by Abby Deatherage
Published in the 2015 edition of Corks and Curls, the UVa Yearbook
- “I Dreamed a Dream:” At their evening public conversation (complete with performances of their work from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon), Alain Boublil recalled first reading Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables and pulling out the French phrase that would become the lyrics of “I Dreamed a Dream.” Standing up, Claude-Michel Schönberg strode quickly to the piano onstage, sat down, and opened the keyboard. His fingers swiftly ran across the keys and he softly sang in French the opening lines of “I Dreamed a Dream” in French. Then, stopping abruptly, he stood up to the audience’s laughter and applause.
- The University Singers Visit: During Mr. Schönberg’s visit to the University Singers’ class, the group was able to sing “Do You Hear the People Sing?” for him. Afterwards, Mr. Schönberg worked with them on the piece, helping them achieve his own unique vision of his composition with his characteristic musical intensity.
- Q&A in Professor Marva Barnett’s Classroom: Mr. Boublil and Mr. Schönberg answered questions from students who were reading the novel as a class. Questions fans of both the musical and the novel have long wondered about—characters’ shared melodies, Éponine’s change in character, and the creation of the song “Suddenly” for Tom Hooper’s 2012 film—were answered by the creators of the musical themselves!
- Their Dedication to the Arts: Mr. Schönberg repeatedly states the importance of a passion for your craft, no matter what it is—music, dance, engineering, research. The way he puts it: “If you aren’t thinking about it for at least 2 hours every day, don’t do it.”
- The Best is Yet to Come: In the evening public conversation, Mr. Schönberg and Mr. Boublil expressed their belief that “our best work is yet to come.” Otherwise, they ask, what is the point of continuing to work? Though the idea of something better than their huge hit, Les Misérables, seems incredible, their passion and drive for their work is a truly thoughtful and artistic way of looking at one’s passion.