Les Miserables-Focus on the Family Radio Theatre

I love Les Miserables- the story line, the characters, the music and more.  Anxiously awaiting the release of Les Miserables in the movie theater, I was disappointed to hear that it's truly made for adults, not children.  The reviews have been wonderful, but the events/sights are quite a bit more than I'd anticipated.  I know people that have walked out of the movie and asked for their money back.  We won't be going as a family.:(  Just in time I was given the opportunity to review Focus on the Family's Radio Theatre of Les Miserables!  To be honest, my expectations were quite low as I'd seen the stage performance of Les Mis, but I thought it would be fun to listen to in the car with my girls.  

Wow. I was blown away.

My girls listened and asked questions. 
They were engaged and looked forward to the story.
We discussed events, a bit of history and what is truly right and wrong.

I cried, or should I say, sobbed at the end.  I sat in my driveway absolutely overcome.  And I already knew how the story would end!

The story is the same but takes a gentler path at times.  The people are still miserable but there's no bad language and the focus is on redemption, not drunkenness, prostitution, or thievery (although Valjean does steal the silver at the beginning of the story and is forgiven).  

There's no singing, but you know what?  I didn't miss it.  Gasp!  But I love the singing!  Yet, in this version the instrumental music is enough.  It beautifully carries you from chapter to chapter.  The character voices are spot on, too!  Javert sounds just like Javert!  Sinister, sneaky and snide.  Valjean is perfect.  Angry at the beginning and then kind and gentle as his life is transformed.

If you're looking for a way to share Les Miserable with your family- without covering their eyes and ears-I highly recommend Focus on the Family's Les Miserables.  It's charming, frightening, heart warming and sad.  It has all the elements that make Victor Hugo's story timeless. 

The story that has thrilled millions comes to life in a brand new way in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's Les Miserables. This audio drama beautifully portrays the redeeming power of forgiveness through the story of Jean Valjean, an embittered convict whose life is changed by a single act of kindness. Recorded in London with some of England's finest actors, it will mesmerize adults and families alike.

*I was given a copy of this CD set from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.  No other compensation was received.*