Les Misérables: An iconic musical that continues to have one day more
As the snare drum sets the beat to the march, audiences cheer for Les Misérables. The iconic musical continues to enchant audiences of all ages.
From music to the Playbill image, Les Misérables is a legendary musical. While the original production debuted 34 years ago in the West End of London, the current US National Tour has found a way to entice old friends and new theatergoers to take a seat and raise a glass to those days gone by. Although many people might know every note, this new production gives a glimpse into the gritty, desolate Victor Hugo world where hope, love and courage can be the light to find a way out.
Currently stopped at Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, Florida, the US National Tour features the production by Cameron Mackintosh, which is similar to the 2014 Broadway revival production. In many ways, the staging contrasts in this show add to the complexity of the story. From the dark shadows to the jarring juxtapositions, the scenery adds to the desolation that characters emote.
With so many people knowing — and loving — both these characters and songs, the cast has to find a way to make the roles their own. Even with such a tall order, the current touring cast shines brightly to cast away the shadows of the past.
Leading the charge is Nick Cartell as Valjean. In some ways, Valjean has a vulnerability that makes him more relatable to the audience. While everyone feels his plight and applauds his transformation, the occasional self-doubt only makes him more connected to the audience.
As Cartell hits the delicate, falsetto notes in “Bring Him Home,” the audience is entranced with his emotions. While the fervent fighting yearns for a better life, those words convey an empathy for the future. Not just for Marius and his future life with Cosette, but for everyone who wishes for a life well lived.
Where these moments bring the audience to the brink, Cartell’s powerful, almost irate conviction in “Who Am I?,” brings the audience into the inner struggle that always part of Valjean. As he follows with his verbal sparing with Javert, the strength is countered with moments of self-doubt. It is a very delicate balance that Cartell handles with precision.
As the audience yearns for Valjean to triumph, everyone jeers at Javert. The pious villain played by Josh Davis is a force on stage. Even with though no one wants Javert to capture Valjean, “Stars” gives the audience a reason not to condemn Javert. He is just following the path of the righteous. The power and depth in Davis’ voice gives those principles validity.
When Javert realizes that his quest is faulty, Davis finds a skillful balance of regret and acceptance. As Javert plunges to his icy grave, the audience is left feeling some remorse that this flawed character could not find love and hope in a dark world.
Where the male leads provide the strength for this Les Miserables production, the women bring the heart. Eponine and her unrequited love for Marius is wonderfully portrayed by Paige Smallwood. Smallwood hits each emotion of that roller coaster of a song. From fear to longing to fantasy, the journey of feelings has the audience feel her heartbreak as their own.
Contrasting that despair is Cosette’s hope. Jillian Butler offers that glimpse in what can be a better life. Whether she is overcome with Marius’ adoration or appreciative of her father’s love, she is the perfect contrast to the darkness that permeates this Les Miz world. Although never naive, her desire for better seems to spur others into action.
In many ways, Les Misérables is so poignant because it works best when the ensemble joins in a united voice. Although the final barricade scene might be the most jarring, “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” might be the scene that remains with the audience long after the curtain comes down.
After the women mourn those who sacrificed for the cause, Marius, played by Joshua Grosso, sees those ghosts in the shadow of the candlelight. It is a heartbreaking visual that adds to the lament of the song. While everyone sought a better life, the journey was littered with sacrifice.
While Les Misérables has been connecting with audiences for over 30 years, the story of hope, love and courage seems to resonate even more today. As more people search for that better life, their choices leave a lasting impact beyond that single moment.
Still, hope, love, and courage ring true and stand eternal. Those emotions drive people to stand up for others and themselves. Whether it is seeking a better life, wanting justice for the opposed or simply living the best life on any given path, that classic beat on a snare drum might be an auditory reminder to follow your heart.
In the end, Les Misérables will have more than just one day to share its tale with audiences. This musical is, and will continue to be, an iconic piece of theater with a timeless, relatable story.
Les Misérables is currently on a National Tour. For complete tour dates, please visit the touring company’s website.
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