You need to see Les Mis in person. From about halfway back in Orchestra, from a box on the side up close, and from the first five rows. Great but different experiences from all those views.
Years ago I got two returned tickets at the last minute on the front row. Got an impromptu date and we headed to the show.
I had a clean white handkerchief in my suit jacket pocket and was handing it to my date before the show started and told her “you’re going to need this later”.
The lady next to me saw this and said “why are you giving her a handkerchief?”
I asked her if she had seen the show before. She had not. I told her this was my 6th time.
She Karen’d out on me and said “WELL, someone is a little obsessed!!” and didn’t talk to me again until after the show.
As the cast is finishing One Day More and taking their curtain calls, I look over and she is just sobbing.
I leaned over and said “You ready to see it five more times?”
She nodded over and over and said yes thru her tears.
It is great live. Maybe the best ever. Score, story, cast, costumes, stage/set with the giant turntable, ability to get so many emotions out of the crowd.
Also, Eponine is a complete doll every time. Just great casting.