Few musicals have defined generations and transcended languages quite like Les Misérables. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary at the Olivier Awards 2025, Victor Hugo’s epic tale of redemption, love, and revolution continues to move audiences worldwide — from London’s West End to Manila’s grand stages.
With powerhouse performances from seasoned Broadway and West End actors — including Lea Salonga and Rachelle Ann Go — the celebration marked not just a milestone for musical theater, but also for Filipino pride.
Here are ten unforgettable moments that have cemented Les Misérables as one of the greatest musicals of all time.
The opening sequence sets the tone — dark, relentless, and thunderous. “Look Down” captures the misery and resilience of the French poor, instantly immersing audiences into a world defined by injustice and survival.
Jean Valjean’s transformation begins here. After stealing silver from the Bishop of Digne, Valjean is forgiven instead of condemned. “I have bought your soul for God,” says the bishop — one of the most powerful lines in musical theater history.
Fantine’s lament, immortalized by Patti LuPone, Lea Salonga, and Anne Hathaway, remains one of the most haunting moments in theater. Her anguish embodies the tragedy of lost innocence and shattered dreams.
Valjean’s moral dilemma — to reveal his identity and save an innocent man — strikes at the heart of the human conscience. Every actor who has played Valjean delivers this moment as a test of courage and truth.
When Lea Salonga became the first Asian actress to play Éponine on Broadway in 1993, she redefined the role with raw emotion. Her rendition of “On My Own” remains a global touchstone of unrequited love and silent strength.
The Act I finale unites every major character in a soaring, overlapping harmony of conviction. “One Day More” is not just a song — it’s an emotional crescendo that has brought audiences to their feet for four decades.
Éponine’s death in Marius’ arms remains one of the most tender and heartbreaking moments in the musical. Even amid chaos, love finds its place — fragile, fleeting, yet eternal.
Valjean’s prayer for Marius’ safety is a soul-stirring expression of faith and compassion. Its simplicity, purity, and quiet power continue to make it one of the most beloved solos in theater history.
Marius’ grief over his fallen friends is a devastating reflection on revolution and loss. This moment reminds us that freedom often comes at the highest price.
The anthem of the people endures — sung in protests, graduations, and global movements. From 1985 to 2025, it remains the heartbeat of Les Misérables — a song for every generation that dares to dream of change.
As Les Misérables celebrates 40 years, the Olivier Awards tribute served as both a curtain call and a continuation — honoring its creators, performers, and millions of fans who have found hope in its message.
For Filipino audiences, seeing Rachelle Ann Go once again share the stage with West End greats was a proud reminder that Filipino artistry knows no boundaries.
Because in the end, Les Misérables isn’t just a story about 19th-century France — it’s a story about all of us. About love that endures, justice that redeems, and the human spirit that refuses to break.
“To love another person is to see the face of God.”