Les Misérables: A Timely and Must-See Classic for Any Audience Member - Molly Pitzen

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Anyone who knows me knows how much the story of Les Misérables means to me. When I went to France over the summer, I bought an old copy of the original 1862 Victor Hugo novel the show is based off of and it proudly sits atop my bookshelf. It is easily one of my favorite musicals. So when the National Tour of this worldwide sensation came marching into Minneapolis, it’s safe to say that I leaned in, eyes watering, and heart full the entire time. There are so many reasons why Les Misérables continues to be the smashing success that it is, and this National tour highlights them. 


While the show itself hasn’t changed much since its original production, what keeps the show fresh and exciting is the cast, and this one certainly does not disappoint. Nick Cartell (who I’d seen when the tour was last in Minneapolis in 2022) once again delivers a stellar performance as the main role of Jean Valjean, electrifying crowds with his strong belt in numbers like “Valjean’s Soliloquy,” but also highlighting his incredible precision in “Bring Him Home.” Lindsay Heather Pearce (whose work I’ve been a fan of since her days of defying gravity in Wicked on Broadway) captures the audience’s heart with her gut-wrenching stint as the down-on-her-luck Fantine. And of course, there’s Jake David Smith, who charmed my heart as the most dorky, lovely, and adorable Marius that I’ve ever seen. 


The show maintains the feel of a timeless theatrical production, while implementing modern aspects. The booming orchestra immerses the audience into the chaotic streets of Paris, and the subtle yet effective lighting changes during solo moments and character deaths give the performances full spotlight. The screen that’s used as a backdrop for the show is used sparsely yet powerfully, as waves crash across it and as the title screen flashes after the prologue of the show. 


What always stands out to me during performances of this Les Miz is the respect the actors pay to the original novel, and it’s clear that this tour did its research. I had the time of my life examining  small moments in this show, such as the chemistry between the fierce revolution leader Enjolras and the wine-drunk cynic Grantaire (which is heavily discussed as romantic in the novel), or the sibling relationship that street rat Gavroche and Éponine share, despite it never being explicitly said in the musical. These moments were subtle, yet added the perfect amount of depth to the show that any fan of the original story could pick out and appreciate. 


What truly, truly makes Les Mis as timeless and classic as it is and will be is its relevance. The finale of this musical is easily my favorite part of the show. It invites us all to join in the fight, singing, “Somewhere beyond the barricades is there a world you long to see?” And as the world continues to see exponential increase in hate, suffering, and political unrest, a show about love, hope, and redemption is exactly what we need. With the musical’s stellar cast, technical masterpieces, and incredible depth, I know that audience members will be able to resonate with this show. And I don’t say that as just a fan, but as a human being. 

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