Theatre
& Stage
reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff
"Les
Miserables" (thru April 24)
"The
World's Most Popular Musical", That's
the term used when "Les Miserables"
is discussed. This is the musical based on
Victor Hugo's classic novel of the same name;
the epic saga that sweeps through three turbulent
decades of the 19th century in France; The
story of a man, Jean Valjean, who is pitted
against the cruel system and a cruel and self-righteous
Inspector in his lifelong struggle to avoid
recapture- to just live his life.This is a
story of love, of hate, of politics, thievery,
dishonesty and honesty. This is a musical
that has been seen by over 51 million people
and is still running in London. The Broadway
production ended it's 16 year run in May of
2003 (I was in that audience, and was fortunate
to see the same Jean Valjean, Randal Keith)
and the touring company that is presently
in the production at the Cadillac Palace Theatre
in the Broadway in Chicago production is the
only production in America.
And
what a production this one is. Strong voices;
beautiful staging; great costumes, lights
and sound- and the best use of a turntable
on stage of any production, ever! There are
63 revolutions of the turntable allowing scenes
to move quickly. The actors in this show are
as wonderful as any of the others I have seen
(I believe this is the 15th time for me, and
I still love it). Local actor Robert Hunt
is a fine Javert (a better actor than singer,
but this role needs the spirit he brings to
the role). Tonya Dixon as Fantine, Melissa
Lyons as Eponine (a powerhouse), Adam Jacobs
as Marius, Leslie Heinstock as Cosette- all
wonderful! The evil and comedic Jennifer Butt
and David Benoit, while a bit different in
size and stature than most Thenardiers, are
strong of voice and character (you feel the
evil, but cannot help but love the characters),
John Andrew Clark and the other students who
wage the battle against the tyranny all were
strong and they need be to handle some of
the music and lyrics that this wonderful show
by Alain Boublil and Claud-Michel Schonberg
have written- the range is wide and words
lyrical and these performers handle it with
ease. Of course, they key to this musical
is Jean Valjean and Randal Keith leads the
pack- he is fantastic ! His vocal range is
unbelievable! To hear him sing "Bring
Him Home" is worth the price of a ticket,
but to be able to enjoy this superb cast for
almost three hours is by far the experience
that all theater goers need to experience.
If you have never seen this musical- you MUST!
If you have seen this musical, go again!
"Les
Miserables will run through April 24th at
the Cadillac Palace Theatre located at 151
W. Randolph Street with performances as follows:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at
7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings at
8 p.m. Matinees are Wednesday, Saturday and
Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets
range in price from $27- $80 and are available
at all of the Broadway in Chicago box offices
(22 W. Monroe St., 24 W. Randolph St. and
151 W. Randolph St), through the Broadway
in Chicago Ticketline at 312-902-1400, at
all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com
for more information check out www.broadwayinchicago.com.
