REVIEW: Les Miserables
I can’t remember how many times I’ve seen the national tours of Les Miserables. I questioned whether seeing it yet another time would provide any thrill. All it took, however, was the booming orchestral introduction to give me goosebumps, which were maintained throughout the majority of the musical performance based on Victor Hugo’s famous novel. Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Miserables will tour until the end of time. It’s perfection in its story and score. This current production has been slightly tweaked. I found it more comedic than I remember. In one particularly memorable moment, Marius (Joshua Grosso) clumsily proclaims love to his darling Cosette in a way so “imperfect”, it was beautifully authentic. “Authentic” is one word that I would use to describe the performance of all members in the large cast. I found the characters particularly believable and easy to emotionally invest in.
With the notoriety of the Les Mis franchise, the producers could have thrown together a tour without much effort and they would have sold tickets. There is so much pride in this production, however, and no corner was cut. My guest to this show said he felt just as exhilarated after last night as he did after seeing the original on Broadway!
In sum, see it for the first time or see it for the 10th – either way you won’t be disappointed!
Les Miserables is at the Orpheum Theatre through December 30, 2018. Tickets start at $39.
DEAL ALERT: Student/Educator rush tickets are available.
2 tickets per valid student or educator ID. $25 per ticket, cash only. Available at the Orpheum box office two hours prior to showtime. Rush tickets are VERY limited and not guaranteed.
Photo by Matthew Murphy