Les Miserables – Kimmel Center

Phoenix Best as Eponine.

By Amanda VanNostrand.

The 5th longest-running Broadway production, Les Misérables, is gracing Philadelphia’s presence between now and January 21st at the Academy of Music. Based on the phenomenal novel by Victor Hugo, this Tony-Award winning story of injustice and rebellion plays as both inspiration and entertainment, reaching a level of grandeur and delight that marks a truly great performance. Between the themes of the story and every moment of the music, this show is striking from beginning to end.

Occurring in France between 1815 and 1832, Les Misérables is the story of the convict Valjean. After serving 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread for his needy family, Valjean’s tale brings him to a convent where a Bishop shows him kindness and shelter. Valjean takes silver from the convent, seeing it as his best option for money as he carries a ticket-of-leave with him.  The Bishop lies when Valjean is arrested and brought back, telling the officers that he has gifted Valjean with the stolen goods. Valjean takes this kindness and turns his life around, making his way to become the Mayor and factory owner. His story weaves itself with that of Fantine, an unwed mother working to support her daughter. As Fantine’s fellow factory workers learn of her sins, she is cast out of the factory and forced into prostitution. She becomes sick and Valjean commits to caring for her daughter Cosette. Years later, Cosette falls in love with Marius, a student preparing to revolt against the government that cares little for the poor. The story unfolds and as rebellion against the corruption of France strikes, the stories of the brave and bold men and women take a turn, many for the worst.

Les Misérables is a tale of the poor standing up to the rich, of second chances and unrequited love, bitter to the end. Somehow, still, sweetness pours over and the very real themes tug at heartstrings throughout. The characters in this musical give the audience a sense of their pain and longing for a world that most of them will never realize.

A flawless cast presents this production of Les Misérables. Josh Davis and Nick Cartell play the parts of Javert and Jean Valjean respectively. Everything about their performance is impeccable. Zoe Glick holds the role of ‘Little Cosette’ and her voice holds all the innocent, gentle vocals necessary to construe the beauty and sensation of the music. Melissa Mitchell plays Fantine, and though her voice may not be considered prominent, it holds a unique quality that grants beauty to the songs of her tragic character. Phoenix Best plays Éponine and though the entire cast is full of talent, her voice soars above the rest. She performs beautifully, delivering her music in a heart-wrenchingly beautiful way.

The entirety of the cast is talented and the numbers with several performers are sure to be top picks. “One Day More” and “Master of the House” are particularly well done.  

Everything about this show, from the cast to set design by Matt Kinley (inspired by Victor Hugo’s paintings), projections (realized by Fifty-Nine Productions), and costumes (Laura Hung) takes this story and stamps it into the eyes and hearts of audience members, making it impossible for the story to leave them for quite some time.

 

The story of Les Misérables is beyond beautiful. Each character’s persistence to realize justice for the poor amid seemingly hopeless, miserable conditions, gives hope to those who share in their stories. A must-see this January!

Running Time: 2 hours and 50 minutes with a 15-minute intermission

Les Misérables will be playing at The Kimmel Center, The Academy of Music until January 21st, 2018. The theater is located at 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. For tickets contact the box office at (215) 893 – 1999 or click here.