Cameron Mackintosh’s
“Les Miserables” has returned in all its glory to the Center of
Performing Arts, compliments of the American Musical Theatre of San
Jose. This is first class touring company that brought just about
everything with it from its Broadway production.
Cameron Mackintosh’s “Les Miserables” has returned in all its glory to the Center of Performing Arts, compliments of the American Musical Theatre of San Jose. This is first class touring company that brought just about everything with it from its Broadway production.
When Victor Hugo wrote his classic novel that sweeps through three turbulent decades of 19th century France, he never could have envisioned his story with the splendid music and presentation of this legendary production.
Now in its eighteenth year in London and its 16th year on Broadway, the play has been translated into 21 languages, played in 29 countries and won 50 major awards. Les Miz is the first in Broadway musical theater history to play in China. “Les Miz” has been seen by 53 million people world wide and doesn’t appear to be losing steam.
This, the second longest running show on Broadway, has a following with an insatiable appetite to see it over and over again to standing ovations. It is more than a Broadway musical, it is an opera, and as operas must have superb singers, this production offers the finest in all the leading roles.
Ivan Rutherford is magnificent as Jean Valjean, his stunning tenor and counter tenor producing remarkable moments. When he plaintively prays for the life of Marius, his daughter’s love – in “Bring Him Home” the audience reacted with well-deserved appreciation. He carries a heavy load and is in almost every scene of this very long production.
Scott Hunt as Marius, Cosette’s love, is another jewel. His sound is clear and pure and is a joy to hear and watch. He is well cast as the idealistic, gentle rebel.
The obsessed Javett is ably carried by Steven Tewksbury who holds his own with this illustrious company. Jessica Snow Wilson as Eponine, puts a poignantly impish spin on the part and delivers a lovable gamin charm.
The entire cast is first rate and the production is sharp and fresh. Considering many companies of “Les Miz” have been touring for the past fourteen years with some cast members appearing in it for the past ten, keeping the show fresh and sharp is a tribute to everyone connected to this production.
“Les Miz” takes the prize for one of the longest of first acts. So be sure to be comfortable when you enter the theater. It is a deep, dark heavy plot; be prepared to pay attention even if you have read the book. The story line in the play is very detailed and sets change quickly before your eyes. Blink and you will miss an important moment.
To touch on a small part of the magnitude of moving this national touring company, take eight trailer trucks that carry the 12,250 pound barricades that make up the main set. Include a 10,000 pound 34-foot-diameter turntable that moves people and sets on stage. Add 1,000 costume pieces, 150 pair of shoes, 45 wigs and five fog machines using 500 pounds of dry ice a show, and you will find that is only a fraction of what those eight trucks carry. Mind boggling to say the least.
“Les Miz” is a masterpiece of theater, that should not be missed. Music lovers will savor its richness and theater aficionados will appreciate its creativity.
Camille Bounds is the arts and entertainment editor for the Western Division of Sunrise Publications.
