Les Miserables is pulsating power, focused deep energy, joy and sorrow, love and yes hate and most of all experiencing this grand opera is a life changing experience. There are plays and musicals and operas and then there is Les Miserables. It is truly transformative.
In a sense it is the story of one man, Jean Valjean, who by an act of compassion, stealing a loaf of bread to feed a starving and destitute child, is sentenced to 5 years in prison but spends a total of 19 years because of his many attempts to escape. Upon his release Jean Valjean is a very bitter and angry man who immediately makes the Bishop of Digne a victim of theft. However, the good Bishop lies to the police to prevent Valjean’s reincarceration. By that act the Bishop of Digne sets the new path for Jean Valjean.
Along the way Jean Valjean becomes a wealthy businessman, a mayor and ultimately a man of tremendous love, compassion and wisdom. Yet he forever remains prisoner 24601. Through out his journey Jean Valjean is dogged by his nemesis Javert, a man driven by a passion for the law. The life of Jean Valjean and of those around him is the essence of the magnificent Les Miserables brilliantly executed by the stellar cast currently on stage at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.
The entire cast is just plain great. But J. Mark McVey shines brightly as Jean Valjean as does Andrew Varela as Javert. For me another great star is Shawna M. Hamic as the utterly corrupt Madame Thenardier. But one spine tingling, utterly captivating performance was offered up at the beginning of act two by Chasten Harmon as Eponine as she stole the hearts of all present with her delivery of “On My Own.” The applause was explosive and sustained and drew an enthusiastic and well deserved “Bravo” from one patron.
The orchestra was superbly conducted by Robert Billig who delivered musical perfection for more than two and a half hours.
Special kudos also goes to Matt Kinley for an utterly amazing array of sets that flowed seamlessly throughout the performance. There was also an exquisite use of multi media at key points along the way. Nineteenth century France was always right there on stage.
Yes the vocal performances were exhilarating. Solos by J. Mark McVey, Andrew Varella, Chasten Harmon and others were all simply sensational. But in the end, for all of the wonderful music, the great set design, the awesome lighting Les Miserables is about the story. Taken from the pages of a Victor Hugo novel, Les Miserables illuminates the human experience like no other man made creation on earth. You don’t simply watch Les Miserables, you are absorbed by it and you are eternally changed by the experience.
Les Miserables is at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Performances are now to July 31, 2011, Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are from $20 to $130 and may be purchased or reserved by calling 213-972-4400 or online at: www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.
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