REVIEW: Les Miserables

Les Miserables is one of those shows that has so many awe-demanding highlights it’s easy to lose count making it a show I never miss the opportunity to see. Whether you’re a person who has seen the production many times, someone who has seen a host of other Broadway musicals, there’s simply no way you cannot still be taken aback by how incredible this show is, year after year. It has been, and will always be, an enjoyable ticket with the most bang for your buck.

With its longtime popularity and (star-studded, yet less than stellar) movie adaptation, the story of Les Miserables is probably familiar to most. Jean Val Jean is a good man dogged by the weight of mistakes in his past. He is the everyman who faces years of trials and hardships in corrupt, pre-revolutionary France as it lurches toward its date with destiny.

With a large cast full of exceptionally talented performers, it is hard to pick out the stars. I will note that Christian Mark Gibbs, who played Enjorlas, is undoubtedly my favorite Enjorlas of all time with a voice demanding attention. That said, all performances were exceptional. Les Miserables never has a problem attracting the very best talent that will leave you with goosebumps throughout.

The truth is, I could have written most of this review prior to seeing the show. Touring productions of Les Mis are always a sure thing, which may be why Nick Cartell (playing Valjean) has performed this role over 1,200 times. Neither him nor the audience can get enough of this show.

Les Miserables is at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis through December 1, 2024. Tickets start at $40.

Photo by Matthew Murphy