By Kimberly Harper
Providence is home to the kickoff for the new national tour of Les Miserables, the classic multiple-award-winning musical based on Victor Hugo’s 19th century novel, and it’s a production unlike any you’ve ever seen. Directors Laurence Connor and James Powell have taken this well-worn classic and breathed new life into it, refreshing the story and making it the most immersive version yet.
It’s hard to recap a three-hour musical in a few sentences, but essentially, Les Miserables is the story of one man who winds up in jail for trying to feed his starving family, breaks his parole, and never really lives it down. Though he manages to better himself, his past is always knocking, and when a student uprising (no, not the French Revolution, that was a century earlier) intersects with his attempts at a quiet life, Jean Val Jean realizes there’s no running from history.
So what makes this production so special? First and foremost, the cast is talented. Ridiculously, endlessly talented. Big shows like this are often propelled by the efforts of the ensemble, and this one is polished to a shine. The leads are equally impressive – there’s not a weak link to be found anywhere. At first I found Eponine’s straight-belt whining in Act 1 irritating, but actress Phoenix Best more than redeems it with a beautiful interpretation of “On My Own” in Act 2. Val Jean (Nick Cartell) and Javert (Josh Davis) are flawless – the latter being an especially nice treat after the abomination Russell Crowe was in the movie. Both Cartell’s rendition of “Bring Him Home” and Davis’ Act 1 “Stars” will leave you speechless. Melissa Mitchell plays the ill-fated Fantine, and does a fabulous job, and Jillian Butler’s beautiful, clear soprano is perfectly suited to Cosette. Sophie Knapp did a lovely job with “Castle on a Cloud” as young Cosette on press night, and Julian Emile Lerner practically stole the show at moments with his cheeky, street-wise Gavroche.
The production values in this show are off the charts. Every scene is beautifully lit. With their saturated colors, muted backdrops (courtesy of one hell of a projection system) and rich costumes, every moment looks like an oil painting. Hats off to lighting designer Paul Constable, costumers Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, and set designer Matt Kinley for this visual feast. There are moments of theater magic that are simply breathtaking, notably the scenes in the sewers and Javert’s death.
If you’re at all interested in theater, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve seen Les Mis at least once. I was trying to recount the number of professional and community theater productions I’ve seen and couldn’t remember them all. But the kickoff to the new national tour at PPAC is by far the best all-around production you could hope for.
The national tour launch of Les Miserables runs through Sept. 30 at the Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. Tickets may be obtained online at ppacri.org or by calling 401.421.2787
