the day!

The FOREMAN and Workers, in-cluding FANTINE have emerged from the factory.

FOREMAN

At the end of the day you get nothing for nothing

Sitting flat on your butt doesn’t buy any bread.

WORKER 1There are children back at home

WORKERS 1 & 2And the children have got to be

fed

WORKER 2And you’re lucky to be in a job

WOMANAnd in a bed

WORKERSAnd we’re counting our bless-

ings!

GIRL 2Have you seen how the foreman

is fuming todayWith his terrible breath and wan-

dering hands?

GIRL 3It’s because little Fantine won’t

give him his way

GIRL 1Take a look at his trouser, you’ll

see where he stands!

GIRL 4And the boss, he never knowsThat the foreman is always in

heat

GIRL 3If Fantine doesn’t look outWatch how she goesShe’ll be out on the street!

WORKERSAt the end of the day it’s another

day overWith enough in your pocket to

last for a weekPay the landlord, pay the shopKeep on grafting as long as

you’re ableKeep on grafting ‘til you dropOr it’s back to the crumbs off the

tableYou’ve got to pay your wayAt the end of the day

Grabbing a letter from FANTINE

GIRLAnd what have we here, little in-

nocent sister?Come on Fantine, let’s have all

the news.

Reading the letter.

‘Ooh… “dear Fantine, you must send us more money… your child needs a doctor… There’s no time to lose…” ’

FANTINEGive that letter to meIt is none of your businessWith a husband at homeAnd a bit on the side!Is there anyone hereWho can swear before GodShe has nothing to fear?She has nothing to hide?

They fight over the letter. VALJEAN rushes on to break up the squabble.

VALJEANWhat is this fighting all about?Will someone tear these two

apartThis is a factory, not a circus.Come on ladies, settle downI run a business of reputeI am the Mayor of this town

To FOREMAN

I look to you to sort this outAnd be as patient as you can.

He goes back to the factory.

FOREMANNow someone say how this

began!

GIRLAt the end of the dayShe’s the one who began it!There’s a kid that she’s hidingIn some little town.There’s a man she has to payYou can guess how she picks up

the extra.You can bet she’s earning her

keepSleeping aroundAnd the boss wouldn’t like it!

FANTINEYes, it’s true there’s a childAnd the child is my daughterAnd her father abandoned usLeaving us flat.Now she lives with an innkeeper

manAnd his wifeAnd I pay for the child,What’s the matter with that?

WOMEN WORKERSAt the end of the dayShe’ll be nothing but troubleAnd there’s trouble for allWhen there’s trouble for one!

While we’re earning our daily bread

She’s the one with her hands in the butter

You must send the slut awayOr we’re all gonna end in the

gutterAnd it’s us who’ll have to payAt the end of the day!

FOREMANI might have known the bitch

could biteI might have known the cat had

clawsI might have guessed your little

secret.Ah yes, the virtuous FantineWho keeps herself so pure and

cleanYou’d be the cause, I had no

doubt,Of any trouble hereaboutYou play a virgin in the lightBut need no urgin’ in the night!

GIRLShe’s been laughing at youWhile she’s having her men.

WOMENShe’ll be nothing but trouble

again and again.

WOMANYou must sack her today.

ALL WORKERSSack the girl today.

FOREMANRight, my girl. On your way!

[4] I DREAMED A DREAM

FANTINE is left alone, unem-ployed and destitute.

FANTINEThere was a time when men

were kind,When their voices were softAnd their words inviting.There was a time when love was

blindAnd the world was a songAnd the song was exciting.There was a timeThen it all went wrong.

I dreamed a dream in time gone by

When hope was highAnd life worth livingI dreamed that love would never

dieI dreamed that God would be for-

giving.

Then I was young and unafraidAnd dreams were made and

usedAnd wastedThere was no ransom to be paidNo song unsungNo wine untested.

But the tigers come at nightWith their voices soft as thunderAs they tear your hope apartAs they turn your dream to

shame.He slept a summer by my sideHe filled my daysWith endless wonderHe took my childhood in his

strideBut he was gone when autumn

came.

And still I dream he’ll come to me

That we will live the years to-gether

But there are dreams that cannot be

And there are stormsWe cannot weather…

I had a dream my life would beSo different from this hell I’m liv-

ingSo different now from what it

seemedNow life has killedThe dream I dreamed.

THE DOCKS

Sailors, whores and their custom-ers, pimps, etc. FANTINE wanders in.

[5] LOVELY LADIES

SAILOR 1I smell womenSmell ‘em in the air.Think I’ll drop my anchorIn that harbour over there.

SAILOR 2Lovely ladiesSmell ‘em through the smokeSeven days at seaCan make you hungry for a poke.

SAILOR 3Even stokers need a little stoke!

WOMENLovely ladiesWaiting for a biteWaiting for the customersWho only come at nightLovely ladiesReady for the callStanding up or lying down

Or any way at all.Bargain prices up against the

wall.

OLD WOMANCome here, my dearLet’s see this trinket you wearThis bagatelle…

FANTINEMadame, I’ll sell it to you!

OLD WOMANI’ll give you four.

FANTINEThat wouldn’t pay for the chain!

OLD WOMANI’ll give you five. You’re far too

eager to sell.It’s up to you.

FANTINEIt’s all I have.

OLD WOMANThat’s not my fault.

FANTINEPlease make it ten.

OLD WOMANNo more than five.My dear, we all must stay alive.

WOMENLovely ladiesWaiting in the darkReady for a thick oneOr a quick one in the park.

WHORE 1Long time, short timeAnytime, my dear.Cost a little extra if you want to

take all year.

ALLQuick and cheap is underneath

the pier!

CRONEWhat pretty hair!What pretty locks you got there.What luck you got. It’s worth a

centime, my dearI’ll take the lot.

FANTINEDon’t touch me. Leave me alone.

CRONELet’s make a price. I’ll give you

all of ten francs,Just think of that!

FANTINEIt pays a debt.

CRONEJust think of that.

FANTINEWhat can I do? It pays a debt.Ten francs may save my poor

Cosette!

SAILOR 3Lovely lady!Fastest on the street.Wasn’t there three minutesShe was back upon her feet.

SAILOR 1Lovely lady!What yer waiting for?Doesn’t take a lot of savvyJust to be a whore.Come on lady,What’s a lady for?

FANTINE re-emerges, her hair cut short.

PIMPGimme the dirtWho’s that bit over there?

WHORE 1A bit of skirtShe’s the one sold her hair

WHORE 2She’s got a kidSends her all that she can.

PIMPI might’ve knownThere is always some manLovely lady, come along and join

us,Lovely lady!

WHORE 1Come on, dearie, why all the

fuss?You’re no better than the rest of

us.Life has dropped you at the bot-

tom of the heap.Join your sisters.

WHORE 2Make money in your sleep!

FANTINE goes off with one of the sailors.

WHORE 1That’s right dearieLet ‘im have the lot.

WHORE 3That’s right dearieShow him what you’ve got!

WOMEN

Old men, short men, take ‘em as they come,

Harbour rats and alley cats and every kind of scum.

Poor men, rich men, leaders of the land,

See them with their trousers off they’re never quite as grand

All it takes is money in your hand!

Lovely ladiesGoing for a songGot a lot of callersBut they never stay for long.

FANTINECome on, Captain, you can wear

your shoesDon’t it make a change,To have a girl who can’t refuse?Easy moneyLying on a bed.Just as well they never see the

hateThat’s in your head!Don’t they knowThey’re making love to one

already dead!

[6] FANTINE’S ARREST

BAMATABOIS (a well dressed gentleman)

Here’s something new. I think I’ll give it a try.

Come closer, you!I like to see what I buy…The ususal priceFor just a slice of your pie.

FANTINEI don’t want you. No, no, m’sieur,

let me go.

BAMATABOISIs this a trick? I won’t pay more!

FANTINENo, not at all.

BAMATABOISYou got some nerve, you little

whore,You’ve got some gall.It’s the same with a tartAs it is with a grocerThe customer sees what he gets

in advanceIt’s not for the whore to say ‘yes

sir’ or ‘no sir’It’s not for the harlot to pick and

chooseOr to lead me a dance!

He hits her with his stick, she claws at his face, drawing blood.

FANTINE

I’ll kill you, you bastard, try any of that!

Even a whore who has gone to the bad

Won’t be had by a rat!

BAMATABOISBy Christ you’ll pay for what

you’ve doneThis rat will make you bleed

you’ll see!I guarantee, I’ll make you sufferFor this disturbance of peaceFor this insult to life and prop-

erty!

FANTINEI beg you, don’t report me, sirI’ll do whatever you may want…

BAMATABOISMake your excuse to the police!

JAVERT enters, accompanied by constables.

JAVERTTell me quickly what’s the storyWho saw what, and why, and

where?Let him give a full description.Let him answer to Javert!In this nest of whores and vipersLet one speak who saw it all.Who laid hands on this good man

here?What’s the substance of this

brawl?

BAMATABOISJavert, would you believe itI was crossing from the parkWhen this prostitute attacked meYou can see she left her mark.

JAVERTShe will answer for her actionsWhen you make a full report.You may rest assured, M’sieurThat she will answer to the court.

FANTINEThere’s a child who sorely needs

mePlease M’sieur, she’s but ‘that

high’Holy God, is there no mercy?If I go to jail she’ll die!

JAVERTI have heard such protestationsEvery day for twenty years.Let’s have no more explanations,Save your breath and save your

tears.‘Honest work. Just reward. That’s the way to please the Lord’.

FANTINE gives a last despairing cry as he is arrested by the con-stables.

VALJEAN (emerging from the crowd)

A moment of your time, JavertI do believe this woman’s tale.JAVERTBut M’sieur Mayor!

VALJEANYou’ve done your dutyLet her beShe needs a doctor, not a jail

JAVERTBut M’sieur Mayor!

FANTINECan this be?

VALJEANWhere will she end –This child without a friend

To FANTINE

I’ve seen your face beforeShow me some way to help youHow have you come to griefIn such a place as this?

FANTINEM’sieur, don’t mock me now, I

prayIt’s hard enough I’ve lost my

pride!You let your foreman send me

awayYes, you were there and turned

asideI never did no wrong!

VALJEANIs it true, what I’ve done?

FANTINEMy daughter’s close to dying…

VALJEANTo an innocent soul?

FANTINEIf there’s a God above

VALJEANHad I only known then.

FANTINEHe’d let me die instead.

VALJEANIn His name my task has just be-

gun.I will see it done.I will see it done.

JAVERT

But M’sieur Mayor!

VALJEANI will see it done!JAVERTBut M’sieur Mayor!

VOICESLook out!It’s a runaway cart!

[7] THE RUNAWAY CART

The crowd parts to reveal that the cart has crashed, trapping MONSIEUR FAUCHELEVANT

VOICESLook at that!Look at that!It’s Monsieur Fauchelevant!Don’t approach!Don’t go near!At the risk of your life!He is caught by the wheel!Oh, the pitiful man!Stay away,Turn away!There is nothing to do!There is nothing to do!

VALJEANIs there anyone hereWho will rescue the manWho will help me to shoulderThe weight of the cart?

VOICESDon’t go near him Mr. MayorThe load is as heavy as hellThe old man’s a goner for sureIt’ll kill you as well

VALJEAN attempts to lift the cart… but fails. He tries again. They manage to pull Fauchelev-ant clear.

FAUCHELEVANTM’sieur le Mayor, I have no

words,You come from God, You are a

saint.

JAVERT takes VALJEAN aside.

JAVERTCan this be true?I don’t believe what I see!A man at your ageTo be as strong as you are!A mem’ry stirs…You make me think of a manFrom years agoA man who broke his paroleHe disappeared.Forgive me, sir,

I would not dare…!

VALJEANSay what you mustDon’t leave it there…

JAVERTI have only known of one otherWho can do what you have doneHe’s a convict from the chain

gangHe’s been ten years on the runBut he couldn’t run foreverWe have found his hideawayAnd he’s just been re-arrestedAnd he comes to court today.Well, of course, he now denies itYou’d expect that of a ‘con’But he couldn’t run forever –No, not even Jean Valjean!

VALJEANYou say this man denies it allAnd gives no sign of understand-

ing or repentance?You say this man is going to trialAnd that he’s sure to be returnedTo serve his sentence?Come to that, can you be sureThat I am not your man?

JAVERTI have known the thief for agesTracked him down through thick

and thin.And to make the matter certainThere’s a brand upon his skinHe will bend. He will break.This time there is no mistake!

JAVERT leaves. VALJEAN is alone.

[8] WHO AM I? – THE TRIAL

VALJEANHe thinks that man is meHe knew him at a glance!That stranger he has foundThis man could be my chance!

Why should I save his hide?Why should I right this wrongWhen I have come so farAnd struggled for so long?

If I speak, I am condemned.If I stay silent, I am damned!

I am the master of hundreds of workers.

They all look to me.Can I abandon them?How would they liveIf I am not free?

If I speak, I am condemned.If I stay silent, I am damned.

Who am I?Can I condemn this man to

slavery?Pretend I do not see his agony?This innocent who bears my faceWho goes to judgement in my

place.Who am I?Can I conceal myself for ever-

more?Pretend I’m not the man I was

before?And must my name until I dieBe no more than an alibi?Must I lie?How can I ever face my fellow

men?How can I ever face my self

again?

My soul belongs to God, I knowI made that bargain long agoHe gave me hope when hope

was goneHe gave me strength to journey

on.

He appears in front of the Court.

Who am I? Who am I?I am Jean Valjean!He unbuttons his shirt to reveal the number tattooed to his chest.

And so Javert, you see it’s trueThat man bears no more guilt

than you!

Who am I?24601!

[9] FANTINE’S DEATH

FANTINE is lying in a hospital bed, delirious.

FANTINECosette, it’s turned so coldCosette, it’s past your bed time!You’ve played the day awayAnd soon it will be night.

Come to me, Cosette, the light is fading

Don’t you see the evening star appearing?

Come to me and rest against my shoulder

How fast the minutes fly away and every minute colder.

Hurry near, another day is dyingDon’t you hear the winter wind is

crying?There’s a darkness which comes

without a warningBut I will sing you lullabies and

wake you in the morning.

VALJEAN enters.

VALJEANOh, Fantine, our time is running

outBut, Fantine, I swear this on my

life.

FANTINELook M’sieur, where all the chil-

dren play.

VALJEANBe at peace, be at peace ever-

more.

FANTINEMy Cosette…

VALJEANShall live in my protection.

FANTINETake her now.

VALJEANYour child will want for nothing.

FANTINEGood M’sieur, you come from

God in heaven.

VALJEANAnd none will ever harm CosetteAs long as I am living.

FANTINETake my handThe night grows ever colder.

VALJEANThen I will keep you warm.

FANTINETake my childI give her to your keeping.VALJEANTake shelter from the storm.

FANTINEFor God’s sake, please stay till I

am sleepingAnd tell Cosette I love herAnd I’ll see her when I wake…

She dies with a smile. Javert ar-rives.

[10] THE CONFRONTA-TION

JAVERTValjean, at last,We see each other plain!‘M’sieur le Mayor’You’ll wear a different chain!

VALJEANBefore you say another word,

Javert

Before you chain me up like a slave again.

Listen to me. There is something I must do.

This woman leaves behind a suf-fering child.

There is none but me who can in-tercede.

In Mercy’s name, three days are all I need.

Then I’ll return. I pledge my word.

Then I’ll return…

JAVERTYou must think me mad!I’ve hunted you across the years.A man like you can never

change.A man such as you.

VALJEAN (in counterpoint)Believe of me what you willThere is a duty that I’m sworn to

doYou know nothing of my lifeAll I did was steal some breadYou know nothing of the worldYou would sooner see me deadBut not before I see this justice

done.I am warning you, JavertI’m a stronger man by farThere is power in me yetMy race is not yet run!I am warning you, JavertThere is nothing I won’t dareIf I have to kill you hereI’ll do what must be done!

JAVERT (in counterpoint)Men like me can never change.Men like you can never change.No. 24601My duty’s to the lawYou have no rightsCome with me, 24601Now the wheel has turned

aroundJean Valjean is nothing now.Dare you talk to me of crimeAnd the price you had to payEvery man is born in sinEvery man must choose his wayYou know nothing of JavertI was born inside a jail.I was born with scum like youI am from the gutter too.

VALJEAN breaks a chair and threatens JAVERT with the broken piece. Turns to FANTINE.

VALJEANAnd this I swear to you tonight…

JAVERTThere is no place for you to hide.

VALJEANYour child will live within my

care.

JAVERTWherever you may hide away.

VALJEANAnd I’ll raise her to the light.

VALJEAN & JAVERTI swear to you, I will be there!

They fight. JAVERT is knocked out. VALJEAN escapes.

[11] CASTLE ON THE CLOUD

Little COSETTE is working as a drudge in the THÉNARDIERS’ inn at Montfermeil.

YOUNG COSETTEThere is a castle on a cloudI like to go there in my sleepAren’t any floors for me to sweepNot in my castle on a cloud.

There is a room that’s full of toysThere are a hundred boys and

girlsNobody shouts or talks to loudNot in my castle on a cloud.

There is a lady all in whiteHolds me and sings a lullabyShe’s nice to seeAnd she’s soft to touchShe says: ‘Cosette I love you

very much’.

I know a place where no one’s lost

I know a place where no one cries

Crying at all is not allowedNot in my castle on a cloud.

Oh help! I think I hear them now,and I’m nowhere near finished

sweepingand scrubbing and polishing the

floor.Oh, it’s her! It’s Madame!

MADAME THÉNARDIER rushing in, followed by little EPONINE.

MME. THÉNARDIERNow look who’s here!The little madam herself!Pretending once again she’s

been ‘so awfully good’.Better not let me catch you

slacking.Better not catch my eye!Ten rotten francs your mother

sends me

What is that going to buy?Now, take that pailMy little “Mademoiselle”And go and draw some water

from the well!We should never had taken you

in, in the first place.How stupid the things we do!Like mother, like daughter, the

scum of the street.Eponine, come my dear, Epon-

ine, let me see you;You look very well in that new

little blue hatThere’s some little girls who

know how to behaveAnd they know what to wearAnd I’m saying thank heaven for

that.Still there, Cosette?Your tears will do you no good!I told you fetch some water from

the well in the wood...

YOUNG COSETTEPlease do not send me out aloneNot in the darkness on my own!

MME. THÉNARDIEREnough of that, or I’ll forget to be

nice!You heard me ask for somethingAnd I never ask twice!

EPONINE pushes COSETTE out. THÉNARDIER says goodnight to his daughter as the inn fills up for the evening.

[12] MASTER OF THE HOUSE

DRINKER 3Come on you old pest

DRINKER 2Fetch a bottle of your best

DRINKER 1What’s the nectar of the day?

THÉNARDIER (coming in with a flask of wine)

Here, try this lotGuaranteed to hit the spotOr I’m not Thénardier.

DRINKERSGissa glass of rum!Landlord, over here!

THÉNARDIERRight away, you scum (to him-

self)Right away, M’sieur (to cus-

tomer)

DINER 1God this place has gone to hell

DINER 2So you tell me every year.

DRINKER 6Mine host ThénardierHe was there, so they say,At the field of Waterloo.

DRINKER 7Got there, it’s trueWhen the fight was all through

DRINKER 1But he knew just what to doCrawling through the mudSo I’ve heard it saidPicking through the pocketsOf the English deadDRINKER 8He made a tidy scoreFrom the spoils of war.

THÉNARDIERMy band of soaksMy den of dissolutesMy dirty jokes, my always pissed

as newts.My sons of whoresSpent their lives in my innHoming pigeons homing inThey fly through my doorsAnd their money’s as good as

yours.

DINER 1Ain’t got a clueWhat he put in this stewMust’ve scraped it off the street.

DINER 2God, what a wine!Chateau Neuf de TurpentineMust’ve pressed it with his feet.

DRINKERSLandlord, over here!Where’s the bloody man?One more for the road?

Thénardier, one more slug o’ gin.

GIRLJust one more, or my old man is

gonna do me in.

THÉRNARDIER (greeting a new customer)

Welcome M’sieurSit yourself downAnd meet the bestInnkeeper in town.As for the rest,All of them crooksRooking their guestsAnd cooking the books.Seldom do you seeHonest men like meA gent of good intent

Who’s content to be

Master of the houseDoling out the charmReady with a handshakeAnd an open palmTells a saucy taleMakes a little stirCustomers appreciate a bon-

viveurGlad to do a friend a favourDoesn’t cost me to be niceBut nothing gets you nothingEverything has got a little price!

Master of the houseKeeper of the zooReady to relieve ‘emOf a sou, or twoWearing the wineMaking up the weightPickin’ up their knick-knacksWhen they can’t see straightEverybody loves a landlordEverybody’s bosom friendI do whatever pleasesJesus! Won’t I bleed ‘em in the

end

THÉRNARDIER & CHORUSMaster of the houseQuick to catch yer eyeNever wants a passer-byTo pass him by.Servant to the poorButler to the greatComforter, philosopherAnd lifelong mate!Everybody’s boon companionEverybody’s chaperone

THÉRNARDIERBut lock up your valisesJesus! Won’t I skin you to the

bone!

To another customer.

Enter M’sieurLay down yer loadUnlace yer bootsAnd rest from the road.

Taking his bag.

This weighs a tonTravel’s a curseBut here we striveTo lighten your purse.Here the goose is cookedHere the fat is friedAnd nothing’s overlookedTill I’m satisfied...

Food beyond compareFood beyond beliefMix it in a mincerAnd pretend it’s beef.Kidney of a horse

Liver of a catFilling up the sausagesWith this and that!Residents are more than wel-

comeBridal suite is occupied!Reasonable chargesPlus some little extras on the

side!

Charge ‘em for the liceExtra for the miceTwo per cent for looking in the

mirrorTwice.Here a little sliceThere a little cutThree per cent for sleeping with

the windowShut.When it comes to fixing pricesThere are lots of tricks he knowsHow it all increasesAll those bits and piecesJesus! It’s amazing how it grows!

THÉRNARDIER & CHORUSMaster of the houseQuick to catch your eyeNever wants a passer-by to pass

him byServant to the poorButler to the greatComforter, philosopherAnd life-long mateEverybody’s boon companionGives ‘em everything he’s got.

THÉRNARIDERDirty bunch of geezersJesus! What a sorry little lot!

MADAM THÉRNARDIERI used to dreamThat I would meet a prince.But God Almighty,Have you seen what’s happened

since?‘Master of the house’?Isn’t worth me spit!‘Comforter, philosopher’– and lifelong shit!Cunning little brainRegular VoltaireThinks he quite a loverBut there’s not much there.What a cruel trick of natureLanded me with such a louseGod knows how I’ve lastedLiving with this bastard in the

house!

THÉRNARDIER & CHORUSMaster of the house

MADAME THÉRNARDIERMaster and a half!

THÉRNARDIER & CHORUS

Comforter, philosopher

MADAME THÉRNARDIERDon’t make me laugh!

THÉRNARDIER & CHORUSServant to the poorButler to the great

MADAME THÉRNARDIERHypocrite and toadyAnd inebriate!

THÉRNARDIER & CHORUSEverybody bless the landlord!Everybody bless his spouse!

THÉRNARDIEREverybody raise a glass.

MADAME THÉRNARDIERRaise it up the master’s arse.

ALLEverybody raise a glass ter the

master of the house.

[13] THE BARGAIN

VALJEAN and COSETTE, hand in hand, arrive at the now empty inn.

VALJEANI found her wandering in the

woodThis little child, I found her trem-

bling in the shadows.And I am here to help CosetteAnd I will settle any debt you

may think properI will pay what I must payTo take Cosette away.There is a duty I must heedThere is a promise I have madeFor I was blind to one in needI did not see what stood before

meNow her mother is with GodFantine’s suffering is overAnd I speak here with her voiceAnd I stand here in her place.And from this day and evermore.

MME. THÉRNARDIERLet me have your coat M’sieur.

VALJEANCosette shall live in my protec-

tion.

THÉRNARDIERYou are very welcome here.

VALJEANI will not forsake my vow.

THÉRNARDIERTake a glass

MME. THÉRNARDIERTake a chair.

VALJEANCosette shall have a father now!

THE WALTZ OF TREACH-ERY

THÉRNARDIERWhat to do? What to say?Shall you carry our treasure

away?What a gem! What a pearl!Beyond rubies is our little girl!How can we speak of debt?Let’s not haggle for darling

Cosette!Dear Fantine, gone to rest…Have we done for her child what

is best?Shared our bread. Shared each

bone.Treated her like she’s one of our

own!Like our own, Monsieur!

VALJEANYour feelings do you credit, sirAnd I will ease the parting blow

He pays them.

Let us not talk of bargains or bones or greed

Now, may I say we are agreed?

MME. THÉRNARDIERThat would quite fit the billIf she hadn’t so often been ill.Little dear, cost us dearMedicines are expensive M’sieur!Not that we begrudged a souIt’s no more time than we Christi-

ans must do!

M. & MME. THÉRNARDIEROne thing more. One small

doubt.There are treacherous people

about.No offence. Please reflect.Your intentions may not be cor-

rect?

VALJEANNo more words. Here’s your

price.Fifteen hundred for your sacri-

fice.Come, Cosette, say goodbyeLet us seek out some friendlier

sky.Thank you both for CosetteIt won’t take you too long to for-

get.

VALJEAN and COSETTE leave the inn. He dresses her in new clothes and a hat.

Come, Cosette, Come, my dearFrom now on I will always be

hereWhere I go, you will be.

COSETTEWill there be children?And castles to see?

VALJEANYes, CosetteYes, it’s trueThere’s a castle just waiting for

you.

VALJEAN & COSETTELa la la la la…

[14] LOOK DOWN

1832. The teeming, squalid streets of Paris. Beggars, urchins, prostitutes, students, etc.

BEGGARSLook down and see the beggars

at your feetLook down and show some

mercy if you canLook down and seeThe sweeping of the streetLook down, look downUpon your fellow man!

GAVROCHE‘Ow do you do? My name’s Gav-

roche.These are my people. Here’s my

patch.Not much to look at, nothing

poshNothing that you’d call up to

scratch.This is my school, my high soci-

etyHere in the slums of Saint

MicheleWe live on crumbs of humble

pietyTough on the teeth, but what the

hell!Think you’re poor,Think you’re free?Follow me! Follow me!

BEGGARSLook down and show some

mercy if you canLook down, look down upon your

fellow man!

An old beggar-woman finds a young prostitute occupying her pitch.

OLD BEGGAR WOMANWhat ‘yer think yer atHanging round me pitch?If you’re new around here, girlYou’ve got a lot to learn!

YOUNG PROSTITUTEListen, you old bat…Crazy bloody witch…‘Least I give me customersSome pleasure in return!

OLD BEGGAR WOMANI know what you give.Give ‘em all the pox!Spread around yer poisonTill they end up in a box.

PIMPLeave the poor old cow.Move it, Madeleine.She used to be no betterTill the clap got to her brain.

BEGGARSWhen’s it gonna end?When we gonna live?Something’s gotta happen now

orsomething’s gonna giveIt’ll come, It’ll come, It’ll come,It’ll come, It’ll come, It’ll come.

ENJOLRASWhere are the leaders of the

landWhere are the swells who run the

show.

MARIUSOnly one man – and that’s

LamarqueSpeaks for these people here be-

low.

BEGGARSSee our children fedHelp us in our shameSomething for a crust of breadIn Holy Jesus’ name.

URCHINIn the Lord’s Holy name.

BEGGARSIn his name.In his name.In his name.

MARIUSLamarque is ill and fading fastWon’t last a week out, so they

say.

ENJOLRASWith all the anger in the landHow long before the judgement

day?

Before we cut the fat ones down to size?

Before the barricades arise?

GAVROCHEWatch out for old ThérnardierAll of his family’s on the makeOnce ran a hash-house down the

wayBit of a swine and no mistakeHe’s got a gangThe bleeding layaboutEven his daughter does her

shareThat’s Eponine, she knows her

way aboutOnly a kid but hard to scareDo we care?Not a cussLong live us.Long live us!

BEGGARSLook down and show some

mercy if you canLook down, look downUpon your fellow man!

[15] THE ROBBERY

THÉNARDIER (assembling his gang)

Everyone here, you know your place

Brujon, Babet, ClaquesousYou, Montparnasse, watch for the

lawWith Eponine take careYou turn on the tearsNo mistakes, my dears.

MME. THÉNARDIERThese bloody students on our

streetHere they come slumming once

againOur Eponine would kiss their feetShe never had a scrap of brain.

MARIUSHey, Eponine, what’s up today?I haven’t seen you much about.

EPONINE (she is now grown-up)‘Ere, you can always catch me in.

MARIUSMind the police don’t catch you

out!

EPONINE‘Ere watcher do with all them

books?I coulda been a student too!Don’t judge a girl on how she

looks.I know a lot of things, I do!

MARIUS

Poor Eponine, the things you know

You wouldn’t find in books like these.

EPONINEI like the way you grow your hair.

MARIUSI like the way you always tease.

EPONINELittle he knows!Little he sees!

VALJEAN is approaching with COSETTE, now grown-up.

MME. THÉNARDIERHere’s the old boy. Stay on the

job and watch out for the law.

EPONINEStay out of this.

MARIUSBut Eponine…

EPONINEYou’ll be in trouble hereIt’s not your concern.You’ll be in the clear.

She pushes MARIUS away.

MARIUSWho is that man?

EPONINELeave me alone!

MARIUSWhy is he here? Hey, Eponine!

He bumps into COSETTE.

I didn’t see you there, forgive me.

THÉNARDIERPlease M’sieur, come this wayHere’s a child that ain’t eaten

today.Save a life, spare a souGod rewards all the good that

you do.Wait a bit. Know that face.Ain’t the world a remarkable

place?Men like me don’t forgetYou’re the bastard who borrowed

Cosette!

THÉNARDIER grabs VALJEAN and rips open his shirt front to reveal the number tattooed on his chest.

VALJEANWhat is this? Are you mad?No, Monsieur, you don’t know

what you do!

THÉNARDIERYou know me! You know me!I’m a con, just like you.

EPONINEIt’s the police! Disappear!Run for it! It’s Javert!

JAVERT’S INTERVENTION

JAVERT and CONSTABLES break up the fight. VALJEAN picks him-self up and looks for COSETTE, who is with MARIUS.

JAVERTAnother brawl in the square!Another stink in the air!Was there a witness to this?Well, let him speak to Javert!M’sieur, the streets are not safe,But let these vermin bewareWe’ll see that justice is done!

Look upon this fine collectionCrawled from underneath a

stoneThis swarm of worms and mag-

gots,Could have picked you to the

bone!I know this man over hereI know his name and his tradeAnd on your witness, M’sieurWe’ll see him suitably paid.

VALJEAN and COSETTE have dis-appeared.

But where’s the gentleman gone?

And why on earth did he run?

THÉNARDIERYou will have a job to catch him.He’s the one you should arrest!No more bourgeois when you

scratch himThan that brand upon his chest!

The CONSTABLES search for VALJEAN.

JAVERTCould it be he’s some old jailbirdThat the tide now washes in?Heard my name and started run-

ningHad the brand upon his skin!And the girl who stood beside

himWhen I turned they both had

gone.

Could he be the man I’ve hunted?

Could it be he’s Jean Valjean?

THÉNARDIERIn the absence of a victimDear Inspector, may I go?And remember when you’ve

nicked ‘imIt was me that told you so!

JAVERTLet the old man keep on runningI will run him off his feet!

Everyone about your business!

Clear the garbageOff the street!

[16] STARS

JAVERTThere, out in the darknessA fugitive runningFallen from graceFallen from graceGod by my witnessI never shall yieldTill we come face to faceTill we come face to face.

He knows his way in the darkMine is the way of the LordThose who do follow the path of

the righteousShall have their rewardAnd if they fallAs Lucifer fellThe flameThe sword!

Stars in your multitudesScarce to be countedFilling the darknessWith order and light.Your are the sentinelsSilent and sureKeeping watch in the nightKeeping watch in the night.

You know your place in the skyYou hold your courseAnd your aimAnd each in your seasonReturns and returnsAnd is always the same.And if you fallAs Lucifer fellYou fallIn flame!

And so it has been and so it’s written

On the doorways to paradiseThat those who falterAnd those who fallMust payThe price.

Lord let me find himThat I may see himSafe behind barsI will never restTill thenThis I swearThis I swear by the stars!

GAVROCHEThat inspector thinks he’s some-

thingBut it’s me who runs this town!And my theatre never closesAnd the curtain’s never downTrust Gavroche. Have no fear.Don’t you worry, Auntie dearYou can always find me here!

CD • TWO

[1] EPONINE’S ERRAND

EPONINE left alone in the square.

EPONINECosette! Now I rememberCosette! How can it beWe were children togetherLook what’s become of me…

MARIUS returns.

Good God! Ooh, what a rumpus!

MARIUSThat girl! Who can she be?

EPONINEThat cop! He’d like to jump usBut he ain’t smart, not he.

MARIUSEponine, who was that girl?

EPONINEThat bourgeois two-a-penny

thing!

MARIUSEponine, find her for me!

EPONINEWhat will you give me?

MARIUSAnything!

EPONINEGot you all excited nowBut God knows what you see in

herAin’ you all delighted nowRefusing MARIUS’ coin.

No, I don’t want your money, sir…

MARIUS

Eponine! Do this for me…Discover where she livesBe careful how you goDon’t let your father know

‘Ponine! I’m lost until she’s found!

EPONINEY’ see! I told you so!There’s lots of things I know

MARIUS leaves.

‘Ponine… she knows her way around!

[2] THE ABC CAFÉ – RED AND BLACK

The students, led by ENJOLRAS, meet to discuss their plans for revolution.

COMBEFERREAt Notre DameThe sections are prepared!

FEUILLYAt rue du BacThey’re straining at the leash!

COURFEYRACStudents, workers, everyone,There’s a river on the run;Like the flowing of the tideParis coming to our side!

ENJOLRASThe time is nearSo near it’s stirring the blood in

their veinsAnd yet bewareDon’t let the wine go to your

brainsFor the army we fight is a dan-

gerous foeWith the men and the arms that

we never can matchIt is easy to sit here and swat

‘em like fliesBut the National Guard will be

harder to catchWe need a signTo rally the peopleTo call them to armsTo bring them in line!Marius, you’re late.

JOLLYWhat’s wrong today?You look as if you’ve seen a

ghost.

GRANTAIRESome wine, and say what’s going

on.

MARIUSA ghost you say, a ghost maybeShe was just like a ghost to meOne minute here… then she was

gone!

GRANTAIREI am agog!I am aghast!Is Marius in love at last?I have never heard him ‘ooh’ and

‘aah’You talk of battles to be wonAnd here he comes like Don Ju-

anIt’s better than an o-per-a!

ENJOLRASIt is time for us allTo decide who we areDo we fight for the rightTo a night at the opera now?Have you asked of yourselvesWhat’s the price you might pay?Is it simply a gameFor rich young boys to play?The colour of the wordIs changing day by day…Red – the blood of angry men!Black – the dark of ages past!Red – a world about to dawn!Black – the night that ends at

last!

MARIUSHad you been there tonightYou might know how it feelsTo be struck to the boneIn a moment of breathless de-

light!Had you been there tonightYou might also have knownHow the world may be changedIn just one burst of lightAnd what was right seems wrongAnd what was wrong seems

right!Red – I feel my soul on fire!Black – my world if she’s not

there!Red – the colour of desire!Black – the colour of despair!

ENJOLRASMarius, you’re no longer a childI do not doubt you mean it wellBut now there is a higher call.Who cares about your lonely

soul?We strive towards a larger goalOur little lives don’t count at all!

STUDENTSRed – the blood of angry men!Black – the dark of ages past!Red – a world about to dawn!Black – the night that ends at

last!

ENJOLRASWell Courfeyrac, do we have all

the guns?Feuilly, Combeferre our time is

running short.Grantaire, put the bottle down!Do we have the guns we need?

GRANTAIREGive me brandy on my breath.And I’ll breathe them all to

death!COURFEYRACIn St. Antoine they’re with us to a

man!

COMBEFERREIn Notre Dame they’re tearing up

the stones!

FEUILLYTwenty rifles good as new!

GAVROCHE (rushing in shouting)Listen!

JOLYTwenty rounds for every man!

GAVROCHEListen to me!

JEAN PROUVAIREDouble that in Port St. Cloud!

GAVROCHEListen, everybody!

LESGLESSeven guns in St. Martin!

GAVROCHEGeneral Lamarque is dead.

ENJOLRASLamarque is dead.Lamarque! His death is the hour

of fate.The people’s man.His death is the sign we awaitOn his funeral day they will hon-

our his name.It’s a railing cry that will reach

every ear!In the death of Lamarque we will

kindle the flameThey will see that the day of sal-

vation is nearThe time is here!Let us welcome it gladly with

courage and cheerLet us take to the streets with no

doubt in our heartsBut a jubilant shoutThey will come one and allThey will come when we call!

[3] DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING?

ENJOLRASDo you hear the people sing?Singing the song of angry men?It is the music of a peopleWho will not be slaves again!When the beating of your heartEchoes the beating of the drumsThere is a life about to startWhen tomorrow comes!

COMBEFERREWill you join in our crusade?Who will be strong and stand

with me?Beyond the barricadeIs there a world you long to see?

COURFEYRACThen join the fightThat will give you the right to be

free…

CHORUSDo you hear the people sing?Singing the song of angry men?It is the music of a peopleWho will not be slaves again!When the beating of your heartEchoes the beating of the drumsThere is a life about to startWhen tomorrow comes!

FEUILLYWill you give all you can giveSo that our banner may ad-

vance?Some will fall and some will liveWill you stand up and take your

chance?The blood of the martyrsWill water the meadows of

France!

CHORUSDo you hear the people sing?Singing the song of angry men?It is the music of a peopleWho will not be slaves again!When the beating of your heartEchoes the beating of the drumsThere is a life about to startWhen tomorrow comes!

[4] RUE PLUMET – IN MY LIFE

COSETTE in her garden in Rue Plumet

COSETTEHow strange this feeling that my

life’s begun at lastThis change, can people really

fall in love so fast?What’s the matter with you

Cosette?

Have you been too much on your own?

So many things unclearSo many things unknown.

In my lifeThere are so many questions and

answersThat somehow seem wrongIn my lifeThere are times when I catch in

the silenceThe sigh of a faraway songAnd it singsOf a world that I long to seeOut of reachJust a whisper awayWaiting for me.

Does he know I’m alive?Do I know if he’s real?Does he see what I see?Does he feel what I feel?

In my lifeI’m no longer aloneNow the love in my lifeIs so nearFind me now, find me here!

VALJEANDear CosetteYou’re such a lonely childHow pensive, how sad you seem

to meBelieve me, were it within my

powerI’d fill each passing hourHow quiet it must be, I can see,With only me for company.

COSETTEThere’s so little I knowThat I’m longing to knowOf the child that I wasIn a time long ago…There’s so little you sayOf the life you have knownWhy you keep to yourselfWhy we’re always aloneSo dark! So dark and deep…The secrets that you keep!

In my lifeI have all that I wantYou are loving and gentle and

goodBut Papa, dear Papa,In your eyes I am just like a childWho is lost in a wood.

VALJEANNo more wordsNo more words. It’s a time that is

deadThere are wordsThat are better unheardBetter unsaid.

COSETTEIn my lifeI’m no longer the child and I

yearnFor the truth that you knowOf the years… years ago!

VALJEANYou will learnTruth is given by GodTo us all in our timeIn our turn.

VALJEAN leaves garden

MARIUSIn my lifeShe has burst like the music of

angelsThe light of the sun!And my life seems to stopAs if something is overAnd something has scarcely be-

gun.Eponine, you’re the friendWho has brought me hereThanks to you, I am one with the

godsAnd Heaven is near!And I soar through a world that is

new, that is free.

EPONINEEvery word that he saysIs a dagger in me!In my lifeThere’s been no one like him

anywhereAnywhere, where he isIf he asked… I’d be his!

MARIUS & EPONINEIn my life, there is someone who

touches my life.

MARIUSWaiting near!EPONINEWaiting here!

[5] A HEART FULL OF LOVE

MARIUS goes in to COSETTE, leaving EPONINE outside the gate.

MARIUSA heart full of loveA heart full of songI’m doing everything all wrongOh God, for shameI do not even know your nameDear Mad’moiselleWon’t you say?Will you tell?

COSETTEA heart full of love

No fear, no regret

MARIUSMy name is Marius Pontmercy

COSETTEAnd mine’s Cosette.

MARIUSCosette, I don’t know what to

say.

COSETTEThen make no sound.

MARIUSI am lost.

COSETTEI am found!

MARIUSA heart full of light.

COSETTEA night bright as day.

MARIUSAnd you must never go awayCosette, Cosette!

COSETTEThis is a chain we’ll never break.

MARIUSDo we dream?

COSETTEWe’re awake!

MARIUSA heart full of love.

COSETTEA heart full of you.

MARIUSA single look and then I knew.

COSETTEI knew it too.

MARIUSFrom today.

COSETTEEvery day.

COSETTE & MARIUSFor it isn’t a dreamNot a dreamAfter all.

EPONINE (interjections)He was never mine to loseWhy regretWhat could not be?

These are wordsHe’ll never sayNot to me

Not to meNot to me

His heart

Full of loveHe will neverFeel this way.

MARIUS and COSETTE move away as MONTPARNASSE enters furtively.

[6] THE ATTACK ON RUE PLUMET

EPONINE‘Parnasse, what are you doingSo far out of our patch?

MONTPARNASSEThis house, we’re going to do itRich man, plenty of scratch.You remember he’s the oneWho got away the other day.Got a number on his chestPerhaps a fortune put away!

EPONINEOh Lord, somebody help me!Dear God, what’ll I do?He’ll think I’m in it, too!

What’ll I do? What’ll I say?I’ve got to warn them hereI gotta find a way!

THÉNARDIER (arriving with the rest of his gang)

This is his lairI’ve seen the old fox aroundHe keeps himself to himselfHe’s staying close to the ground.I smell profit here.

Ten years agoHe came and paid for Cosette.I let her go for a songIt’s time we settled the debt.This’ll cost him dear.

BRUJONWhat do I careWhy you should rob?Gimme my shareFinish the job!

THÉNARDIERYou shut your mouthGive me your hand.Catching sight of EPONINE

BRUJONWhat have we here?

THÉNARDIERWho is this hussy?

BABETIt’s your brat EponineDon’t you know your own kid?What’s she hanging about you?

THÉNARDIEREponine, get on homeYou’re not needed in thisWe’re enough here without you.

EPONINEI know this houseI tell you there’s nothing here for

you.Just the old man and the girl,They live ordinary lives.

THÉNARDIERDon’t’ interfereYou’ve got some gallTake care, young missYou’ve got a lot to say!

BRUJONShe’s going soft.

CLAQUESOUSHappens to all.

MONTPARNASSEGo home, ‘PonineGo home, you’re in the way.

EPONINEI’m gonna scream, I’m gonna

warn them here.

THÉNARDIEROne little scream and you’ll re-

gret itFor a year.

CLAQUESOUSWhat a palaverWhat an absolute treatTo watch a cat and its fatherPick a bone in the street.

BRUJONNot a sound out of you!

EPONINEWell, I told you I’d do itTold you I’d do it…

She screams.

THÉNARDIERYou wait my girl, you’ll rue this

nightI’ll make you scream. You’ll

scream alright.Leave her to me. Don’t wait

around.Make for the sewers. Go under-

ground.

The gang scatter, followed by EPONINE and THÉNARDIER, as MARIUS and COSETTE run back into the garden.

MARIUSIt was your cry sent them awayOnce more ‘Ponine, saving the

day!Dearest Cosette – my friend

‘PonineBrought me to youShowed me the way!

Someone is nearLet’s not be seenSomebody’s here.

MARIUS leaves quickly as VALJEAN arrives.

VALJEANMy God, Cosette!I heard a cry in the darkI heard the shout of angry voices

in the street.

COSETTEThat was my cry you heard,

Papa,I was afraid of what they’d do.They ran away when they heard

my cry.

VALJEANCosette, my child, what will be-

come of you?

COSETTEThree men I saw beyond the wallThree men in shadow moving

fast!

VALJEANThis is a warning to us allThese are the shadows of the

past!

Must be Javert!He’s found my cover at last!I’ve got to get Cosette awayBefore they return!

We must get away from shadowsThat will never let us be.Tomorrow to Calais…And then a ship across the sea!Hurry Cosette prepare to leave

and say no more.

Tomorrow we’ll away!

Hurry Cosette, it’s time to close another door

And live another day!

[7] ONE DAY MORE

VALJEANOne day more!Another day, another destiny.This never-ending road to Cal-

varyThese men who seem to know

my crimeWill surely come a second time.One day more!

MARIUSI did not live until today.How can I live when we are par-

ted?

VALJEANOne day more.

MARIUS & COSETTETomorrow you’ll be worlds awayAnd yet with you my world has

started!

EPONINEOne more day all on my own.

MARIUS & COSETTEWill we ever meet again?

EPONINEOne more day with him not

caring.

MARIUS & COSETTEI was born to be with you.

EPONINEWhat a life I might have known.

MARIUS & COSETTEAnd I swear I will be true.

EPONINEBut he never saw me there!

ENJOLRASOne more day before the storm!

MARIUSDo I follow where she goes?

ENJOLRASAt the barricades of freedom?

MARIUSShall I join my brother there?

ENJOLRASWhen our ranks begin to form.

MARIUSDo I stay; and do I dare?

ENJOLRASWill you take your place with

me?

CHORUSThe time is now

The day is here

VALJEANOne day more!

JAVERTOne day more to revolutionWe will nip it in the budI will join these little schoolboysThey will wet themselves… with

blood!VALJEANOne day more.

THÉNARDIERWatch ‘em run amuckCatch ‘em as they fallNever know your luckWhen there’s a free-for-all.Here a little ‘dip’There a little ‘touch’Most of them are gonersSo they won’t miss much!

REBEL STUDENTSOne day to a new beginningRaise the flag of freedom highEvery man will be a kingEvery man will be a kingThere’s a new world for the win-

ningThere’s a new world to be won!Do you hear the people sing?

MARIUSMy place is hereI fight with you.

VALJEANOne day more.

MARIUS & COSETTEI did not live until todayHow can I live when we are par-

ted?

JAVERTI will join these people’s heroesI will follow where they goI will learn their little secretsI will know the things they know.

EPONINEOne more day all on my own.

VALJEANOne day more.

MARIUS & COSETTETomorrow you’ll be worlds awayAnd yet with you my world has

started.

JAVERTOne more day to revolutionWe will nip it in the budWe’ll be ready for these school-

boys.

THÉNARDIERWatch ‘em run amuckCatch ‘em as they fallNever know your luckWhen there’s a free-for-all

VALJEANTomorrow we’ll be far awayTomorrow is the judgement day.Tomorrow is the judgement day.

ALLTomorrow we’ll discoverWhat our God in Heaven has in

storeOne more dawnOne more dayOne day more!

[8] AT THE BARRICADE

ENJOLRAS (addressing the re-volutionaries)

Here upon these stonesWe will build our barricade,In the heart of the cityWe claim as our own!Each man to his dutyAnd don’t be afraid.Wait!I will need a reportOn the strength of the foe.

JAVERT (disguised as a rebel)I can find out the truthI know their waysFought their warsServed my timeIn the daysOf my youth.

PROUVAIRENow the people will fight.

GRANTAIREAnd so they mightDogs will barkFleas will bite.

LESGLESThey will do what is right!

MARIUS spots EPONINE who is dressed as a boy.

MARIUSHey, little boy what’s this I see?God, Eponine, the things you do!

EPONINEI know this is no place for meStill I would rather be with you!

MARIUSGet out before the trouble starts.Get out ‘Ponine, you might get

shot!

EPONINE

I got you worried now, I haveThat shows you like me quite a

lot!

MARIUSThere is a way that you can helpYou are the answer to a prayer!Please take this letter to CosetteAnd pray to God that she’s still

there!

She walks to the Rue Plumet…

EPONINELittle you know!Little you care!

…where she meets VALJEAN

EPONINEI have a letter M’sieurIt’s addressed to your daughter,

Cosette.It’s from a boy at the barricade,

sir,In the rue de Villette.

VALJEANGive me that letter here, my boy.

EPONINEHe said to give it to Cosette!

VALJEANYou have my word that my

daughter will knowWhat this letter contains.

He gives her a coin.

Tell the young man she will read it tomorrow.

And here’s for your pains.Go careful now. Stay out of sight.There’s danger in the streets to-

night!

He opens the letter… and reads it.

“Dearest Cosette, you have entered my soul

And soon you will be gone.Can it be only a day since we

metAnd the world was reborn?If I should fall in the battle to

comeLet this be my goodbye…Now that I know that you love

me as wellIt is harder to die…I pray that God will bring me

homeTo be with you.Pray for your Marius. He prays

for you!”

VALJEAN goes in, leaving COSETTE alone.

[9] ON MY OWN

EPONINEAnd now I’m all alone againNowhere to turn, no one to go toWithout a home without a friendWithout a face to say hello to.

And now the night is near, now I can make

Believe he’s here.

Sometimes I walk alone at nightWhen everybody else is sleeping.I think of him and then I’m happyWith the company I’m keepingThe city goes to bedAnd I can live inside my head.

On my ownPretending he’s beside me.

All alone I walk with him till morning

Without himI feel his arms around meAnd when I lose my way I close

my eyesAnd he has found me.And when I lose my way I close

my eyesAnd he has found me.

In the rain the pavement shines like silver

All the lights are misty in the river

In the darkness the trees are full of starlight

And all I see is him and me for ever and forever.

And I know it’s only in my mindThat I’m talking to myself and

not to himAnd although I know that he is

blindStill I say there’s a way for us.

I love himBut when the night is overHe is gone, the river’s just a riverWithout him the world around

me changesThe trees are bare and every-

where the streetsAre full of strangers.

I love himBut everyday I’m learningAll my life I’ve only been pre-

tendingWithout me his world will go on

turningA world that’s full of happiness

that I have

Never known.I love him, I love himI love him, but only on my own.

[10] BUILDING THE BARRICADE

The barricade is now complete.

STUDENTSNow we pledge ourselves to hold

this barricade.

MARIUSLet them come in their legionsAnd they will be met!

ENJOLRASHave faith in yourselvesAnd don’t be afraid.

GRANTAIRELet’s give ‘em a screwingThey’ll never forget!

COMBEFERREThis is where it begins!

COURFEYRACAnd if I should die in the fight to

be freeWhere the fighting is hardestThere will I be.

FEUILLYLet them come if they dareWe’ll be there!

[11] JAVERT’S ARRIVAL

ARMY OFFICER (off-stage, with a loud-hailer)

You at the barricade listen to this!

No one is coming to help you to fight!

You’re on your ownYou have no friendsGive up your guns – or die!ENJOLRASDamn their warnings. Damn their

lies!They will see the people rise!

STUDENTSDamn their warnings. Damn their

lies!They will see the people rise!

JAVERT climbs over the barri-cade.

JAVERTListen my friendsI have done as I saidI have been to their linesI have counted each manI will tell what I can

Better be warnedThey have armies to spareAnd our danger is realWe will need all our cunningTo bring them to heel.

ENJOLRASHave faithIf you know what their move-

ments areWe’ll spoil their gamesThere are ways that a people can

fightWe shall overcome their power.

JAVERTI have overheard their plansThere will be no attack tonightThey intend to starve us outBefore they start a proper fightConcentrate their forceHit us from the right.

[12] LITTLE PEOPLE

GAVROCHELiar! Good evening dear In-

spectorLovely evening my dearI know this man my friendsHis name’s Inspector Javert!So don’t believe a word he says‘Cause none of it’s trueThis only goes to showWhat little people can do!

And little people knowWhen little people fightWe may look easy pickingsBut we got some biteSo never kick a dogBecause he’s just a pupWe’ll fight like twenty armiesAnd we won’t give up!So you’d better run for coverWhen the pup grows up!

GRANTAIREBravo, little Gavroche! You’re the

top of the class!

PROUVAIRESo what are we going to doWith this snake in the grass?

ENJOLRASTie this man and take himTo the tavern in there.The people will decide your fate,Inspector Javert!

COURFEYRACTake the bastard now and shoot

him!FEUILLYLet us watch the devil dance!

LESGLES

You’d have done the same, In-spector,

If we’d let you have your chance!

JAVERTShoot me now or shoot me laterEvery schoolboy to his sport!Death to each and every traitor!I renounce your people’s court.

COMBEFERREThough we may not all survive

hereThere are things that never die.

GRANTAIREWhat’s the difference, die a

schoolboyDie a policeman, die a spy?

JAVERT is bundled out as the first shots ring out.

ENJOLRASTake this man. Bring him

through.There is work we have to do.

EPONINE returns, wounded, to the barricades.

JOLYThere’s a boy climbing the barri-

cade

MARIUSGood God! What are you doing?‘Ponine! Have you no fear?Have you seen my beloved?Why have you come back here?

EPONINETook your letter like you said.I met her father at the door.He said he would give it

She collapses in his arms.

I don’t think I can stand any-more.

MARIUSEponine, what’s wrong? I feelThere’s something wet upon your

hair…

There is blood on his hands.

Eponine, you’re hurt!You need some help. Oh God,It’s everywhere!

[13] A LITTLE FALL OF RAIN

EPONINEDon’t you fret, M’sieur Marius,I don’t feel any painA little fall of rain

Can hardly hurt me nowYou’re here. That’s all I need to

knowAnd you will keep me safeAnd you will keep me closeAnd rain will make the flowers

grow.

MARIUSBut you will live ‘Ponine – dear

God above.If I could heal your wounds with

words of love.

EPONINEJust hold me now, and let it be.Shelter me, comfort me.

MARIUSYou would live a hundred yearsIf I could show you howI won’t desert you now…

EPONINEThe rain can’t hurt me nowThis rain will wash away what’s

pastAnd you will keep me safeAnd you will keep me closeI’ll sleep in your embrace at last.

The rain that brings you hereIs heaven blessed.The skies begin to clearAnd I’m at rest.A breath away from where you

areI’ve come home from so far.So don’t you fret, M’sieur Marius

I don’t feel any painA little fall of rainCan hardly hurt me now.

That’s all I need to know.And you will keep me safe.And you will keep me closeAnd rainWill make the flowers…

MARIUS (in counterpoint)Hush-a-bye, dear Eponine

You won’t feel any painA little fall of rainCan hardly hurt you now.I’m here.

I will stay with you till you are sleeping

And rainWill make the flowersGrow.

MARIUS kisses her then lays her body on the ground.

ENJOLRASShe is the first to fall.

The first of us to fall upon this barricade.

MARIUSHer name was Eponine.Her life was cold and dark yet

she was unafraid.

COMBEFERREWe fight here in her name.PROUVAIREShe will not die in vain.

LESGLESShe will not be betrayed.

They carry her body off.

[14] NIGHT OF ANGUISH

VALJEAN, dressed as a soldier, climbs over the barricade.

JOLYHere comes the man in uniformWhat brings you to this place?

VALJEANI come here as a volunteer.

JOLYApproach and show your face.

SENTRYYou wear an army uniform.

VALJEANThat’s why they let me through.

JOLYYou’ve got some years behind

you, sir.

VALJEANThere’s much that I can do.

JOLYYou see that prisoner over there

GRANTAIREA volunteer like you!

COMBEFERREA spy! Who calls himself Javert!

GRANTAIREHe’s going to get it, too!

SENTRYThey’re getting ready to attack.

[15] FIRST ATTACK

ENJOLRAS gives VALJEAN a gun.

ENJOLRASTake this and use it well!But if you shoot us in the backYou’ll never live to tell.

STUDENT 1Platoon of sappers advancing to-

wards the barricade

STUDENT 2Troops behind them! Fifty men or

more!

ENJOLRASFire!

Gunfire is heard

FEUILLYSniper!

VALJEAN shoots a sniper who is aiming at ENJOLRAS.

LESGLESSee how they run away!

GRANTAIREBy God, we’ve won the day!

ENJOLRASThey will be back again.Make an attack again.For your presence of mindFor the deed you have doneI will thank you M’sieurWhen our battle is won.

VALJEANGive me no thanks, M’sieurThere’s something you can do.

ENJOLRASIf it is in my power.

VALJEANGive me the spy JavertLet me take care of him!

JAVERTThe law is inside outThe world is upside down.

ENJOLRASDo what you have to doThe man belongs to you.

The enemy may be regrouping. Hold yourselves in readiness. Come my friends, back to your positions; the night is falling fast.

VALJEANWe meet again.

JAVERTYou’ve hungered for this all your

life;Take your revenge!How right you should kill with a

knife!

Cutting JAVERT’s bonds.

JAVERTDon’t understand.

VALJEANGet out of here.

JAVERTValjean, take care!I’m warning you…

VALJEANClear out of here.

JAVERTOnce a thief, always a thiefWhat you want you always steal!You would trade your life for

mineYes, Valjean, you want a deal!Shoot me now, for all I care!If you let me go, beware,You’ll still answer to Javert!

VALJEANYou are wrong, and always have

been wrongI’m a man no worse than any

manYou are free and there are no

conditionsNo bargains or petitions.There’s nothing that I blame you

for.You’ve done your duty. Nothing

more.If I come out of here alive you’ll

find meAt number fifty-five Rue PlumetNo doubt our paths will cross

again.

VALJEAN fires his gun in the air.JAVERT goes quickly.

Muted applause from the stu-dents who think JAVERT has been shot.

ENJOLRASCourfeyrac, you take the watchThey won’t attack until it’s lightEverybody stay awakeWe must be ready for the fightFor the final fightLet no one sleep tonight!

Marius, rest!

THE NIGHT

[16] DRINK WITH ME

The defenders settle down for the night with wine and a song.

FEUILLYDrink with me to days gone by

Sing with me the songs we knew.

PROUVAIREHere’s to pretty girlsWho went to our heards.

JOLYHere’s to witty girlsWho went to our beds.

STUDENTSHere’s to themAnd here’s to you!

GRANTAIREDrink with me to days gone byCan it be you fear to die?Will the world remember youWhen you fall?Could it be your deathMeans nothing at all?Is your life just one more lie?

MENDrink with meTo daysGone byTo the lifeThat usedTo beLet the wine of friendshipNever run dry. Here’ to youAnd here’sTo me.

WOMENDrink with meTo daysGone byTo the lifeThat usedTo be.At the shrine of friendshipNever say dieHere’s to youAnd here’sTo me.

MARIUSDo I care if I should dieNow she goes across the sea?Life without CosetteMeans nothing at all.Would you weep Cosette,Should Marius fall?Will you weep,Cosette,For me?

[17] BRING HIM HOME

VALJEAN (standing over MARIUS)God on highHere my prayerIn my needYou have always been thereHe is youngHe’s afraidLet him rest

Heaven blessed.Bring him homeBring him homeBring him home.He’s like the son I might have

knownIf God had granted me a son.The summers dieOne by oneHow soon they flyOn and onAnd I am oldAnd will be goneBring him peaceBring him joyHe is youngHe is only a boyYou can takeYou can giveLet him beLet him live.If I die, let me dieLet him live, bring him homeBring him homeBring him home.

[18] DAWN OF ANGUISH

Dawn breaks.

ENJOLRASThe people have not stirred.We are abandoned by thoseWho still live in fear.The people have not heard.Yet we ill not abandon thoseWho cannot hear.Let us not waste lives.Let all the women and fathers of

childrenGo from here.

FEUILLYDrink with me to days gone bySing with me the songs we knew.

ALLAt the shrine of friendshipRaise your glass highLet the wine of friendshipNever run dryIf I dieI die with you!

[19] THE SECOND AT-TACK(Death of Gavroche)

The battle recommences.

ENJOLRASHow do we stand, Feuilly?Make your report.

FEUILLYWe’ve guns enoughBut ammunition short.

MARIUSLet me go into the streetsThere are bodies all aroundAmmunitions to be hadLots of bullets to be found!

ENJOLRASI won’t let you goIt’s too much of a chance.

MARIUSThe same is trueFor any man here!

VALJEANLet me goHe’s no more than a boyI am oldI have nothing to fear.

GAVROCHEYou need somebody quickerAnd I volunteer!

GAVROCHE climbing the barri-cade.

LESGLESCome back Gavroche, don’t you

dare!

JOLYSomeone pull him down at once!

GAVROCHELook at me, I’m almost there!

Gunshot.Little people know whenLittle people fight, we

Gunshot – GAVROCHE is wounded

May look easy pickingsBut we’ve got some bite!

He is hit again.

So never kick a dogBecause he’s just a pupWe’ll fight like twenty armiesAnd we won’t give up.So you’d better run for coverWhen the pup grows…

He dies.

[20] THE FINAL BATTLE

ARMY OFFICER (with loud hailer)You at the barricade listen to thisThe people of Paris sleep in their

bedsYou have no chanceNo chance at allWhy throw your lives away?

ENJOLRAS

Let us die facing our foesMake them bleed while we can.

COMBEFERREMake ‘em pay through the nose

COURFEYRACMake ‘em pay for every man!

ENJOLRASLet others riseTo take our placeUntil the earth is free!

Increasingly heavy gunfire. MARIUS is shot. ENJOLRAS is killed at the summit of the barri-cade.

All on the barricade are killed ex-cept MARIUS, who is wounded and unconscious, and VALJEAN.

VALJEAN, who discovers that MARIUS is still alive and carries him down into the sewers to es-cape.

JAVERT climbs over the barricade looking for VALJEAN’s body. Fail-ing to find it, he realises that VALJEAN must be in the sewers. He goes to cut off VALJEAN’s es-cape at the sewer’s entrance.

[21] THE SEWERS – DOG EATS DOG

THÉNARDIER picking through the corpses in the sewers.

THÉNARDIERHere’s a hint of goldStuck into a toothPardon me, M’sieurYou won’t be using this no more,Shouldn’t be too hard to sell.Add it to the pileAdd it to the stockHere among the sewer ratsA breath away from HellY’ get accustomed to the smell.

Well someone’s got to clean ‘em up my friends

Bodies on the highwayLaw and order upside downSomeone’s got to collect their

odds and endsAs a service to the town!

VALJEAN arrives, carrying MARIUS. VALJEAN collapses.

THÉNARDIER robbing MARIUS.

Here’s a tasty ringPretty little thingWouldn’t want to waste it

That would really be a crime,Thank you sir, I’m in your debt.Here’s another toyTake it off the boyHis heart’s no longer goingAnd he’s live his little timeBut his watch is ticking yet!

Well someone’s got to clean them up, my friends

Before the little harvestDisappears into the mudSomeone’s got to collect their

odds and endsWhen the gutters run with blood.

It’s a world where the dog eat the dogs

Where they kill for the bones in the street

And God in His HeavenHe don’t interfere‘Cos he’s dead as the stiff at my

feet.I raise my eyes to see the heav-

ensAnd only the moon looks down,The harvest moon shines down!

He turns over VALJEAN’s body, recognises him and runs off. VALJEAN picks up MARIUS again and walks through the sewers. As they emerge they meet JAVERT.

VALJEANIt’s you Javert!I knew you wouldn’t wait too longThe faithful servant at his post once more!This man’s done no wrongAnd he needs a doctor’s care.

JAVERTI warned you I would not give inI won’t be swayed.

VALJEANAnother hour yetAnd then I’m yoursAnd all our debts are paid.

JAVERTThe man of mercyComes againAnd talks of justice.

VALJEANCome, time is running shortLook down, Javert,He’s standing in his graveGive way, Javert,There is life to save.

JAVERTTake him, ValjeanBefore I change my mindI will be waiting

24601.

VALJEAN carries MARIUS off.

[22] JAVERT’S SUICIDE

JAVERT walks the deserted streets till he comes to a bridge over the river Seine.

JAVERTWho is this man?What sort of devil is heTo have me caught in a trapAnd choose to let me go free?It was his hour at lastTo put a seal on my fateWipe out the pastAnd wash me clean off the slate!

All it would takeWas a flick of his knife.Vengeance was his and he gave me back my life!Damned if I’ll live in the debt of a thiefDamned if I’ll yield at the end of the chaseI am the Law and the Law is not mockedI’ll spit his pity back in his faceThere is nothing on earth that we shareIt is either Valjean or Javert!

How can I now allow this manTo hold dominion over me.This desperate man whom I have huntedHe gave me my life. He gave me freedom.

I should have perished by his handIt was his rightIt was my right to die as well.Instead, I live… but live in hell.

And my thoughts fly apartCan this man be believed?Shall his sins be forgiven?Shall his crimes be reprieved?

And must I now begin to doubt,Who never doubted all those years?My heart is stone and still it tremblesThe world I have known is lost in shadow.Is he from heaven or from hell?And does he knowThat, by granting me my life todayThis man has killed me even so?

I am reaching but I fallAnd the stars are black and coldAs I stare into the void

Of a world that cannot hold.I’ll escape now from the worldFrom the world of Jean Valjean.There is nowhere I can turnThere is no way to go on…

He throws himself into the swollen river.

[23] TURNING

WOMENDid you see themGoing off to fight?Children of the barricadeWho didn’t last the night?Did you see themLying where they died?Someone used to cradle themAnd kiss them when they cried.Did you see them lying side by

side?

Who will wake them?No one ever will.No one ever told themThat a summer day can kill.They were schoolboys.Never held a gun…Fighting for a new worldThat would rise up with the sun.Where’s that new world now the

fighting’s done?

Nothing changes. Nothing ever will.

Every year another brat, another mouth to fill.

Same old story. What’s the use of tears?

What’s the use of prayingIf there’s nobody who hears?Turning, turning, turning, turn-

ing, turningThrough the years.

Turning, turning, turning through the years.

Minutes into hours, and the hours into years.

Nothing changes. Nothing ever can

Round about the roundabout, and back where you began.

Round and round and back where you began!

CD • THREE

[1] EMPTY CHAIRS AT EMPTY TABLES

MARIUS, recovering from his wounds, imagines he is back in the ABC Café.

MARIUS

There’s a grief that can’t be spokenThere’s a pain goes on and onEmpty chairs at empty tablesNow my friends are dead and gone.

Here they talked of revolutionHere it was they lit the flameHere they sang about ‘tomorrow’And tomorrow never came.

From the table in the cornerThey could see a world rebornAnd they rose with voices ringingI can hear them nowThe very words that they had sungBecame their last communionOn the lonely barricade at dawn!

Oh my friends, my friends, for-give me

The ghosts of those who died on the barricade appear.

That I live and you are gone.There’s a grief that can’t be spokenThere’s a pain goes on and on.

Phantom faces at the windowPhantom shadows on the floorEmpty chairs at empty tablesWhere my friends will meet no more.

The ghosts fade away.

Oh my friends, my friends, don’t ask meWhat your sacrifice was forEmpty chairs at empty tablesWhere my friends will sing no more.

[2] EVERY DAY(Marius and Cosette)

COSETTE arrives to help MARIUS in his recovery.

COSETTEEvery dayYou walk with stronger stepYou walk with longer step‘The worst is over’.

MARIUSEvery dayI wonder every dayWho was it brought me hereFrom the barricade?

COSETTEDon’t think about it, Marius!With all the years ahead of us!I will never go away

And we will be togetherEvery dayEvery dayWe’ll remember that nightAnd the song that we sang

A heart full of life

A night full of you

The words are oldBut always trueOh, God for shameYou did not even know my name!

MARIUSDear Mad’moiselleI was lost in your spell.

VALJEAN has entered, unob-served by the young couple.

COSETTEA heart full of loveNo fear no regret‘My name is Marius Pontmercy’.

MARIUSCosette, Cosette

COSETTEI saw you waiting and I knew.

MARIUSWaiting for you.At your feet.

COSETTEAt your call.

MARIUS & COSETTEAnd it wasn’t a dreamNot a dream after all.

VALJEAN (interjections)She was never mine to keep

She is youthful, she is free

Love is the garden of the young

Let it be

Let it be

A heart full loveThis I give you this day.

They notice VALJEAN

MARIUSM’sieur, this is a dayI never can forget.Is gratitude enoughFor giving me Cosette?Your home shall be with usAnd not a day shall passBut we will prove our loveTo you, whom we shall call

A father to us bothA father to us all.

COSETTE leaves.

[3] VALJEAN’S CONFES-SION

VALJEANNot another word, my sonThere’s something now that

must be done.You’ve spoken from the heartAnd I must do the sameThere is a story, sir.Of slavery and shameThat you alone must know.

I never told CosetteShe had enough tearsShe’s never known the truthThe story you must hearOf years ago.

There lived a man whose name was Jean Valjean

He stole some bread to save his sister’s son.

For nineteen winters served his time

In sweat he washed away his crime.

Years agoHe broke parole and lived a life

apartHow could he tell Cosette and

break her heart?It’s for Cosette this must be

facedIf he is caught she is disgracedThe time has come to journey onAnd from this day he must be

goneWho am I?Who am I?

MARIUSYou’re Jean Valjean!What can I doThat will turn you away from

this?Monsieur, you cannot leave.Whatever I tell my beloved

CosetteShe will never believe!

VALJEANMake her believeI have gone a journeyA long way away.Tell her my heart was too full of

farewellsIt is better this way.Promise me, M’sieur, Cosette will

never know…

MARIUSI give my word.

VALJEAN… what I have spoken, why I

must go.

MARIUSFor the sake of Cosette, it must

be so.

[4] THE WEDDING CHOR-ALE

MARIUS and COSETTE lead a wedding procession.

CHORUSRing out the bellsUpon this day of days

May all the angelsOf the Lord above

In jubilationSings their songs of praise

And crown thisBlessed time withPeace and love.

The procession becomes a dan-cing celebration. A waltz is played.

MAJOR DOMOThe Baron and Baroness de Thenard wish to pay their re-spects to the groom!

THÉNARDIERI forget where we metWas it not at the Chateau La-

farge,Where the Duke did that pukeDown the Dutchess’s de-coll-

etage?

MARIUSNo, ‘Baron de Thernard’The circles I move in are humbler

by far.Go away, Thénardier!Do you think I don’t know who

you are?

MADAME THÉNARDIERHe’s not fooled.Told you so.Show M’sieur what you’ve come

here to showTell the boy what you know!

Applause from the dancers as the waltz finishes.

MARIUSWhen I look at you I remember

Eponine.She was more than you de-

served, who gave her birth.

But she is with God and happier, I hope,

Than here on earth!

The waltz restarts.

THÉNARDIERSo it goes!Heaven knowsLife has dealt me some terrible

blows!

MADAME THÉNARDIERYou’ve got cashAnd a heartYou could give us a bit of a start!We can prove, plain as inkYou’re bride’s father is not what

you think.

THÉNARDIERThere’s a tale I could tell.

MADAME THÉNARDIERInformation we’re willing to sell…

THÉNARDIERThere’s a man that he slew!I saw the corpse clear as I’m see-

ing you!What I tell you is true!

MADAME THÉNARDIERPity to disturb you at a feast like

thisBut 500 francs surely wouldn’t

come amiss.

MARIUSIn God’s name say what you

have to say.

THÉNARDIERBut first you pay.

What I saw, clear as lightJean Valjean in the sewers that

night.Had this corpse on his backHanging there like a bloody great

sackI was there, never fear.Even found me this souvenir!

THÉNARDIER shows MARIUS a ring.

MARIUSI know this! This was mine!This is surely some heavenly

sign!

THÉNARDIEROne thing more. Mark this well.It was the night that the barri-

cades fell!

MARIUS

Then it’s true. Then I’m right.Jean Valjean was my saviour that

night!

MARIUS punches Thénardier then throws money at him.

As for you, take this, too!God forgive us the things that we

do!

Come, my love, come Cosette,This day’s blessing are not over

yet!

MARIUS and COSETTE leave.

BEGGARS AT THE FEAST

THÉNARDIERAin’t it a laugh?Ain’t it a treat?Hob-nobbin’ hereAmong the elite?Here comes a princeThere goes a JewThis one’s a queerBut what can you do?Paris at my feetParis in the dustAnd here I’m breaking breadWith the upper crust…Beggar at the feast!Master of the dance!Lief is easy pickingsIf you grab your chanceEverywhere you goLaw-abiding folkDoing what is decentBut they’re mostly broke!Singing to the Lord on SundaysPraying for the gifts He’ll send.

M. & MME. THÉNARDIERBut we’re the ones who take itWe’re the ones who make it in

the end!Watch the buggers danceWatch ‘em till they dropKeep your wits about youAnd you stand on top!Masters of the land.Always get our share.Clear away the barricadesAnd we’re still there!We know where the wind is blow-

ingMoney is the stuff we smell.And when we’re rich as CroesusJesus! Wont’ we see you all in

Hell!

VALJEAN is sitting alone, with a bare wooden cross for company.

VALJEANAlone I wait in the shadows,I count the hours till I can sleepI dreamed a dream Cosette stood

by

It made her weepTo know I die.Alone at the end of the dayUpon this wedding night I prayTake these children, my Lord, to

thy embraceAnd show them grace.

God on highHear my prayerTake me nowTo thy careWhere You areLet me beTake me nowTake me thereBring me homeBring me home

FANTINE’s spirit has appeared.

FANTINEM’sieur I bless your nameM’sieur lay down your burdenYou raised my child with loveAnd you will be with God.

VALJEAN (interjections)I am ready Fantine

At the end of my daysShe’s the best of my life.

MARIUS and COSETTE rush into the room; they do not see FANT-INE.

COSETTEPapa, Papa, I do not understand!Are you alright? They said you’d

gone away.

VALJEANCosette, my child am I forgiven

now?Thank God, thank God, I’ve lived

to see this day.

MARIUSIt’s you who must forgive a

thoughtless foolIt’s you who must forgive a

thankless manIt’s thanks to you that I am livingAnd again I lay down my life at

your feet.

Cosette, your father is a saintWhen they wounded meHe took me from the barricadeCarried like a babeAnd brought me home to you!

VALJEAN (to COSETTE)Now you are hereAgain beside meNow I can die in peaceFor now my life is blessed…

COSETTEYou will live, Papa, you’re going

to liveIt’s too soon, too soon to say

goodbye!

VALJEANYes, Cosette, forbid me now to

dieI’ll obeyI will try.On this pageI write my last confessionRead it wellWhen I, at last, am sleepingIt’s a storyOf those who always loved you.

Your mother gave her life for youThen gave you to my keeping.

The other spirits, including EPON-INE, appear.

FANTINECome with meWhere chains will never bind youAll your griefAt last, at last, behind youLord in HeavenLook down on him in mercy.

VALJEANForgive me all my trespassesAnd take me to your glory.

VALJEAN, FANTINE, EPONINETake my handAnd lead me to salvationTake my loveFor love is everlastingAnd rememberThe truth that once was spoken,To love another personIs to see the face of God.

[5] EPILOGUE (finale)

CHORUSDo you hear the people singLost in the valley of the night?It is the music of a peopleWho are climbing to the light.For the wretched of the earthThere is a flame that never dies.Even the darkest night will endAnd the sun will rise.

They will live again in freedomIn the garden of the Lord.They will walk behind the plough-shareThey will put away the sword.The chain will be brokenAnd all men will have their re-ward.

Will you join in our crusade?

Who will be strong and stand with me?Somewhere beyond the barri-cadeIs there a world you long to see?Do you hear the people sing?Say, do you hear the distant drums?It is the future that they bringWhen tomorrow comes!

Will you join in our crusade?Who will be strong and stand with me?Somewhere beyond the barri-cadeIs there a world you long to see?Do you hear the people sing?Say, do you hear the distant drums?It is the future that they bringWhen tomorrow comes…Tomorrow comes!

THE END

THE PHILHARMONIAConducted by Martin Koch

First Violins PETER THOMAS (Leader)

STEPHEN LEVINEJOHN GRALAK

DAVID THOMASANNE PARKIN

BOGDAN OFFENBERGMARTIN JONES

LINDA SPECKDAVID ELLIS

IMOGEN EASTNICHOLAS WHITING

NICOLA HURTONSecond Violins BRIAN MOYES

ANDERS FOG-NIELSENANDREW WICKENSTIMOTHY COLMAN

JULIAN MILONESIMON HORSMAN

JANE PRICEKATHLEEN STURDY

GILLIAN BAILEYTERESA POPLE

SAMANTHA REAGANJULIA WATKINS

Violas ROBERT LEIGHTON

MICHAEL LLOYDMICHAEL TURNER

GRAHAM GRIFFITHSMARGARET LAMBNANCIO BROWNTREVOR SNOADSUSAN SALTER

Celli DAVID K. JONES

ROBERT IRVINEJOCELYN GALEANNE BARBER

MARK STEPHENSONAVIA PERTHEN

SIDNEY DENBINMICHAEL HURWITZ

Basses GERALD DRUCKER

MAURICE NEALFlutes KENNETH SMITH

JUNE SCOTTPHILLIPA DAVIES

Piccolo KEITH BRAGGOboe JOHN ANDERSONCor Anglais SUSAN BBHLINGClarinets NICHOLAS BUCKNALL

LEE STEPHENSONAlto Saxophone GLEN MARTIN

Bassoon MICHAEL COLEHorns RICHARD WATKINS

PETER BLAKESIMON RAYNER

JAMES HANDYTrumpets JOHN WILBRAHAM

WILLIAM STOKESDAVID MASON

ROBERT FARLEYTrombones PETER GOODWIN

RONALD BRYANSTimpani ANDREW SMITHPercussion KEVIN HATHWAYHarps NUALA HERBERT

BRYN LEWIS

FROM THE PALACE THEATRE LONDON ORCHES-TRADrums PETER BOITASynthesiser & Keyboards COLIN PETTETGuitars IAN LAWSSynthesiser DOMINIC BARLOWViolin LAURIE LEWIS (co-leader)Bass Guitar BRENT FORBES

Acknowledgements

Photographs by MICHAEL LE POER TRENCH

Recorded at CTS STUDIOS, Wembley;

STUDIO ELEVEN ELEVEN, Nashville;RHINOCEROS STUDIOS, Sydney,

between August and October 1988Mixed at THE RECORD PLANT, Los Angeles in Oc-tober 1988.

Produced for record by DAVID CADDICKRecording Engineer DAVID HUNT Assistant Recording Engineer JONATHAN MORTON (LONDON)

JOHN ABBOT (NASHVILLE)PAULA JONES (AUSTRALIA)

ALAN ABRAHAMSON (LOS ANGELES)

LONDONProduction Coordinators NICHOLAS ALLOTT

HOWARD HARRISON

AUSTRALIAProduction Coordinators JULIE BROOKS

MATTHEW DALCO

NEW YORKProduction Coordinators RICHARD JAY ALEXANDER

ROBERT BILLIG

For First Night Records Directors JOHN CRAIG

TONY EDWARDS

LYNDA BUSHJACKIE GILLANDY PIKE

CHRIS RAYNER

All songs © Published by ALAIN BOUBLIL MUSIC LTD.

Music by CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG

* Lyrics by ALAIN BOUBLIL, HERBERT KRETZMER, JEAN-MARC NATEL

• Lyrics by ALAIN BOUBLIL, HERBERT KRETZMER§ Lyrics by ALAIN BOUBLIL, HERBERT KRETZMER,

JEAN-MARC NATEL,TREVOR NUNN, JOHN CAIRD

• PROLOGUE• VALJEAN’S SOLILOQUY* AT THE END OF THE DAY* I DREAMED A DREAM* LOVELY LADIES* FANTINE’S ARREST* THE RUNAWAY CART* WHO AM I? – THE TRIAL* FANTINE’S DEATH• THE CONFRONTATION* CASTLE ON A CLOUD* MASTER OF THE HOUSE* THE BARGAIN – THE WALTZ OF TREACHERY* LOOK DOWN* THE ROBBERY – JAVERT’S INTERVENTION• STARS* EPONINE’S ERRAND* THE ABC CAFÉ – RED AND BLACK* DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING?* RUE PLUMET – IN MY LIFE* A HEART FULL OF LOVE* THE ATTACK ON RUE PLUMET* ONE DAY MORE!* AT THE BARRICADE§ ON MY OWN* BUILDING THE BARRICADE* JAVERT’S ARRIVAL* LITTLE PEOPLE* A LITTLE FALL OF RAIN* NIGHT OF ANGUISH• FIRST ATTACK• DRINK WITH ME• BRING HIM HOME* DAWN OF ANGUISH• THE SECOND ATTACK* THE FINAL BATTLE• THE SEWERS – DOG EATS DOG* JAVERT’S SUICIDE• TURNING• EMPTY CHAIRS AT EMPTY TABLES* EVERY DAY* VALJEAN’S CONFESSION* THE WEDDING CHORALE – BEGGARS AT THE FEAST* EPILOGUE