Do You Hear the People Sing?

Les Miserables

Once again making a welcome return to Chicago, longtime fans  of LES MISERABLES, as well as brand new audiences, will have another opportunity to enjoy this refreshed, updated production, but only for the next two weeks. Billed as “the final tour,” the production is based upon the most recent Broadway revival. Co-directors Laurence Connor and James Powell have beautifully guided and creatively restaged this new National Tour version. The production features a beautifully reimagined scenic design by Matt Kinley. Inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the show’s stunning, towering sets, with projections by Finn Ross and Fifty-Nine Productions, sometimes feel almost cinematic. Gorgeously enhanced by Paul Constable’s luminous lighting and a phenomenal surround-sound design, courtesy of Mick Potter, makes this production dazzling to all the senses.

The authenticity, detail and sheer number of costumes and accessories created by Andreane Neofitou for this enormous cast, with additional work by Christine Rowland and Paul Wills, is quite amazing. Additionally, fine attention to hair, wig and makeup design is under the direction of Stefan Alexander.  

This impressive, sweeping, sung-through musical plays like a dark, pop opera. It’s skillfully guided by Musical Director Glenn Alexander II, who also conducts the rich, full-sounding, sixteen-member pit orchestra. Fresh musical arrangements help breathe new life into Claude-Michel Schonberg’s lush, symphonic score, which features lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. The production was adapted by Trevor Nunn and John Caird from the original text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, with additional material by James Fenton. “Do you hear the people sing?”

For anyone in this day and age who’s unfamiliar with the story of this sweeping epic 19th century melodrama, it’s based upon Victor Hugo’s lengthy 1862 French historical novel that follows ex-convict Jean Valjean in his quest for redemption. As the earnest and repentant young man tries to turn things around, he’s pursued relentlessly by Inspector Javert, determined to arrest Valjean again for breaking his parole. The entire story, which spans many years, is set against social and political turmoil. Featuring themes of injustice, sacrifice, redemption and love, the story reaches one of its climaxes with the 1832 student rebellion.    

A cast of more than thirty brilliant, accomplished and energetic actor/singers, including swings and understudies, make this production come alive. There is an array of extremely talented actors and, in particular, sensational vocalists. In this production, Jean Valjean is magnificently portrayed once again by Nick Cartell, whose resume boasts a wide range of great roles. Gifted with a gorgeous voice laced with lovely high, tenor notes, this ruggedly handsome actor displays a maturity that lends itself perfectly to a character who’s been beaten down by society.. He’s obsessively chased across France by Javert, his unrelenting pursuer, played with vindictive vile by Hayden Tee. Played with grandeur, dignity and unbelievable vocal prowess, Javert is the quintessential antagonist. Together, these two actors are reasons enough for revisiting Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg’s beloved work. Both performers display exquisite, operatic voices and powerful theatrics. 

The tragic heroine, Fantine, is portrayed by lovely and talented Lindsay Heather Pearce, with her young daughter, Cosette, played opening night by little Lillian Castner (at certain performances by Kayla Scola-Giampapa). When Cosette grows into a beautiful young woman, she’s portrayed by Alexa Lopez. Her romantic interest is the handsome young student, Marius, played by Peter Neureuther (in his National Tour debut). The incredibly gifted Christian Mark Gibbs plays Enjolras, the leader of the rebel students, only through May 15, after which Daniel Gerard Bittner finishes the run. On opening night, Eponine was beautifully played opening night by Mikako Martin, instead of Jaedynn Latter. Special mention must be made of a young boy named Gavroche, who aids the student rebels. He was played opening night by Cree Silver Corley, but who alternates in the role with Rocco Van Auken. 

And last but not least, the lovable but bawdy and comic villains of the story, the Thenardiers, are portrayed with unscrupulous relish by Victoria Huston-Elem and, of special note, Chicago’s own beloved song-and-dance man/choreographer, Matt Crowle. And he’s absolutely brilliant as the “Master of the House,” in this hilarious role!

Over the decades, this epic musical has become a theatrical favorite worldwide; and this lavish, heartfelt, superbly-performed and immaculately produced National Tour is proof why. This show may never be seen again with such fine attention to detail. From the creative genius of directors Laurence Connor and James Powell, to a dream cast of polished  musical and dramatic talent, this magnificent production should not be missed. Highlighted by superb technical artistry, and cloaked in multitudes of period costumes and wigs, this astounding, near perfect production sets the bar high for every other. “At the End of the Day,” this is a LES MISERABLES to be thoroughly enjoyed and remembered for years to come. “Do you hear the people sing?” I do, and I loved every note and lyric of this musical.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented May 12-24 by Broadway in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at all BIC box offices, at all Ticketmaster retail locations, by calling the Broadway in Chicago Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or by going to www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found at www.theatreinchicago.com. 

Photo by Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade