Nemoralia

First of all, amazing cast. I know the 2010 Madrid cast is widely beloved, and for a reason, but this one might be just as good. The translation used was the same one (different from the first production in the 90s) and I'm so glad they kept it.

This might be my bias showing lol but Adrián Salzedo as Valjean and Pitu Manubens as Javert were particularly good. I was very excited to see Pitu Manubens since his performance as Scar was peak, he's not only a very talented actor but has a very characteristic deep voice. I honestly liked him more than all the West End revival Javerts I've heard (I'm basing my impression on recordings, so take that with a grain of salt. I just think they tend to scream a bit too much lol)

The Teatro Apolo is a small theatre, but the stage design was adapted so so well the size was barely noticeable. There might have been some changes compared to the modern London production, but I don't know that one well enough to tell, it was mostly very similar. Scene transitions were really smooth and the lighting was beautiful, if a little bit dark sometimes.

Act 1

Valjean's Soliloquy was CRAZY GOOD this is when I knew Salzedo was cooking

Lovely Ladies was a very striking number. I always thought the lyrics in Spanish are harsher than in English, and all of it feels more dramatic in general. The Bamatabois actor was really good, he really makes you hate him lol

THE MOMENT WHEN JAVERT HELPS VALEJAN GET UP AFTER THE CART SCENE. I love how that was staged, it was a bit different from what I've seen, with Javert looking at Valjean directly while he's on the ground and taking his hand. Also Javert is like one head taller than Valjean in this production and we love to see that

The lighting during Fantine's Death was georgeous. Valjean and Fantine are very sweet in this

Perfect delivery from Pitu Manubens of "Patrón, monsieur, le esperan en prisión" (Monsieur le Mayor, you'll wear a different chain). Deliciously sarcastic "monsieur", great low note, 10/10

The Thénardiers were very funny in this. I saw the understudy for Madame Thénardier and she was great, amazing body language.

PARIS LOOKED SO GOOD

Very good Stars. I can't get over how pretty that scene is.

Enjolras was wearing a ponytail!

I believe the actor who was playing Grantaire was the understudy, and he was AMAZING. He stole every scene he was in. Very charming, very funny, very tragic, and you can tell he's supposed to be drunk lol His interactions with Enjolras and Gavroche were really sweet

Act 2

All the barricade scenes are so cool, man. What a great set piece

Very strong performance of On My Own from Elsa Ruiz Monleón

Grantaire bothering Javert while he's tied up was so funny lmao

Drink With Me BROKE ME. Once again, Grantaire was great in this one

One of the best performances of Bring Him Home I've heard in my life

Grantaire's reaction to Gavroche's death... I will never be ok again

The final barricade scene was really impressive. Lighting was at its best here

The transition to the sewers was so cool?? All screen stuff but it's so well done how it feels like you're going under the ground

Javert's Suicide was amazingly staged, I didn't notice when the bridge appeared lol. When he jumps the light dims until you can only see his hand, so it looks like he's actually sinking in the water

Empty Chairs was beautiful, holy shit