By Rose Sopko
A 1500 page novel adapted into an almost three hour musical doesn’t sound too exhilarating at first thought, does it? Guess again. This is completely untrue when talking about “Les Miserables.” Produced by Cameron Mackintosh, the musical is based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of the same name.
Set in 19th century France, “Les Miserable” is the story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who has just been released after a 19-year incarceration. His nemesis is Inspector Javert, who has always considered him a common criminal and spends his life searching for Valjean in hopes of finally capturing him. The play follows Valjean as he strives to start his life anew, and leave his past behind.
The sets are exceptional, complete with a fully rotating stage, and once the curtain opens, you feel like you have been swept away to France.
“Master of the House” is a comedic number that shows inn keepers Monsieur and Madame Thenardier “catering” to their patrons, while they are actually stealing from them once they become intoxicated.
“One Day More,” the finale of the first act, shows each character’s intent in the second act of the musical. The students are preparing for a revolution, Inspector Javert is on his quest for Jean Valjean, both Eponine (Ma-Anne Dionsio) and Cosette (Amanda Huddleston) are proclaiming their love for Marius (Josh Young) and Valjean is ready to take his daughter away from the impending battle.
The production in New York had its final performance in May 2003, after a 16-year run, and has made its way to Boston. A majority of the cast comes straight off the final Broadway company, including Randal Keith, who was chosen by Mackintosh to portray Jean Valjean in the final Broadway production.
In addition to Keith, the entire cast does a superb job bringing the story to life. Every word in the show is sung, and each musical number stands out in its own way.
Les Miserables has been around for almost two decades, and audiences are still coming out to see the show in droves. Don’t be one of the few unlucky who hasn’t experienced the magic of “Les Mis.”
