Photo courtesy of Mirvish productions
Sharman Yarnell for Curtains Up
I never expect too much from a revival of a musical. It’s the ‘been there, done that’ syndrome. That was totally dispelled when I went to see Les Miserables in Toronto! It is breathtaking –
This new production, set for Broadway, was recreated for the 50th anniversary of Les Miserables. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, the original musical was produced by Cameron MacIntosh (producer of the three longest running musicals in history – Phantom of the Opera, Cats and and Les Miserables). MacIntosh also produces this new production.
I saw Les Miserables way back when and enjoyed it, saw it a second time and enjoyed it. Saw it last week and was thrilled – entirely taken aback with this updated version. It is the most moving 2 hours and 50 minutes I have ever spent watching a stage production. This is an emotional experience that will have your ears and eyes riveted to the stage throughout the show whether you have seen it before or not and will live with you ages after the show ends.
The set design (influenced by the paintings of Victor Hugo), the music, the lighting, the actors, the creativity with the use of digital effects on a scrim to suck the audience into the sewers of France, the swirling waters of a suicide, are beyond magical. You don’t doubt for a minute that you have been transported back to the 1800s of Paris.
This Les Miz is a smoothly conceived and seamlessly directed show by Laurence Connor and James Powell.
It combines stage work from the original show with the new digital effects that are appearing frequently in high budgeted shows now – and they do not take away from the intent of the show. All of the elements bond together superbly into a production that is, without doubt, the best I have ever seen.
Ramin Karimloo, (Jean Valjean) is strong and gentle with a powerful voice. A perfect Jean Valjean. There is a subtle growth in his personality as he ages – he is superb in the role. And he will be taking his Valjean all the way to Broadway.
Earl Carpenter (Javert) is bang on in his portrayal of the man whose life’s sole purpose is to hunt Valjean down. Drawing mixed emotions from the audience – he at once has you loathing his purpose, yet knowing he is only doing his job, you can occasionally feel for him. During the curtain call there was loud applause that stilled somewhat when they realized what character he played. At no time did you not honour a beautiful voice and brilliant performance.
Melissa O’Neil (Eponine) provides us with a haunting little soul only wanting to be loved…especially by one person. She delivers her On My Own on an empty stage plaintively on her own.
Genevieve Leclerc (Fantine) delivered a good technical performance that fell somewhat short of the requisite need for sympathy from the audience in her persona.
In a story so deeply mired in pain and suffering, it is nothing less than a joy and relief when the Thenadiers appear on stage. And they don’t let the audience down – Cliff Saunders (Thenadier) is a pixilated elf with a strong dose of nasty in him which he plays out to the hilt. He moves, dances around the stage cajoling, begging and captures the very essence of everything dark and dirty of the era. Lisa Horner (Mme Thenadier) is also at home in the role, clearly loving every moment on stage – they do so make a wonderful couple together.
Just when you think Karimloo can deliver no more…He does. The very last scene with him singing Bring Him Home wrenches the soul and raises the emotions to the highest of peaks. It will leave you breathless –
Les Miserables is a wondrous experience and a must see before it disappears onto the Great White Way. What an excellent idea for a Christmas gift! Believe me, the ticket prices will rise when it hits Broadway, so see it now in Toronto, if you can.
Les Miserables by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg. Directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell. At the Princess of Wales Theatre until February
www.mirvish.com
300 King St. W. 416-872-1212.
