Have You Seen This? Actors switch out 'Les Miserables' tunes to something more lighthearted

Actors in a world tour of "Les Miserables" cast are having some fun switching out the tunes behind the musical's famous lyrics.

Actors in a world tour of "Les Miserables" cast are having some fun switching out the tunes behind the musical's famous lyrics. (Michael Ball, YouTube)


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Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

THE STAGE — "Les Miserables" is not known as a humorous play, but some actors in a world tour that began in October decided they wanted to spread some laughs anyway.

Michael Ball, who plays Javert in "Les Miserables the Arena Spectacular," created videos replacing the tune of a "Les Miserables" song with some more lighthearted tunes while keeping the dramatic lyrics.

And they fit together surprisingly well.

In this one, Ball sings alongside Harry Grant, who plays Feuilly. Ralfie Boe, who plays Jean Valjean, adds a personal touch to the video as well.

I don't think this tune provides quite the call-to-arms "Les Miserables" is aiming for — but it is hilarious. The video really brings it home.

Hopefully, these actors don't slip into the wrong tune during any performances or it could really change the mood quickly.

I can just hear Julie Andrews teaching the Von Trapp children about music, or colors, with darker lyrics mentioning blood and despair instead of does or drops of sun.

At the end of the day, the song's title, "ABC Cafe," is almost more suited to "Do, Re Mi." than it is to the "Les Mis" lyrics it comes with — it's the one that includes the letters. The letters in the revolutionary group's name is a pun on the French word for oppressed.

If you can't get enough of this video, Ball has posted two other videos with similar "Les Miserables" tune flips to the Muppets and ABBA, and Ball said he intends to post more after Christmas.

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Emily Ashcraft is an award-winning reporter for KSL.com. She covers state courts and legal affairs as well as health and religion news. In her spare time, Emily enjoys crafting, cycling and raising chickens.
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