LES MISERABLES Character Card: THE THENARDIERS
By: BWW Special Coverage Dec. 28, 2012
About Sacha: The British comedian is best known for his 2007 hit, 'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan' in which he convinced Americans that he was an antisemitic journalist from Kazakhstan. Other film credits include The Dictactor, Hugo, Bruno, Madagascar, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Cohen has been recognized with two BAFTA Awards for Da Ali G Show, several Emmy nominations, a nomination for an Academy Award for Writing Adapted Screenplay, and a Golden Globe for Best Actor for his work in Borat. About Helena: Helena played Mrs. Lovett in the 2007 film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD, opposite Johnny Depp as the title character. She also starred in films such as A Room With a View, Fight Club, Big Fish, Planet of the Apes, Corpse Bride and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Dark Shadows, and the Harry Potter film series. A two-time Academy Award nominee for her performances in The Wings of the Dove and The King's Speech, Bonham Carter's acting has been further recognised with six Golden Globe nominations, an International Emmy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2012 New Year Honours for services to drama, and received the award from the Queen at Buckingham Palace on 22 February 2012 THE THENARDIERS' MUSIC At the End of the Day (mentioned only) While they do not appear in this song, Fantine mentions them by saying that Cosette lives with an innkeeper and his wife (referring to the Thenardiers). The couple is also briefly mentioned by a woman reading a note from them to Fantine, telling that Cosette is very sick and needs money for a doctor (this being a lie to trick her into giving them more money.) Known as La Journée est finie in the French original version and as Quand un jour est passé in the 1991 revival.Castle on a Cloud (Madame Thénardier only) A song of Cosette's dreams of heaven, which is quickly interrupted by Madame Thénardier to make her fetch a bucket of water. Known as Une poupée dans la vitrine or Mon Prince au Chemin in the successive French versions. Master of the House A song sung by both of the Thénardiers, along with his drunken customers singing how well it is to have power in the pub. Known as La Devise du Cabaretier in the original French version, then as Maître Thénardier in the 1991 version.The Thénardier Waltz of Treachery Where the duo repeatedly try to swindle as much money as they can from Valjean in exchange for Cosette. Known as La Valse de la Fourberie then as La Transaction in the various French version. Look Down (non-sing) Though not singing, in this scene they try to trick people into charitable donations for their "child" which is actually a loaf of bread in a blanket while Gavroche sings about them. Known as Donnez, Donnez in the original French version, or Bonjour, Paris in the 1991 version.The Robbery/Javert's Intervention Thénardier approaches Valjean, asking for donations for the fake child seen in Look Down. Thénardier recognizes Valjean and assaults him before Javert intervenes.The Attack on Rue Plumet (Thénardier only) Known simply as Rue Plumet in the original French version, and later as Le casse de la Rue Plumet. Thénardier rounds up his gang as they attempt to rob Valjean's home as he blames his poverty on him. Éponine stops them from doing so and they are forced to retreat.One Day More Though small, the two appear every now and then telling how they'll simply hide in The Shadows, wait things out, and pick the pockets of the corpses when they're the only ones left. Known as Demain in the original French version and as Le Grand Jour in the 1991 version. The Sewers/Dog Eats Dog (Thénardier only) Thénardier sings to himself in the sewers as he fingers through the bodies of the students. One of the show's darkest songs, it is known as Fureurs Cannibales in the 1991 French version.Beggars at the Feast In an ironic twist, the Thénardiers have sunk from masters of the house to being beggars at a feast, and they are not complaining. They have become rich off of their earnings of the stealing and other villainous acts they have committed. They sing how joyful it is to simply sneak into parties and chat with the upper crust of society, and gloat about their survival; once again, however, there is a certain irony, because they are the very last of the remaining Thénardiers, since their own children have been killed during the rebellion. Known as Mendiants à la Fête in the French revival.IN THEATERS ON CHRISTMAS DAY, 2012! |
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