French Revolution, Circa 2025

Christian Mark Gibbs as Enjolras (center) and the cast of the Les Misérables national tour. Photo credit: Matthew Murphy.

A review of Les Misérables

by DevinReigh Endries, age 14

The national tour of Les Misérables was amazing, full stop. I've seen the show once before in a community setting, as well as the movie starring Hugh Jackman, like most other people. But don't go into this show thinking about that, because that's what I did, and let me say that this show makes the movie look like dust in comparison. This show has so much to talk about that actors, sets, costuming will all be mentioned because none of it can be overlooked.

But before I get into everything great about this show, I want to dive a bit deeper into the title of this piece, “French Revolution, Circa 2025.” While the show handles pretty heavy topics (first released as a book in 1862), it still holds up in 2025, though there is no current French revolution happening. Valjean’s struggles can be translated into many political contexts, as he faces issues throughout the show that are the topic of discussion today. And this specific production really makes you think about the show's message, even comparing it to things happening globally.

I was purely blown away by this cast and the way they fully embodied the characters they were playing. Every single person, from Jean Valjean to random village person #2, was fantastic. But of course, some people just stood out beyond that basic character portrayal. Most reviewers would obviously shout out the leading role of Jean Valjean since they have the most time to show their talents and acting, but Nick Cartell went beyond in the role. It didn't matter if he was the main focus of the scene; he always stayed Valjean. Cartell also perfectly embodied the character’s relationship with Fantine (played by Lindsay Heather Pearce), making their relationship cause more of an emotional impact.

Next, I want to mention Gavroche (played by Rocco Van Auken). This little man stole the show every single scene he was in, and in every single song he sang, you could hear his little voice joining the front lines. While of course Gavroche can be played by any age under fourteen, this production’s Gavroche was around eleven and he was perfect. In addition to Gavroche, Grantaire (played by Kyle Adams), who was a father figure or older brother figure to Gavroche in this production, was amazing at portraying their relationship. It also didn't matter what the scene was, they were always together or ended up together by the end of the scene. Their bond came full circle in act two, really portraying the results of the French Revolution and giving an inside look to some relationships similar to Gavroche and Grantaire’s. 

But of course, it wouldn't be a review of Les Misérables without mentioning the Thenardiers. Monsieur Thenardier (played by Matt Crowle) really took this character and ran with it in the best way possible. Every single character choice he made perfectly fit his character, from subtle lyric changes to be (a little) less offensive to making subtle gestures or movements to other actors, really creating this character. Every single time Madame Thenardier (played by Victoria Huston-Elem) interacted with her husband, there was a palpable hatred and/or hilarious insults being tossed. One choice I’m not sure is blocking or a personal choice was when she was singing in “Master of the House” and tossed the baguette instead of throwing it down, creating perfect comical timing.

Finally I want to  shout out Enjolras (played by Christian Mark Gibbs). His sheer will to be in the front lines, inspiring all his fellow revolution mates, his booming voice coming out in every single vocal number, and his entire character arc throughout the show really pulled at the audience's heartstrings. Speaking of heartstrings, I can say with confidence that there was not a dry eye in that theater. If you're not familiar with Les Misérables, the show is very emotion-inducing, and the actors perfectly portrayed those emotions number after number. 

Finally, I want to mention the set designer, Matt Kinley. The set moved in ways I don’t think anyone in the audience expected, and when the barricade was brought out, audible gasps could be heard. Every single item on stage, from the smallest prop to the largest set piece, was mechanical genius, making it easy to travel to the many locations in the show. Tiny props can make the biggest difference, as with the baguette in “Master of the House” or the meat grinder in “Master of the House” (if you can't tell, I was very impressed by “Master of the House.”) Every little design made the show go that extra mile. 

All in all, this show will amaze everyone who sees it in the near future. People can have differing opinions about Les Misérables, but this cast could change them. Everything about this show was perfectly executed and had its own unique charm. If you have the time, I sincerely recommend you take an evening to experience this spectacular show. 

See more national tours and other shows at the Marcus Performing Arts Center!