I'm a new Les Mis fan...I saw the 25th Annversary concert on PBS and LOVED IT! I TiVo'ed it and have watched it again and again..and of course I had to order the DVD. Since I'm a newbie, I really don't have any comparisons, but I really, really, REALLY liked Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean!
I asked DH if possibly we could see the touring production in January/February when it comes to our neck of the woods. He said yes!!!
Great to hear that you will get to see it onstage! As good as the concert version is, there is no comparison to seeing it actually "acted out".
Alfie Boe is great, but if you get a chance, you should check out the 10th anniversary concert version. It is available at Amazon. Colm Wilkinson originated the role in London and then was the first to play it on Broadway, and he will always be my favorite Jean Valjean! He sings a bit of "Bring Him Home" at the encore with Alfie and the two current Valjeans.