The Barricade Returns to Minneapolis: Les Misérables National Tour by Henry Halverson

Les Misérables, based on the 1862 Victor Hugo novel by the same name, feels extremely relevant over 160 years later. Originally written in French, the work has been translated and performed in 22 languages and seen by over 130 million people. It follows Jean Valjean, an ex-convict trying to live a normal life without the stain of his past mistakes, judging his future. The show, nearly three hours long, is captivating from start to finish. Though it’s sung through, almost like an opera, and never wastes a lyric. Every word sung or spoken propels the story forward.

“Then join in the fight that will give you the right to be free!”

Listening to Valjean's struggles and the struggles of the revolutionaries, I couldn't help but feel that this musical feels very real and very relevant. Specifically, “Do You Hear The People Sing?” sounds oddly similar to what people are shouting in the streets today, in Minneapolis. My appreciation for the writing grew even more. Additionally, Javert is a police inspector who sides almost automatically with those who already hold wealth and power. He sees the world in black and white. People can never truly change. Criminals are criminals. When this belief is challenged in the show, his world turns to color, and it's more than he can handle. That kind of rigid thinking feels all too familiar today, when people are often judged by a single mistake or label. It’s a reminder of how hard it can be to see the full humanity in others, and how important it is to remember.

Randy Jeter’s Valjean (understudy) was definitely a highlight. Jean Valjean is not an easy role to play. Vocally, it's one of the hardest roles I have seen. Jeter did not let the audience down. Both his belting and falsetto were beautiful, and the number “Bring Him Home” showed this off perfectly. A prayer song that starts soft and builds, showing off his vocal technique beautifully. Besides vocals, his acting is exactly what it should be. You could see the struggle Valjean's character went through and the decisions he had to make. Through the song “Who Am I?” Valjean toils in thought over whether to risk his freedom to save an innocent person or let that person stand trial while he runs free.

Lastly, I cannot talk about a show like Les Mis without mentioning the set design by Matt Kinley. This show is huge. Simply put, it's one of the largest shows I have ever seen, right next to The Phantom of the Opera. Kinley is a long-time partner of producer Cameron Mackintosh, and boy, am I glad he is. The set is stunning and seemingly appears out of nowhere in scene shifts. From barricades to houses to balconies, every detail is purposeful and puts you right into the 19th century.

Far from a miserable experience, Les Mis does not disappoint. Although it takes place in the 19th century, it remains timeless with countless connotations of our world today. Les Misérables runs through February 22 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis.