WATCH: ‘Les Miserables’ cast performs ‘One Day More,’ finale at rehearsal

MANILA, Philippines – Though it was the first rehearsal of the morning, they were not yet in makeup and costume, and there were no sets, when the cast of the Manila production of Les Miserables came together and sang, everyone knew that something special was in the air. (READ: Sneak peek: Rachelle Ann Go sings as Fantine, see the amazing ‘Les Miserables’ cast) 

With other media, Rappler recently sat in a vocal rehearsal for the show, attended by the cast, which includes members of the Australian and London productions, as well as the Philippines’ own Rachelle Ann Go, who plays Fantine. 

In the videos below, watch the music of Claude-Michel Schönberg come alive as the cast rehearses two iconic songs. 

In “One Day More,” each of our lead characters confronts his own demons and faces the persistent ghosts of the pasts or the uncertainty of the future. 

Rappler sits in a rehearsal of Les Miserables in Manila. Watch as they sing the iconic ensemble song ‘One Day More.’https://t.co/gPmLMBeels

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) February 24, 2016

Jean Valjean, an embattled ex-convict on the run from the bitter Inspector Javert, worries if he will be able to protect his adopted daughter, Cosette. 

But unknown to her father, Cosette has fallen in love with the dashing young student Marius, who struggles with the decision to join his brothers, fellow students and activists led by the dashing Enjolras, to fight against the social injustice prevalent in 19th century France. 

Lost in the background, clever and brave Eponine pines for Marius, nursing a deep and abiding love for a man whose heart is lost to her. 

Elsewhere, Inspector Javert prepares for an impending confrontation with the students and their allies. But he is always on the lookout for Jean Valjean, who has eluded capture after breaking parole years ago. 

Drawn to the buzz surrounding the next day’s events, the Thénardiers, persistent con artists, take advantage of approaching battle (and death), ready to claim their loot. 

“Tomorrow we’ll discover what our God in heaven has in store,” they all sing at the end. “One more dawn, one more day – one day more.” 

In the Epilogue, Fantine returns to comfort a dying Jean Valjean. Finally, at the end of his days, he is redeemed and forgiven, after years of trying to right the wrongs of the past. He says his goodbyes to Cosette, entrusting her to the care of Marius Pontmercy, whose life Valjean saves after the battle at the barricades. 

In the epilogue of Les Miserables, the powerful ending asks, ‘Do you hear the people sing?’https://t.co/zaXLf3CP1f

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) February 24, 2016

Once more, we hear the familiar strains of “Do You Hear The People Sing” as the ensemble returns for what will be the show’s finale. 

Watch the videos above, and make sure to catch the show when it premieres this March. You can also read about the Australian production here and read more about what to expect here.  – Rappler.com