A Much-Loved Musical Classic

Les Miserables

It’s said that Alain Boublil became inspired to adapt Victor Hugo’s sweeping 1862 novel of injustice, forgiveness and survival to the musical stage while watching a production of “Oliver.” The character of the Artful Dodger reminded him of young Gavroche at the barricade. From there this much-loved Musical Classic, with a gorgeous, lush score by Claude-Michel Schonberg, became a concept album followed by the French theatrical premiere in Paris in 1980, and then a brilliant 1985 English production in London’s West End. 

Two years later the sung-through, almost opera-like musical became a Broadway phenomenon, and the rest, as they say, is theatrical history. The epic production was a multi Tony Award-winner that has gone on to inspire countless more productions and revivals worldwide, including several national tours, educational theatre adaptations, film and concert versions and several new recordings. Almost forty years later this spectacular, emotionally moving musical remains an audience favorite that’s still going strong.

Cameron Mackintosh, the show’s original producer, personally granted the Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park a rare special license to produce this incredible show in a desire to help the community continue to heal after the tragic July 4th shootings, two years ago. Revenue from the production’s ticket sale will be donated to the Highland Park Shooting Recovery Fund. Longtime fans of LES MISERABLES, as well as those audiences new to the musical, will have the opportunity to enjoy this new production for three weekends in the North Suburbs. Do not miss this exquisite production! 

Jeff Award-winning Director Scott Shallenbarger has beautifully guided this new production, with assistance by Zak Jacobs and Choreography by Associate Director, Stacey Flaster. A gifted 20-member orchestra, under the skillful Musical Direction of Conductor, Aaron Kaplan, recreates the lush, lavish symphonic score. The production features a modestly-imagined Scenic Design by Michael Clack and appropriately period Costumes by Cindy Moon. Joel Zishuk enhances each dramatic moment in a luminous bath of Light and a phenomenal sound design, courtesy of Michael Patrick, makes this production dazzle the senses. 

This production features a talented cast of forty-four incredible actor/singers, and they’re all sensational. There’s not a weak link in this chain. Even if audiences have seen this sprawling musical saga before, and there’ve been plenty of opportunities between all the road tours and first-rate productions by Chicagoland’s finest Equity musical theatres, this is a superior, polished interpretation that shouldn’t be missed. 

One reason lies in the casting. Wesly Anthony Clerge, 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, trying to stay a few steps ahead of Police Inspector Javert, his relentless pursuer. Played with grandeur, dignity and unbelievable vocal prowess by David Pfenninger, Javert is the quintessential antagonist. Together, these two actors are reasons enough for revisiting Boublil and Schonberg’s beloved work.

But this huge cast is filled with so many other formidable talents, it’s impossible to cite each name. Comic actor/singers Aaron Mann and Erin Kelley provide some much-welcome bawdy humor as the unscrupulous, blood-sucking, low-life Thernardiers. We first meet this coarse couple picking the pockets of their inn guests, in a fast-paced earworm, “Master of the House.” The abusive couple is also caring for a foster child, strictly, of course, for the additional income it provides. Little Cosette (a role played at the Sunday matinee by Lanah Vurnakes and shared with Brielle Horwitch), has been placed in their care by her destitute, single mother, Fantine. She’s played with power and pathos by lovely songstress, Justine Cameron. 

Upon her untimely death, Jean Valjean reassures Fantine that her child will never want for anything and he raises the little girl to become a lovely young adult. Sweet Campbell Krausen has the youth, grace and tenderness necessary for this role, as well as a crystalline soprano voice. Ms. Krausen lends her talent to songs like “In My Life” and “A Heart Filled With Love.” She shares the stage with the very talented Jake Ziman as the young revolutionary, Marius, the boyishly handsome scholar who falls in love with her, just as Paris is about to erupt in a student-led revolution. His voice caresses many of the songs in this score, but none as poignant as his gorgeous “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables.” If the brutal slaughter of men and women at the barricade doesn’t bring a tear to the audience’s eye, this number will.

With a degree in Voice and Music from Indiana University, Chicago newcomer Amia Korman provides a star-making turn as Eponine. She achingly portrays the doomed and ragged street waif, whose unrequited love for Marius is heartbreaking. The young actress’ rendition of “On My Own” will be forever remembered by audiences who see this production. Evan Smith gloriously plays Enjolras, the handsome, spirited young leader of the student uprising and a friend to Marius. As the  commanding force behind the French revolutionaries, Mr. Smith’s rich baritone rousingly leads the ensemble as they mount the barricade in “Red and Black,” “Do You Hear the People Sing” and concludes Act I with “One Day More.” And the sheer enthusiasm and precise diction to be found in young Nathaniel Vodak’s scene-stealing as the streetwise Gavroche has to be seen to be appreciated. The juvenile actor alternates the role with Bobby Schaefer. As this gutsy young boy, Nathaniel brings a smile to every audience member’s face and, ultimately, a tear to their eye. And the entire ensemble, populated with some of the very finest voices in Chicagoland, is endowed with an abundance of rich vocal and dramatic talent. 

Over the decades, this epic musical has become a theatrical favorite worldwide; and this heartfelt, superbly-performed and lovingly produced special production for a good cause is proof why. Seldom will this show be seen again in the North Suburbs with such a fine cast and production team. From the creative genius of directors Scott Shallenbarger, Zak Jacobs, Stacey Flaster and Aaron Kaplan, to a dream cast of polished  musical and dramatic talent, this magnificent production should not be missed. This production sets the bar high for every other future presentation. “At the End of the Day,” this is a gorgeous, melodic offering of a much-loved musical classic to be thoroughly enjoyed and remembered for years to come.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented July 26-August 11 by Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park at the Deerfield Performing Arts Center @ Deerfield High School, 1959 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield, IL.

Tickets are available at the door, by calling 708-469-6269 or by going to www.tickets@uptownhp.org.

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