If I had more talent, time, experience, training, and other advantages, I would love to perform in the Ensemble for an area production of Les Miserables, my all-time favorite musical by far. I’ve seen it twice and listened to my recording of the original London cast countless times. The movie adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel that starred Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, and Claire Danes was also excellent.

I love the story largely because it’s a fantastic picture of grace and its impact on our lives. Early in the show, a kind bishop shows grace to Jean Valjean, a recently paroled thief. Receiving grace instead of justice radically transforms Valjean’s view of himself and of others, helping him become an honorable, loving man. Javert, a police detective who pursues Valjean for most of the show for violating his parole, has no concept of grace and cannot accept it when offered by Valjean. His inability to accept grace ultimately destroys him.

Honestly, my chances of actually performing in the show are slim to none. I certainly don’t have the voice to play Javert, the role that best fits my voice (bass-baritone). Even for a touring show, I probably don’t have the talent and experience for the Ensemble or Chorus, which is the collection of random, nameless characters in a musical who sing group songs. But my, my, my, would it be fun. Barring a Matrix-style infusion of goodness, I will be content to sing along in my car alone at full volume, thanking God and the creators for such an amazing story and musical.