Theater Review: Les Misérables
“Les Misérables” – The chorus beggars sing of a better life and revolution. Photo by Kelli Lundin
We have all heard of musicals whose advertising claims to “make us laugh, cry, and think.” On the contrary, “Les Misérables” is a musical known to make you cry, cry, and cry some more. At some points you may be crying from laughter, or maybe just crying because of the pure beauty of it all, but you will be crying about something.
Luckily, for the non-profit youth theater company Encore Entertainers, their second and current production of “Les Misérables” does a tremendous job in preserving the beauty of the singing and the story itself, without making one weep throughout the entire play.
For those who aren’t familiar with it, “Les Misérables,” based on the famed novel by Victor Hugo, is set in turbulent 19th century France. Jean Valjean (Slater Garcia), a convict released from prison after 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread, sets out to redeem himself after being inspired by a bishop to commit his life to doing good deeds. He is not without trouble, as he is constantly followed by Inspector Javert (Benjamin Guiry) after he breaks his parole.
There is much more going on in “Les Misérables.” The complicated plot, and the fact that almost everything is sung throughout the musical, make seeing the show a bit confusing for first time viewers. Fortunately, there is a helpful synopsis of the entire musical given in the playbill.
The young actors and actresses in this production of the famed musical should not be underestimated. Each part in the play is perfect for the actor who plays it. I cannot imagine the part of Valjean, Javert, or even the vicious inn owner Thenardier (Jacob Nye) played by anyone else.
The sets, designed and built by Marcelo Cacciagioni, are just right. The most astounding stage effect is the 12 by 28 foot barricade, which turns on a 27 foot wide turntable, custom built for this production.
Needless to say, some things in this musical are a bit overdone. The confrontation scene between Javert and Valjean is known to be full of tension, but it’s hard to take the scene seriously after Valjean picks up a chair in order to defend himself against Javert.
Also, in a scene in which one of the characters drowns himself (I won’t say who), the lighting and strobe effects are strategically made to assure that he is drowning. This seems a bit much. The scene would have been just fine had the stage lighting cut to black after the actor flew himself from the bridge and laid on stage.
The music, directed by Mike Walker, is no less than stunning. Within the first five minutes we are made to believe that there is an entire orchestra in the pit. This being “Les Misérables,” the singing is also extraordinary, especially “Who am I” and “A Little Fall of Rain”, both of which made me choke up. After the play had ended, I had the beggar song “Look Down” playing over and over again in my head nearly all night.
The iconic music, the outstanding singing, the incredible effects, and each part, even the singer with just one line, are necessary contributions in putting together an unforgettable musical event. You may be crying at a few parts throughout the play, but you will never wish you had spent your evening differently.
Les Misérables is onstage through July 31 in the auditorium at Mira Costa High School, 1401 Artesia Blvd., Manhattan Beach. Performances, Friday at 7:30, Saturday at 2. Tickets, $16 in advance or $18 at the door, and $14 for seniors over 65 and children under 12. For additional information, call (310) 896-6459 or visit encoreentertainers.org. ER