Introduction to Herbert Kretzmer
Herbert Kretzmer, the renowned writer of the English libretto for Les Misérables, believed that his contributions to the musical were often underappreciated. After his passing in 2020, his archive was donated to Cambridge University, where it revealed some interesting facts about the creation of the English-language version of Les Misérables.
The Creation of Les Misérables
Les Misérables was first adapted from Victor Hugo’s novel in 1862 into a French album and stage show in 1980. The English-language version, written by Kretzmer, was opened in London in 1985. In a letter to theater producer Cameron Mackintosh in 1987, Kretzmer expressed his concerns about not receiving enough recognition for his work. He stated that "Les Misérables in English is practically a new, rewritten show" and that it was not just a translation of the original French version.
The Archive
The Kretzmer archive, donated to Cambridge University, contains a wealth of information about the creation of Les Misérables. It includes correspondence, memos, and drafts of the musical. One memo from 1985 reveals that Brian Selnee, who auditioned for the role of Jean Valjean, "worked hard on his voice and made considerable improvements." The archive also contains letters from famous actors, including Frank Sinatra and Peter Sellers, as well as photos of director Stanley Kubrick.
Discoveries from the Archive
Dr. Liz Savage, an assistant for special collections at Cambridge University Library, helped catalog the Les Misérables sections of the archive. She found many changes in Kretzmer’s second draft of the musical, including the change from "Together" to "Angry" in the song "Do You Hear the People Sing?" The song, which has been sung in protests all over the world, begins: "Do you hear the people sing?/ Singing the song of angry men." The archive also shows that Kretzmer initially tried other words, such as "Valiant" and "Fearless," before settling on "Angry."
Preserving the Archive
Kretzmer’s widow, Sybil, expressed her gratitude that the archive is being preserved by Cambridge University Library. She said, "The prestige of the University of Cambridge reflects the effects and influence of Herbert’s work, and we know that the archive is preserved by the library and lives for generations, just like Les Misérables itself." The archive provides a unique insight into the creation of one of the most popular musicals of all time and will be a valuable resource for researchers and fans of Les Misérables.
The Legacy of Herbert Kretzmer
Herbert Kretzmer’s legacy extends beyond his work on Les Misérables. He also wrote lyrics for the song "Goodness Me," which was made famous by Peter Sellers and Sophia Loren. He collaborated with French singer Charles Aznavour on his 1974 hit "She." Kretzmer’s work continues to be celebrated, and his archive will ensure that his contributions to the world of musical theater are not forgotten.
