We’re one day out from the election and whatever your political leanings, it feels fair to say that the nation’s nerves are on edge. We’re on the threshold of something big and something important, except no one can really say what that will be. It could be a simple change in leadership, the kind of peaceful transference of power that has happened in America for over two hundred years, or it could be another four years of a Trump administration or it could be long days of electoral uncertainty.
The point is, something is in the air and because we are standing on the precipice of possible political upheaval, now is the perfect time to launch into “One Day More,” from the musical Les Misérables.
For those who aren’t well versed in musical theater, “One Day More” is the big climatic number that closes Act 1, where all the principal characters stand poised on the cusp on massive political and personal change. Revolutionaries brace themselves for attack, young lovers face heartbreak, the gendarmerie gear up for battle, and a nation’s political and social structures hang in the balance.
You see then, why so many people on social media might go to this song on today of all days to capture what they’re feeling.
“One Day More” starts slow, but like all good show stoppers, builds and builds to a frenetic and chaotic chorus. It’s one of the best numbers in all of musical theater (fight me), so why not spend some time singing along at the top of your lungs? Here are the best versions of “One Day More”, from Les Mis, ranked.
No.1 One Day More (encore)-Les Misérables in Concert:The 25th Anniversary
The 25th Anniversary concert at London’s The O brings back not just the original cast of Les Mis, but throws in greats like Alfie Boe. The encore version combines all their voices to a staggering effect, making it hands down the best One Day More.
No. 2 10th Anniversary Cast
Again, you get so much of the original cast, but this version has Lea Salonga as Epionine, which is hard to beat.
No.3 The Original London Cast Recording
Colm Wilkinson as Valjean, Roger Allam as Javert and the undefeated Patti LuPone as Fantine. The standard for big, Broadway musical numbers.
No.4 Les Misérables 2012 movie
Despite Russell Crowe as an absolutley embarrassing Javert and a weak Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Eddie Redmayne as Marius, Samantha Barks as Eponine, and Aaron Tevitt as Enjolras truly make this number.
No.5 The 25th Anniversary Cast
Top marks for Alfie Boe as Valjean, minus a hundred points for Nick Jonas as Marius.