The Greatest Showman #1095 - Glorious Ending

The New York Times: "If anyone is still wondering why Renly Hall is the youngest Oscar winner in history, they need to come to Broadway and watch his performance in Les Misérables. The young actor's portrayal is both delicate and powerful, tough and turbulent—undoubtedly, he is the leader of the younger generation."

The New Yorker: "The charm of the performance and the dramatic tension are vividly expressed on the Broadway stage. Despite the six-hour length, audiences find themselves reluctant to leave, captivated rather than bored. Renly Hall truly made it happen."

Wall Street Journal: "For the younger generation, even movies are gradually giving way to the internet, and Broadway seems like a relic. But if the younger generation is to reconnect with Broadway as an art form, Les Misérables is the perfect start. Not only because of Renly Hall's top-tier performance but also due to the familiar story and grand backdrop that truly captures a piece of history."

People Magazine: "The most theater-worthy play of the millennium: Les Misérables."

Chicago Tribune: "John Codd has added deeper layers to this familiar story, and Renly Hall has brought those layers to life with a brilliant performance."

The Seattle Post: "Every audience member should experience the Richard Rodgers Theatre at least once—this will be the best decision of the summer."

The New York Post: "If you need a reason to come to Broadway, Renly Hall is your answer; if you're looking for a window into the theater, Renly Hall is your guide. No one can deny his charm, especially when he's on stage with that commanding presence."

Amid the praise, the tone starts to shift, but that's typical of the New York Post. Unlike the New York Times, which is more formal, the New York Post is witty and occasionally cheeky. They've found their rhythm with their sharp and lighthearted remarks.

By the time John Codd's adaptation of Les Misérables arrived on Broadway, the West End production had already received rave reviews and been hailed as an award-winning touring show. When Codd's professional thoughts were first published, they generated widespread acclaim.

Critics are notoriously harsh and critical, but they're also passionate about the art form they love. For a work as exceptional as Les Misérables, critics are eager to share their praise. They don't hesitate to stand at the theater entrance, urging the public to experience the masterpiece for themselves.

And so it was with Les Misérables.

The New York critics were in agreement: the six-hour performance, while long, was worth every minute. For the young American generation, however, the sheer length presented a challenge. In an era of instant gratification, many struggled with the idea of sitting through such an epic play. However, Europe's deeper cultural heritage embraced the show, and it found success in London.

While it was unfortunate that American audiences didn't share the same cultural depth, critics acknowledged that this disparity made Les Misérables even more powerful. The grandiose backdrop and epic storytelling were reminiscent of films like Lawrence of Arabia and Ben-Hur, where length wasn't a deterrent, but a testament to the film's depth.

The excitement among New York's drama critics was palpable. Even the most composed critics were moved to praise the show, urging audiences to witness this rare theatrical achievement.

For Renly, the praise was immense.

At just 23 years old, the youngest-ever Oscar winner, Renly Hall could have chosen any Hollywood project. But he chose to hone his craft on the stage, dedicating himself to months of Broadway performances. This commitment to his art earned him the respect of the entire theater industry.

His portrayal of Jean Valjean was nothing short of spectacular—solid acting, exceptional stage presence, and a masterful control of rhythm. It was this talent that captivated critics and left a lasting impression.

Thanks to his reputation, Renly created a surge of interest in Broadway. His popularity became a beacon, reigniting hope for the theater industry's revival. This was a breakthrough moment for drama critics, who were thrilled to see such a resurgence of interest in the theater.

Rumors swirled that all the major New York critics had attended at least five performances of Les Misérables. They weren't just witnessing the show—they were studying it, analyzing it, and contributing to the wave of excitement surrounding it.

The show wasn't just a hit for Renly. The entire cast, including young actors like Tom Holland and Joe Alwyn, received attention from critics who were eager to see what they would do next.

From London to New York, the buzz didn't stop. The success of the show reached far beyond North America, and Renly's established appeal continued to drive the momentum forward. Les Misérables wasn't just a Broadway hit—it was a cultural phenomenon.

As the season came to a close, the Richard Rodgers Theatre experienced a surge in ticket sales. The demand for seats, especially in the VIP boxes, was immense. From opening night to the final performance, the theater had a 100% attendance rate. VIP box seats became a status symbol in New York's high society.

However, after Renly's final performance, attendance began to decline, dropping to 80%. But this only confirmed the truth: audiences had come for Renly, and his presence had driven the success of the show. The theater's box office had exceeded expectations, and this proved the power of Renly's star power.

As the show's run concluded, the Almeida Theatre and Richard Rodgers Theatre made announcements confirming that Les Misérables would continue to be performed with a new cast. John Codd would remain as guest director and producer, ensuring the production's continued quality. Renly Hall would also be named co-producer, overseeing casting and actor training.

The show would run for at least another year in London and six months on Broadway. Whether it would continue after that or embark on a worldwide tour remained to be seen.

It was a huge win for the theater industry, John Codd, and Renly Hall—and a dream come true for Renly's fans.

After an intense eight months in theater, Renly officially announced his return to film, signaling the start of his next big project.