Les Misérables is the longest-running musical in the world, and they embarked on tour this summer with a stop at the Hollywood Pantages, where I got to see this classic show.
This is not a spoiler-free review. Spoiler sections will be identified.
Set in early 19th-century France, Les Misérables is the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant, and his desire for redemption, released in 1815 after serving nineteen years in jail, five for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister’s starving child, the other fourteen for numerous escape attempts. Valjean decides to break his parole and start his life anew after a bishop inspires him with a tremendous act of mercy. But a police inspector named Javert refuses to let him escape justice and pursues him for most of the play. Along the way, Valjean and a slew of characters are swept into a revolutionary period in France, where a group of young idealists attempt to overthrow the government at a street barricade in Paris.
For those in theatre, Les Mis is a beloved classic, and that is why the show was on my brother and I’s bucket list of shows to see. And it really did not disappoint. There were some fantastic moments and incredible talent, but also some things that could have been done differently in my opinion.
Let’s start with the good. The cast was overall phenomenal, but I must give a special shout-out to our Jean Valjean, played by Nick Cartell. He was truly phenomenal in the role and brought me to tears with his performance. Valjean’s solos were never my favorite songs in the show, but Cartell’s rendition was simply outstanding especially “Bring Him Home”.
Other roles that were done very well include Thénardier, played by Matt Crowle, and Marius, played by Gregory Lee Rodriguez. The cast overall clearly really enjoyed performing this show, even with how depressing it is in the long run. They brought levity where it was fitting and respected the darker moments, thus creating a thoroughly entertaining experience.
Something that I wish was done differently is a slight change in song order, which I know is easier said than done. But this is a change they did in the film version, so it can be done. This change is to have the song “I Dreamed A Dream” by Fantine performed after she sold her hair and herself. Having that song performed at Fantine’s absolute lowest. It is such an emotional song and having it before she is at her breaking point doesn’t work as well for me personally.
There were some small performance and staging choices that I didn’t necessarily love as well. Madame Thénardier was one that I have seen performed in a way I have personally liked better. Just some slight character choices that work better for the role.
SPOILERS BELOW. HOVER TO REVEAL.
The staging of Javert’s suicide was frankly a little cheesy and did not communicate his fate as well as it could have. We didn’t need to see him fall to his death, and the use of projection and wire-flying feels cheap.
Another staging moment that was not well done is Eponine’s death. It happened much earlier than it felt like it should have and was very anticlimactic. The actress didn’t even act like she was shot, her body not even reacting thus giving the audience no clues as to what is happening. She then quickly heads down the barricade and drops to the floor to sing her final song, and if I did not already know that Eponine dies, I would have been very confused as to what happened. It was all very rushed and it felt like Eponine’s character didn’t matter even though she is a huge catalyst for many events in the show.
Spoilers End Here
Overall, this production of Les Misérables was phenomenal and moved me to tears despite how hard I tried to not cry. And when you see the show done live, you understand why it is the longest-running musical in the world.
Have you seen Les Misérables in person? Tell me about it with a comment!