Broadway tour of "Les Miserables" at the Orpheum Theatre

Are you ready to hear the people sing? The people being the incredibly talented cast of the long-touring production of the 2014 Broadway revival of Les Miserables, most of whom were with the tour when it was last here in 2022 (and some even in 2018). The singing being the 6th longest running Broadway musical (from 1987 to 2003) and one of the most popular and beloved. I was telling someone about the show today (because I always end up talking theater with strangers) and they asked, why would I want to see something so miserable and depressing? Firstly, the music is gorgeous, nearly three straight hours of singing accompanied by a glorious orchestra. Secondly, because as I've previously written about the show, it's "such an inspiring story. Through a moment of kindness, a man's life is changed and he goes on to affect others' lives by passing on that kindness. But through it all he's still just a man, with doubts and regrets and struggles. In short, it's the human experience." It's truly inspiring and brings me to tears every time, especially my favorite line "to love another person is to see the face of God." Last night I was struck by the contrast between the two main characters. Valjean receives a moment of grace and kindness and allows it to turn his life around for the better, extending grace and kindness to those he meets. But when he extends it to Javert, he is unable to accept it and let go of his lifelong vendetta of hate. The world could use more Valjeans. Experience this epic journey at the Orpheum Theatre through December 1.

Much of the below is borrowed from my reviews of the 2018 and 2022 tours since this production is largely unchanged except for some cast. 

In case you're unfamiliar with the theater juggernaut that is Les Miserables, here's a quick primer. The musical premiered in London in 1985 and arrived on Broadway in 1987, and became one of the longest running musicals in both locations. Based on the 19th century novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, it follows the life of Jean Valjean from the release from his 20-year imprisonment for stealing food, to his involvement in the Paris Uprising of 1832, and many points and characters in between. Always on the run from Inspector Javert, Valjean tries to make a good life for his adopted daughter Cosette while struggling with his past. Its themes are surprisingly relevant today - poverty, unfair imprisonment, the difficulties of re-adjusting to life after imprisonment, on the job harassment of women, the unfairness of prostitution laws that lock up the prostitutes but let the johns go free, and taking to the streets to stand up against the unfairness of the government. That's a lot to pack into three hours, but it makes the time fairly fly by (although there are a few too many long endings), as we barrel through a couple decades of French history, and the life of this one ordinary extraordinary man.

Les Miserables is entirely sung through, giving it that feel of constantly heightened emotions. The characters go from the highest highs to the lowest lows in a matter of minutes. It's all very melodramatic, and very sincere. There's no place for cynicism in Les Miz, you just have to give in to it and let yourself be swept away by the emotions. And if you do, it's a thrilling, chills-inducing, tears-producing ride.

Nick Cartell as Jean Valjean
(photo by Matthew Murphy)

This is our third time seeing Nick Cartell as Valjean here in Minneapolis; he's performed the role over 1200 times. When I first saw him I wrote that he "makes me believe Valjean is the best man that ever lived, so humble and strong and kind, but with very human doubts. And he has amazing control over his vocal instrument, going from a soft and gentle falsetto to an all out belt, giving every note so much emotion. So much emotion!" If anything he's only gotten better with time and repetition. I can't imagine spending six years (give or take a pandemic) living on the road and performing this role, it must take an incredible amount of vocal, physical, and emotional stamina to tell this story every day. The amazing thing is it doesn't at all seem like he's bored or on autopilot; he gives this role everything he's got every night, so present and passionate. It's truly something to see.

photo by Matthew Murphy

The entire cast is fantastic, from the smallest humans to the largest, from the hard-working ensemble to all of the featured and supporting roles. Much of the cast was with the show when it was here two years ago, and the same can be said about each of them knowing and fully living in their role (or more often multiple roles). Highlights include Nick Rehberger as a powerful Javert, Lindsay Heather Pearce as the gorgeously doomed Fantine, Mya Rena Hunter as the tough Eponine covering a depth of feeling (and nearly stopping the show with her rendition of "On My Own"), Delaney Guyer as the sweet-singing Cosette, Jake David Smith as the charming Marius, and 9-year-old Jackson Parker Gill as Gavroche, stealing scenes and often distracting me from the main action because he's so much fun to watch as he stays in characters and interacts with other characters even on the sidelines.

I don't really remember much of the original Broadway production/tour, but from what I understand there was a turntable involved. This production uses projections, but smartly and sparingly; it doesn't overdo it as can often happen. Most notably, the projections make you feel like you're wandering through the Paris underground as Valjean is dragging Marius to safety, and Javert's fall (spoiler alert) is truly spectacular. But don't worry, it's not all effects, there are still massive moving set pieces representing the town, inn, and of course the barricade (the program says: "set and image design by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo"). The production is huge and everything is perfectly executed, the big busy scenes nicely balanced with quiet moments. Last but not least, this gorgeous and rousing score sounds beautiful thanks to the dozen+ piece orchestra under the direction of Will Curry.

Unlike most touring productions, Les Miserables is at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis for two weeks (maybe because this massive set is a lot to set up and tear down, maybe because the demand is high). Click here to purchase tickets for the show, continuing through December 1.