Les Miserables - Focus on the Family Radio Theatre audiodrama on CD
4.8
5
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44
Inspiring Entertainment
This audio adaptation is fascinating and a delight to hear. It was recorded in London and has a professional cast who did an incredible job.
The main character in the story is Jean Valjean. He is an ex-convict who cannot ever escape his past. No matter what he tries to do in life, he seems to be always hunted and accused, because he was once a prisoner. In the beginning, he meets with a kind couple whose hospitality and compassion help him make a new start in life. Eventually, he builds up a new reputation, under a new name, and has a tremendous influence for good in his community. His riches, and charity in life are amazing. But what is most precious, is his unselfish character and actions.
This is an epic story, highly inspiring and an excellent production. Listening to the story on audio CD was relaxing and a wonderful break from watching a movie on television. I highly recommend this radio theater presentation.
*Disclaimer - I received a copy of this product for review purposes.*
April 20, 2013
Wonderful way for your family to enjoy the classic
Les Misérables (Radio Theatre)
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo brought to life byàFocus Audio drama:
After finishing this audio drama of Les Misérables, I am trying not to cry! IâÂÂm at my daughtersâ dance class, so excuse me as I head to the bathroom to pull myself together...
Wow!
Les Misérables is a powerful story of one extraordinary kindness that changes an man, the angry exconvict Jean Valjean. He then lives his live with all itâÂÂs shocking twists and turns in forgiveness, extending grace to others. It is an amazing story to which I am drawn. So, having the chance to to review FocusâÂÂs audio drama of Les Misérable is a wonderful opportunity. My family already has some experience with Focusâ audio productions through Adventures in Odyssey (we are HUGE fan of AIO!!) and their audio production of Narnia (that was amazing!!).
And I was not disappointed in this production. ItâÂÂs not an unabridged reading of the book, which isnâÂÂt a surprise. All dramatic productions of Les Misérables, whether radio, theatre, or screen, have had to condense for time. However, the heart of this beautiful story is full and clear. The actors were excellent and very convincing as their characters. The music was beautiful and perfectly added, not to distract but to add to the emotions of the story. Through the sound effects I was pulled even more into the action. The only thing I would change is that I wasnâÂÂt able to listen to it all in one sitting. I definitely would recommend that as much as possible. And that is what I plan to do -- re-listen to it without breaking it up.
What a wonderful way to introduce this classic to your family!
"To die is nothing, truly. The terrible thing is never to live." -Jean Valjean
I received this audio drama free from Tyndale House Publishers. It was not required that I give a positive review, but to solely express my own thoughts and opinions.
February 24, 2013
Grace Spoken Through the Ages
It has been an exciting Winter with the musical version of the Les Miserables coming to theaters on Christmas Day and a re-release of the radio drama done several years ago by Focus on the Family.
Though I had heard snippets of the radio drama in the past, I had never taken the opportunity to listen to the entire show. I found the story, as presented by Focus on the Family, drawing me in. Presented as about thirty 3 to 7 minute chapters on 3 CDs, the story moved along quite fast - with enough breaks to allow the listener to maintain his interest while moving through the three hour drama. Occasionally, the breaks between chapters cut through a speakers last syllable, but not so the word was entirely lost.
I began listening to this presentation on an Amtrak train between upstate New York and Atlanta, GA. My wife and I used a splitter with dual earphones - both listening simultaneously. She commented that it was hard for her to follow the story. Later, when I returned to the presentation alone, I found no such problem - enjoying the transition from chapter to chapter.
As always, the story is one of transformation and grace. These are lessons that are harder for some to learn than others - perhaps never learned by others. May Les Miserables, whether on paper, in the theater, on the radio, or via a CD, teach each of us that God can use us regardless of how broken and bitter we have become.
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This review is based on a free CD copy of this radio play provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
February 20, 2013
Timeless story and amazing audio-drama!
When I was kid, I was obsessed with the Adventures in Odyssey cassettes (yes, cassettes; not CDs, but cassette tapes!). My siblings and I would listen to them over and over again, in the car, while doing chores, or at night before bed. They were audio-dramas akin to watching a movie, except you had to paint the images in your own mind. The stories were always exciting, and you really became attached to all the characters.
Les Miserables brought back all those sweet memories of Adventures in Odyssey. Focus on the Family did a fabulous job in producing this story into radio drama - I absolutely loved it! All the actorsâ voices were brilliant, and the sound effects effortlessly brought the scenes to life. And of course, the story itself is AMAZING. ItâÂÂs a beautiful story of mercy, forgiveness, sacrifice, and love. If you havenâÂÂt listened to radio theatre before, this would be the perfect one to start with!
Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this audio-drama in return for an honest review.
February 17, 2013