Theatre Review: ‘Les Misérables’ at Aurora Theatre

By Manning Harris
fmanningh@gmail.com

In 2013, Aurora Theatre had its biggest hit ever with their award-winning production of “Les Misérables.” It played to sellout audiences and rapturous critical acclaim.

Great news for fans of the show: It’s back and better than ever.

With most of Aurora’s original cast and all of the creative team (including Director Justin Anderson, Music Director Ann-Carol Pence, and Artistic Director Anthony P. Rodriguez) in place, the current encore show will run through March 1.

A quick word of warning: Many shows are already sold out. If you plan to go, get tickets right away. Some die-hard devotees are seeing it several times; such is the drawing power of this “show of shows,” as Newsweek called it in 1987.

I would like to say up front that the crystalline purity and power of the full cast’s choral singing is breathtaking and can bring tears to your eyes. Bravo to Ms. Pence and the ensemble.

In addition, the concentrated listening on the part of every single person during large scenes is flawless and has the effect of galvanizing an audience’s attention. I think the meticulous work of Mr. Anderson is in evidence here; he knows that every moment, every detail is crucial. The esprit de corps of the cast is evident and very moving.

The shows creators: the classic novel by Victor Hugo, music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel. In Hugo’s preface to his book he says, “So long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, books like this cannot be useless.” The recent demonstrations in the streets of Paris are fresh in the memory of anyone who sees “Les Misérables” today; they give the show an extra edge and relevance—as if it needed any.

In France in 1815 Jean Valjean (Bryant Smith) steals a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s child and is imprisoned for 19 years. He escapes and starts life anew, pursued by Inspector Javert (Kevin Harry), whose slavish worship of the “Law” costs him his humanity, compassion, and soul. If you’re seeing the show for the first time, I’d brush up on the plot—google awaits.

Mr. Smith now truly inhabits the role of Jean Valjean. He doesn’t act; he merely enters and is. This is the kind of “effortlessness” achieved after years of performance experience. His versatile, glorious singing voice is a gift he uses as a poet uses verse as an intensification of emotion.

This “Les Mis” happens to be filled with superb voices: Mr. Harry’s Javert, Natasha Drena’s Fantine, Kelly Chapin Schmidt’s Cosette.

Two newcomers to the cast are Maya Naff, who sings Eponine’s heartbreaking “On My Own” as well as I’ve ever heard it sung; she’s a truly gifted singer. Cecil E. Washington, Jr. is a fine Marius; he’s a bit older than the part is usually played, but his acting and singing are excellent.

Marcie Millard (especially) and Anthony P. Rodriguez absolutely nail the comic, villainous Thénardiers.

Other fine actor-singers include Lowrey Brown, Stuart W. Schleuse, Matt Bonaker, Robert Mitchel Owenby, Edward McCreary, Jessica De Maria, Marcus Hopkins-Turner, Ally Duncan, Xylina Stamper, Rose Alexander, and others. Bless the talented children who play Gavroche, Young Cosette and Young Eponine. It’s a huge, talented cast and production staff, and they’re all in the large program!

Phil Male’s set and Mike Post’s lighting are invaluable contributions.

If you haven’t “dreamed a dream” lately, the new Aurora “Les Misérables” is waiting. If you love musical theatre, it’s a must-see.

For tickets and information, visit auroratheatre.com.