Hear the People Sing!

Matt Crowle as Thénardier (left) and Victoria Huston Elem as Madame Thénardier (right) in the national tour of Les Misérables. Photo credit: Matthew Murphy.

A review of Les Misérables

by Sofia Gilson, age 16

Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of the same name, follows ex-convict Jean Valjean on his path to redemption, with a heaping side of French resistance, romance, and death. Les Mis is my favorite musical—the first show I ever costumed for—and this production did not fail to impress me and bring me to tears! The current North American tour that I had the pleasure of attending has a grittier take on the show; the set, costumes, and cast are all incredible, with only minor lighting inconsistencies throughout the show.

The set of this production of Les Misérables (designed by Matt Kinley) is absolutely stunning. An additional stage floor with tracks is installed at each theatre the show plays in, allowing for the large balcony sets on either side of the stage to move seamlessly in and out to reveal other sets. It is absolutely amazing to watch live! The large looming barricade revealed after “On My Own” was breathtaking and haunting, only making the following scenes of the June Rebellion all the more intricate. The railing used for Javert’s “Stars” and "Soliloquy" to overlook the city of Paris and the Seine was a very effective choice for both numbers, allowing Javert to remain center stage but still distinctly show his location.

The use of projections (realized by Finn Ross and Fifty-Nine Productions) to take the place of moving stage elements was well done when used sparingly. For example, the images of the Paris sewer worked well to distinctly show Valjean’s movement throughout the tunnels, but the projection of the streets behind the barricade was a bit cheesy with the animated gunfire.

The lighting of the stage (designed by Paule Constable) was a bit inconsistent throughout the show. Some spotlights on key characters during solo numbers were dim, and numbers such as “At the End of the Day” and “Look Down” were very dark, making it hard to see from seats farther from the stage. I did thoroughly enjoy the usage of harsh, white light upon Fantine after her death and the students after their murder on the barricade.

Les Mis demands an incredible cast, who can articulate emotional, heartfelt ballads and powerful outcries for revolution, which is absolutely delivered by this production. From the Thénardiers’ (portrayed by Matt Crowle and Victoria Huston-Elem) comedic bits in “Master of the House” and “Thénardier Waltz,” to Fantine’s (Lindsay Heather Pearce) famous plea “I Dreamed a Dream,” to the ensemble’s intricate overlaps in “One Day More,” every number packed many punches. I also must give credit to the incredible youth actors who portray Little Cosette/Young Éponine (Lillian Castner & Kayla Scola-Giampapa) and Gavroche (Cree-Silver Corley & Rocco Van Auken). Their tear-jerking acting performances in these roles were on par with their adult co-stars!

Of course, I must mention the show's stunning costumes (originally designed by Andreane Neofitou, with additional design by Christine Rowland & Paul Wills). Thénardier’s military-style jacket over his rags, the wedding guests’ formal attire, and Cosette’s blue dress and green jacket are some of my favorite outfits. I appreciate Cosette and the guests’ apparel because of their vibrant colors, extravagance, and period accuracy, and Thénardier’s jacket as a callback to his body lootings during the Napoleonic Wars, not mentioned in the musical. All iconic costumes, such as Javert’s hat and coat or Valjean’s stolen military uniform worn on the barricade, were portrayed perfectly. Cosette’s wedding dress is inaccurate to the period, as white wedding dresses were not widely worn until 1840, but I do understand the choice. The large contrast of color between the poor beggars versus the rich students, as well as the change in style and color in Valjean’s fashion throughout his many stages of life added great visual contrast.

Having the opportunity to see one of my favorite musicals live with an amazing cast and overall design was very exciting, and the show does not fail to impress. Other than a few minor inconsistencies or nitpicks, it is an awe-inspiring experience that does not disappoint!

Catch national tours and more at the Marcus Performing Arts Center!