Les Miserables is not a jukebox musical. A jukebox musical is a type of musical that uses pre-existing popular songs to tell a story, often with the songs being unrelated to the original context in which they were written. In contrast, Les Miserables is a book musical, which is a type of musical where the emphasis is on the plot and music, and the songs are specifically written for the show to advance the story and develop the characters.
Les Miserables, based on the novel by Victor Hugo, features a score composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg, with lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel (English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer). The songs in Les Miserables are integral to the narrative and serve to convey the emotions and motivations of the characters. They are not pre-existing popular songs that have been repurposed for the show.
In a jukebox musical, the songs are often well-known hits that the audience already recognizes and enjoys. These songs are typically woven into a storyline that may or may not be directly related to the original context of the songs. Examples of jukebox musicals include Mamma Mia! (featuring the music of ABBA), Rock of Ages (featuring rock hits from the 1980s), and Jersey Boys (featuring the music of The Four Seasons).
Les Miserables, on the other hand, is a through-composed musical, meaning that the music is continuous throughout the show, with minimal spoken dialogue. The songs in Les Miserables are carefully crafted to fit the story and the characters, and they are not intended to be standalone hits or crowd-pleasing numbers. Each song serves a purpose in advancing the narrative and exploring the themes of the show.
Additionally, Les Miserables is known for its epic and sweeping score, which features powerful ballads like “I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own,” as well as ensemble numbers like “One Day More” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?” The music in Les Miserables is an integral part of its storytelling, helping to create a sense of emotion, drama, and tension.
Les Miserables is a book musical, not a jukebox musical. It tells its story through original songs that are specifically written for the show, and the music is an essential component of the narrative.