CHICAGO—One of the most poignant and profound musicals—“Les Miserables”—perhaps one of the greatest musicals of all time, is now playing in its North American tour at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago.
This scene catapults the action: A man has been released from jail after serving a 19-year sentence for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving nephew. He arrives at a bishop’s home and is soon arrested by a policeman who caught him stealing the priest’s silverware. But the bishop tells the policeman that he gifted the man the silverware, and that the man forgot the two candlesticks he gave him as well. The policeman departs and the bishop tells the ex-convict that with the candlesticks he is giving him, his soul now belongs to god.
A Classic Novel-Turned-Musical
The show is set in 19th-century France. It’s adapted from Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of the same name by Alain Boublil, who also wrote the lyrics with Herbert Kretzmer. The musical score is by Claude-Michel Schonberg.“Les Miserables” follows the life of Jean Valjean, a man who seeks redemption for his past and who tries to restore goodness to his life despite being relentlessly pursued for decades by Inspector Javert, a man with a single-minded focus on a rigid, concrete-bound sense of law and order.
The epic masterpiece has the kind of dramatic intensity that Hugo (1802–1885) was famous for. For this reason, the theatrical experience is even more palpable and powerful than in his novel. Perfectly directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, the show has all the big emotions of tragedy, romance, love, in its scenes of revolution and redemption. These scenes focus one’s mind and resonate in one’s heart.
It’s not just the story that tugs at one’s heartstrings. Everything about this show is as awesome as musical theater gets. Set in various locations of Paris, Matt Kinley crafts fascinating scenic designs that are absolutely breathtaking. Chairs, tables, and other furnishings are piled up into a fascinating barricade.
Paule Constable provides lighting design that realistically mimics the subterranean Paris underground, and sound design by Mick Potter has the audience believing that there’s rushing water beneath the stage. Lavish period costumes by Christine Rowland create an even richer atmosphere of time and place, and last but not least is the absolutely perfect musical direction by Will Curry.
With its haunting musical score and fascinating characters, “Les Miserables” is one of the most extraordinary of musicals.
A Spell-binding Show
As Jean Valjean, Nick Cartell is captivating in his portrayal and delivers his songs passionately, especially “Bring Him Home.” As Fantine, Lindsay Heather Pearce is compelling when she sings the glorious “I Dreamed a Dream.” Nick Rehberger delivers a terrific portrait of the one-track minded Javert, who stands out when he comes to see his guilt and cruelty, a realization that eventually destroys him.For comic relief, there are Matt Crowle and Victoria Huston-Elem as the Thénardiers, the greedy innkeepers. Though they portray conniving con artists, they bring down the house with the spirited, humorous “Masters of the House.” Randy Jeter is convincing as the kind Bishop.
In addition, Jake David Smith plays rebel leader, Marius, and sings a tender “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” that brings tears to the eyes. The climactic ensemble number “Do You Hear the People Sing?” is the rousing, irresistible song of rebellion.
What’s amazing about producer Cameron Macintosh’s dedication to “Les Miserables” is that, although it debuted in London in 1985 and on Broadway in 1987, it never gets stale. I’ve seen the show over a half-dozen times, and each time is better than the one before.
Indeed, this production is riveting, remarkable, exceptional, superb, and splendid. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe it. If you see only one show at the turn of the year, let it be the spellbinding “Les Miserables.”
