As the stage lights dim and the overture begins, a gust of wind lifts you onto the 19th-century barricades of France. In a world full of uncertainty, the musical “Les Misérables” reminds us of the atrocities that our world has once faced and the hope that endures in the midst of suffering.
From Oct. 7-19, the award-winning musical returned to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre delivering an incredible performance filled with a range of emotions that will definitely bring tears to your eyes or leave you in complete shock. The music that echoed throughout the theater and the lyrics of each song resonated a deep message of understanding as I watched the cast perform.
Transporting audiences back to the early 1800s in France, “Les Misérables” follows an ex-convict, Jean Valjean, who seeks a second chance at life, while being hunted by Inspector Javert for breaking his parole during a revolution in Paris. Along the way he raises his adoptive daughter Cosette who becomes involved in a love triangle involving both Marius and Éponine.
“Les Misérables” first opened on Broadway on March 12, 1987 and ended on May 18, 2003. Yet, there have been several revivals to the musical since then with many new features being added to the show. On Oct. 17, I was able to watch the U.S. tour of “Les Misérables” which is currently on its third year of touring.
The Oct. 17 cast consisted of 43 actors including, Nick Cartell (Jean Valjean), Preston Truman Boyd (Javert), Lindsay Heather Pearce (Fantine), Matt Crowle (Thénardier), Victoria Huston-Elem (Madame Thénardier), Christian Mark Gibbs (Enjolras), Jaedynn Latter (Éponine), Peter Nereuther (Marius) and Alexa Lopez (Cosette).
Known as “one of the greatest musicals ever created,” I can definitely agree that “Les Misérables” lives up to this reputation as the tragic themes of love, loss and the struggles for justice are explored all throughout the musical, shaping a story on the complexities of humanity.
While the musical consisted of mainly singing, dancing was very minimal as the show focused more on shaping a narrative through song. The song, “Do You Hear The People Sing,” stood out to me the most as the lyrics reminded me of the struggles for justice that are still present in our modern day society.
Additionally, one unique feature of the show was the absence of a turntable. For approximately 39 years in the original version of “Les Misérables,” a turntable was present to create a visual story which helped with scene transitions due to the large production. However, as of 2019, the directors ultimately decided to remove the turntable as the new version of the musical was designed to be more adaptable for touring and did not feel it was necessary for the production. Although there was not a turntable present, the sets were absolutely extraordinary, bringing the narrative to life.
While leaving the Panteges Theatre after a night of music and emotion, a feeling of introspection came over me as I took my last steps out of the theater. And yet, as I slowly made my way to stage door, I felt as if I could hear the chorus of people singing slowly fade as I walked farther from the theater.
