New 'Les Miz' triumphs in bringing story to life

Review

Cameron Mackintosh's revised production of "Les Miserables" — a gift for the musical's 25th anniversary — is a triumph.

The show opened Tuesday evening to a packed house at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and ended with a well-deserved standing ovation and hearty hurrahs.

In 2010, when "Les Miz" rang in a quarter century of success, the creative team decided to celebrate with a new production. They made significant changes, the most obvious being the visual elements. According to co-director Laurence Connor, Mackintosh teared up when he saw the first run-through.

First, they made the brilliant decision to add Victor Hugo's paintings for the backdrops. The man who wrote the novel on which the musical was based created emotive artwork to complement his text. This imagery, coupled with a projection zoom lens that suggested movement and manipulated depth perception, were integral, ever-present features of the show. They set the tone, pacing and feel better than any contemporary still or mockup.

Projections of the author's imagery changed in accord with every scene and mood. Rural renderings placed Jean Valjean on the shores of Digne. Abstractions of color morphed and mutated behind the cast, indicating flames of revolution in Paris. One remarkable scene saw the rebel crowd marching through the streets of Paris, while another transported Valjean and Marius through the sewer system.

Next, the creative team ordered a larger cast, which directors Connor and James Powell guided into powerhouse formation. When the company sang together ("One Day More"), the music swelled into something so overwhelming, it nearly had a heartbeat.

Certain numbers demanded special attention. "Master of the House," featuring Richard Vida as Thénardier and Shawna M. Hamic as Madame Thénardier, was funny, bombastic, irreverent and utterly satisfying. Vida and Hamic were the actors to watch for comedic respites from the heavier themes. Meanwhile, Andrew Varela's turn as Javert singing "Stars" was one of the most moving moments of the night.

J. Mark McVey's Valjean, the former prisoner who spends his life running from the law, gave a strong impression of frustration and defeat in the opening soliloquy. His voice crackled with emotion, and he conveyed the same strong sentiment at Fantine's (Betsy Morgan) deathbed.

As Éponine, who suffered the unrequited love of Marius (Max Quinlan), Chasten Harmon was utterly sympathetic. Her shining moment came while singing "On My Own." Her death scene was fairly devastating without being overdone.

Veteran "Les Miz" fans and newcomers alike will not be disappointed with this superb new production.