Les Miserables Reviews

from Richmond, Virginia

LES MISERABLES

Our first time experiencing this sensational story/production live, after years of hearing the original cast, watching reunion shows, and seeing the film production. I, of course, loved the fine voices that performed this great story in this Thursday, March 3rd matinee. My first impression was that I was moving quite a bit faster on the musical cadence; whereas the words were a bit chopped and the actions to match were blurred in a whirl. If you came without knowing the story and circumstances, you may have been a tad lost. The set was darker than I anticipated it would be. And with the spirit of redemption so ingrained I had hoped that light would be shining forth at those key moments. The actor portraying Valjean had a killer voice, and I was justly moved by "Bring Him Home" - standing O all the way around. Several attendees had noted a few more- than-bawdy displays in the tavern scene, so I will note that it did catch my eye. Of all the things that distracted me, the most would be the sound during the earlier numbers; the orchestra (though beautifully performed) overmatched the singers. I would go again, just felt the speed pushed me through to the finish line in record time.

Richard Bradley from Richmond, Virginia

LES MISERABLES DELIVERS - BUT IN THE DARK

The play was wonderful and the actors superb. My only criticism was the lighting. Did they forget to pay the electric bill? Were they cutting back on expenses? I jest, of course. It was just too dark. Other than that, wonderful.

Hilary Bradley from Sterling, VA

EXCELLENT PRODUCTION

It did not disappoint. I have seen it multiple times and it was just as good. I thought the lighting was a bit too dark. I was in AA Orchestra and I would have liked to be able to see the faces a bit better. Epinine was fantastic with her stand out voice. The motion of going through the sewer was good. I don't remember that. I think I might go by myself to see it again! It always brings me to tears. KC member.

Debra from Puyallup, Washington

GOOD, BUT DISAPPOINTING

If you've never been to a production of Les Miserable before you will be awe struck. Great actors with incredible voices and the stage scenes were impressive. However, I have been to 3 previous productions of Les Miserable at the 5th Avenue spanning 25 years. This production paled in comparison. This cast seemed much smaller and I really missed the circular rotating stage, which added a great dynamic to the scenes. This orchestra was less impressive as well. Fewer members seemed to equal lesser quality of sound. The scene for "Empty chairs and empty tables" was just that, empty. The placing of lights on an empty stage was severely lacking.

Terri from Seattle, Washington

GOOD EXCEPT VALJEAN

(June 15 7:30 show) I seem to be alone in feeling most disappointed in Valjean. He is very on tune and really nailed Bring Him Home with the high notes but generally he seemed to just sing the songs mechanically and I couldn't get immersed in the character and relate to his suffering. Agree with another reviewer who said the music seems to be a beat or two faster than the original, which gives a rushed feel to what should be emotional numbers. Fantine was my fave, Thenardiers were very funny, Javert was understudy but he did so well you couldn't tell, Marius and Cosette both pretty good (wow, those two- or three-part harmonies where Cosette is holding on to a super high note were PERFECTLY blended), Eponine was pretty good in On My Own (a bit too dramatic the whole way?), but Little Fall of Rain was unfortunately the worst. What was up with random people walking all over the stage while she's dying and distracting from her and Marius? Enjoyed it overall, but wasn't super moved.

BC from Buffalo, New York

GREAT PERFORMANCE IN EVERY WAY....EXCEPT THE SOUND

Performers were great but the sound was brutal. Music was too low so it didn't have the usual "punch" during the intro...or throughout the rest of the show. Performers were very hard to understand. I've seen the show many times and even I had trouble following what was happening. Great staging, great set dec and great performers.....but the sound really took away from that.

Theatrepro from St. Louis, Missouri

LES MIS FIRE

Les Mis is one of my all time favorite shows. I saw it on Broadway for the first time as a child in 1988. I have worked on the show multiple times in my professional career as a technician. This production has issues. It also has some great performances. Val Jean, Fantine, Javier, Madame Thenardier, Marius were all up to the task if you could find them on stage in the "artistic theatrical lighting". Give me a tech rehearsal so I can please fix your lights. The lack of a turn-table ruins the staging of the show. Uninspiring battle at the barricade. Thenardier often my favorite was rather stiff and don't get me started on Epinine, though she did redeem some of her signing in Act II. Empty chairs and empty stage would be a better title for the song. The use of the projection was a welcomed addition and wasn't overused. Why do people try to recreate perfection only to destroy the heart of what made it so true?

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