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Les Misérables (musical)

Les Misérables, also known as Les Mis or Les Miz, is a sung-through musical based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel Les Misérables.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Les Misérables, also known as Les Mis or Les Miz, is a sung-through musical based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of the same name. Conceived in the late 1970s by French librettist Alain Boublil, it became one of the most popular and highest-grossing stage musicals of all time.

Origin and development

Les Misérables was conceived in the late 1970s by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg as a French-language musical based on Victor Hugo’s novel. The original version featured music by Schönberg and lyrics by Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel.

Story and themes

The musical is set in early 19th-century France and centres on Jean Valjean, an ex-convict seeking redemption while being pursued by Inspector Javert. Its major themes include justice, mercy, poverty, revolution, and personal transformation.

Productions and reception

After its 1980 Paris premiere, the musical was adapted into English and staged internationally, including major long-running productions in London and Broadway. It became one of the best-known and most successful musicals in theatrical history.

Legacy and adaptations

Les Misérables has become a global stage phenomenon and is commonly shortened to Les Mis or Les Miz. Its enduring popularity also led to screen adaptations, including a 2012 film version.

Key facts

  • It is a sung-through musical based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel.
  • The original French production premiered in Paris in 1980.
  • The English-language version was adapted by Herbert Kretzmer.
  • The musical is widely regarded as one of the most successful stage musicals ever produced.
  • The story is set in early 19th-century France and follows characters including Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert.
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Canadian context

The musical has been staged in major Canadian theatre markets, including long-running and touring productions in cities such as Toronto and Montreal, and it remains widely familiar to Canadian audiences through stage and film versions.

Frequently asked questions

What is Les Misérables?
It is a sung-through musical based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, first staged in French in 1980.
Who wrote the musical?
Claude-Michel Schönberg composed the music, with original French lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel.
Why is it called Les Mis?
Les Mis is a common short form of Les Misérables; Les Miz is also used in English-speaking contexts.
When did it premiere?
The original French production premiered in Paris in 1980.
What is the musical about?
It follows Jean Valjean and other characters in early 19th-century France, focusing on redemption, law, poverty, and revolution.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Mis%C3%A9rables_(musical)
    Supports: Basic identification, origin, creators, common abbreviations, and status as a major musical
  2. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Mis%C3%A9rables_(com%C3%A9die_musicale)
    Supports: Original French creators and English-language adaptation credits
  3. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_miserables_(musical)
    Supports: 1980 Paris premiere, 1985 London opening, and plot overview
  4. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Mis%C3%A9rables_(musical)
    Supports: Broad overview of creators, premiere history, awards, and 2012 film adaptation