Could Oscar-nominated song ‘Suddenly’ be added to Les Mis on stage?

Claude-Michel Schonberg, co-composer of Les Miserables, has revealed that the song “Suddenly”, which was written especially for the film version of the hit show, could one day be incorporated into the theatrical production.

Schonberg was speaking during a special BAFTA Masterclass on the sound design of the film held at London’s BFI Southbank last Friday (18 January). In answer to a question from the audience about whether the Oscar-nominated song would ever be used on stage, Schönberg said, “It’s possible. It is something we are looking at, although changing stage musicals is like causing earthquakes. So while I’m not saying no, it is a work in progress.”

The composer added that he and lyricist Alain Boublil might also move the song “I Dreamed a Dream” to a different place in the show, as has been done for the film.

Joining Schonberg on stage were the film’s director Tom Hooper, production sound mixer Simon Hayes (who has received Oscar and Bafta nominations for his work on the film) and orchestrator and score producer Anne Dudley. During the evening all three paid tribute to Boublil and Schonberg’s flexibility and openess during the process of moving Les Misérables from stage to screen.

(contributed by Tony Peters)