Through Sun 11/18
Steam Punk returns in this version of Les Misérables (let’s call it Les Miz) now playing in Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace through November 18. It’s yet another revival of the Cameron Mackintosh 1980s mega-hit: this time one that stresses metaphorical elements. Mist, smoke, fog, black and white shroud the stage.
This effect is said to be based on Victor Hugo’s own sketches, how he envisioned the scene. While it doesn’t work for me (I felt as if I needed to remove the sunglasses I was not wearing), it didn’t seem to bother other Les Miz fans around me one bit.
Set in France during the reign of Napoleon, and based on an epic novel (a very good read) by Victor Hugo, Les Miz reflects concerns of the 1980s (reeking with 1970s nostalgia). There’s no justice in their world so rebels tear down and resist, but don’t seem to gain. For anyone who doesn’t know the story (is there anyone who doesn’t?) one of the quickest plot summaries currently resides on Wiki.
Directors Laurence Connor and James Powell are not afraid of having characters make grand gestures; there’s a great deal of arm waving, and it works for some. For example, as Madame Thénardier, the delightful comic Allison Guinn just rules the stage (what a terrific part!) Guinn makes the absolute most of her character with body English bounce that reveals the joy Madame Thénardier exudes (despite the obvious handicap of being married to Thénardier). As her wicked and comic husband, J Anthony Crane proves a great match. In their hands, “Master of the House” and “Beggars at the Feast” come vibrantly alive.
Josh Davis as Javert proves a proper villain with an appealing voice and menacing presence. Davis shows what happens when a mind that splits everything into good or bad suddenly can’t deal with ambiguity. He also enjoys one of the best visuals in the show.
As Jean Valjean, Nick Cartell often projects the necessary force embodied in his character. “Bring Him Home” remains a sure tearjerker. Andrew Maughan, as the rich-voiced Bishop of Digne who gives Valjean the chance of a lifetime, showed how strong mercy can be.
The huge ensemble cast (including Baldwin Wallace graduate Gabriel Sidney Brown) effectively and tunefully stands for the various people Valjean meets over the course of his long life.
The youngest cast members also reached through the frenzied storyline to produce moments of genuine feeling (perhaps because the children are still too young to notice the artifice behind their roles). Their pure voices, most especially little Cosette and young Éponine (Vivi Howard and Madeleine Guilbot), and Parker Dzuba as Gavroche, were a relief to the occasionally overblown voices of the adults (who, to be fair, were burdened with having to speak solely by singing).
Mick Potter’s sound effects, especially during the battle scene were jarringly real. Conductor Brian Eads led the orchestra as it brought the rich score to life.
BOTTOM LINE: It’s Les Miz, a legend. True fans will find a ritual pleasure in revisiting this old favorite. I found the visuals (and much of the sound quality) disappointing compared to earlier incarnations. YMMV.
[Written by Laura Kennelly]
Cleveland, OH 44115