A Classic That’s Still Going Strong

Les Miserables – Broadway in Chicago

It’s said that Alain Boublil became inspired to transfer Victor Hugo’s sweeping saga of injustice, forgiveness and survival to the musical stage while watching a production of “Oliver.” The character of the Artful Dodger brought to mind little Gavroche at the barricade, and from there this much-loved classic became a concept album followed by a 1985 production in the West End. The stirring musical became a Broadway phenomenon two years later, and the rest is history. The show was a multi Tony Award-winning epic musical that has gone on to inspire other productions worldwide, including several national tours, educational theatre adaptations, film and concert versions and new recordings. Thirty-four years later this spectacular, emotionally powerful classic is an audience favorite that’s still going strong.

Returning to Chicago, old fans and new audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy this refreshed, updated production for the next three weeks. Based upon their 2014 Broadway revival, Laurence Connor and James Powell have beautifully co-directed this new National Tour version that features cleverly creative staging and a beautifully reimagined scenic design by Matt Kinley. Inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the show’s stunning sets, with projections by Fifty-Nine Productions, feels almost cinematic. Gorgeously enhanced by Paul Constable’s luminous lighting and a phenomenal surround-sound design, courtesy of Mick Potter, makes this production dazzle the senses. This impressive, sweeping, thru-sung musical plays like a pop opera. It’s skillfully guided by Musical Director Brian Eads, who also conducts his rich, full-sounding, fourteen-member pit orchestra. New musical arrangements help breathe additional life into Claude-Michel Schonberg’s lush, symphonic score. The cast of thirty-eight brilliant actor/singers, including swings and understudies, are all sensational.

Even if audiences have seen this sprawling musical saga before, and there’ve been plenty of opportunities between all the previous road tours and first-rate productions by three of Chicagoland’s finest musical theatres, this is a superior, professional interpretation that shouldn’t be missed. One reason lies in the casting. Nick Cartell, whose resume boasts a wide range of great roles, is a magnificent Jean Valjean. Gifted with a gorgeous voice laced with lovely high, tenor notes, this ruggedly handsome actor displays a maturity that lends itself perfectly to a character who’s been beaten down by society. He begins the play having spent 19 years unjustly imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, in order to feed his sister’s starving child. He then ages over the course of 17 years, continually only a few steps ahead of Javert, his unrelenting pursuer. Played with grandeur, dignity and unbelievable vocal prowess by Josh Davis, Javert is the quintessential antagonist. Together, these two actors are reasons enough for revisiting Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg’s beloved work.

But Connor and Powell have filled their large cast with so many other formidable talents. Comic actor/singers Jimmy Smagula and Allison Guinn provide some much-welcome bawdy humor as the blood-sucking, low-life Thernardiers. We first meet this coarse couple picking the pockets of their inn guests, in a fast-paced “Master of the House.” The abusive couple is also raising a foster child strictly, of course, for the additional income it provides. Little Cosette (a role played by Aubin Bradley opening night and shared at other performances with Cate Elefante), has been placed in their care by her destitute, single mother, Fantine, played with power and pity by lovely Mary Kate Moore. On her deathbed, Jean Valjean promises Fantine that her child will never want for anything and he raises the little girl to become a lovely young adult. Beautiful Jillian Butler has the youth, grace and tenderness necessary for this role. Beyond that, Ms. Butler has one of the finest, most crystalline sopranos in recent memory, as she lends her talent to songs like “In My Life” and “A Heart Filled With Love.” She shares the stage with the talented Joshua Grosso as Marius, the handsome young scholar who falls in love with her, just as Paris is about to erupt in a student-led revolution. His voice caresses many songs but none as poignant as his gorgeous “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables.” If the deafening slaughter at the barricade doesn’t bring a tear to the audience’s eye, this number will.

With a Masters in Musical Theatre Performance from London’s Royal Academy of Music, Paige Smallwood provides a star-making turn as Eponine, the doomed young woman whose unrequited love for Marius is heartbreaking. This actress’ rendition of “On My Own” will be forever remembered by audiences who see this production. Andrew Maughan, as the empathetic Bishop of Digne, plays his early scene with Valjean with a loving kindness that originates the theme of forgiveness and redemption that flows throughout this entire production. He brings to his cameo role the musical talent and experience of a true opera star. Matt Shingledecker plays Enjolras, the handsome, spirited young leader of the student uprising. As the  commanding force behind the French revolutionaries, Mr. Shingledecker’s rich baritone rousingly leads the ensemble as they mount the barricade in “The People’s Song” and concludes Act I with “One Day More.” And the sheer enthusiasm and precise diction to be found in young Parker Dzuba’s scene-stealing Gavroche has to be seen to be appreciated. The juvenile actor alternates the role with Parker Weathersbee. As this feisty young man, Master Dzuba brings a smile to every audience member’s face and, ultimately, a tear to their eye. The entire ensemble, populated with some of the very finest voices around, including Chicago actor Patrick Rooney, is endowed with rich vocal and dramatic talent. 

Over the decades, this epic musical has become a theatrical favorite worldwide; and this lavish, heartfelt, superbly-performed and immaculately produced National Tour is proof why. Seldom will this show be seen again with such fine attention to detail. From the creative genius of directors Laurence Connor and James Powell, to a dream cast of polished  musical and dramatic talent, this magnificent production should not be missed. Highlighted by superb technical artistry, and cloaked in Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland’s multitudes of period costumes and wigs, this astounding, near perfect production sets the bar high for every other. “At the End of the Day,” this is a “Les Miserables” to be thoroughly enjoyed and remembered for years to come.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas 

Presented July 9-July 27 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago.

Tickets are available at all Broadway in Chicago box offices, at all Ticketmaster locations, by calling the Chicago Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or by going to www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.