[rating=5]Probably one of the greatest musicals ever written, people still clamor for the opportunity to be witness to this amazing story of a prisoner who after 19 years of being imprisoned for a petty theft is paroled. No sooner is this done, he breaks his parole and the story evolves as the lawman Javert ( Hayden Tee is remarkable) does what he can to recapture Jean Valjean ( Played to perfection by Nick Cartell ). Based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo, “Les Miserables”, when this was adapted as a musical with music by Claude-Michel Schonberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and the text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, it took the world by storm. I myself have seen the show at least 6 times on all different types of stages and in theaters of all sizes. This production is as sharp as any I have ever seen, which for a road company is saying a lot.
The blend of voices in this cast is sensational. There have been some slight changes in staging and in orchestrations, but none that change anything enough to make a true difference. My respect for the Marcus Performing Arts Center in bringing this amazing production in, even if only for a short week. I think if more Chicago audiences knew just how wonderful the theater is: great facilities ,sound, lighting and in comparison to Chicago theaters and better bathroom facilities. Even the parking is more convenient. This is very important when a production is close to three hours ( and the parking garage was time consuming to exit as well).
The characters that stand out in this play are of course the leading lady Fantine (Haley Dortch is perfect), Cosette (Addie Morales), Little Cosette (Hazel Vogel/Cora Jane Messer), Eponine ( Christine Heesun Hwang has some great pipes) and one of my favorite characters, young Gavroche ( a dazzling performance by Gabriel Lafazan). By the way the two girls that play Little Cosette also switch off to play young Eponine. The Innkeeper (Matt Crowle) and his wife (Christina Rose Hall) were both terrific, and looked nothing like the players I have seen in previous performances.
The students were solid with great vocal abilities as well. Gregory Lee Rodriguez is a powerful Marius, the love interest for both Cosette and Eponine as the love triangle is very evident.
The ensemble is very important to this story as they change costumes and roles on a regular basis. The one sure thing about this production is that the story is about honesty, love, revenge, forgiveness and all in all, no matter what befalls you, you can make your life a better place. The revolution that the students wage is not won, but in the long run, the concept does go forward.
A sparkling evening is yours but you need to hurry as it is only here for a week. I must tell you that there were some people who brought little ones- please don’t. This is not for them and your concentration will be off because of their squirming and whining. Get a babysitter
“Les Miserables!” will continue at The Marcus Center ( Uihlein Hall) thru December 4th with performances as follows:
Wednesday 7:30 p.m.
Thursday 7:30 p.m.
Friday 8 p.m.
Saturday 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Running time 2 hours and 58 minutes INCLUDING an 18 minute intermission
The theater is located at 929 North Water Street
Milwaukee Wisconsin
www.marcuscenter.org box office 414-273-7206 national- 888-612-3500
Tickets start at $35.50
The drive to Milwaukee is easy. From Northbrook to the garage, one hour and 8 minutes. Here is something special indoor garage $15 or park on the street, and meters are FREE after 6 p.m. This show is worth the drive!
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